College of Education Announcements

Click HERE to see a list of upcoming events.
College Monthly Calendar: February
College Quarterly Calendar: Winter
Spring Literacy Center Newsletter: Click HERE to view.
Announcements: Click HERE to submit info for the COE Digital Sign.

College of Education News and Success Stories

Internship opportunities available with the One Laptop Per Child organization

The One Laptop Per Child organization is now accepting applications for its internship programs in Peru, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Rwanda. Interns can participate for three, six, nine or 12 months and will receive a monthly stipend.

Dr. Bhat provides Columbus Dispatch with insight on children and technology

Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat, assistant counseling professor at the College of Education, was quoted as an expert in a recent article in the Columbus Dispatch. The article, titled, "Online all the time," gives astonishing facts about how much time children spend on electronic devices.

Alumna gives $28 million gift to College of Education

President Roderick J. McDavis announced that Violet Patton, a 1938 College of Education alumna, has given a $28 million gift to Ohio University in honor of her parents, David and Gladys Patton, both educators. This latest gift is in addition to a $13.3 million gift she made earlier this year. In 2010, Patton has gifted more than $41 million to Ohio University.

In recognition of this most recent generous donation, the college will be renamed in honor of her parents, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College will be only the third named college of education in Ohio.

Read more: Patton gift
Read more: The Post
Read more: The Columbus Dispatch

The College of Education will now be named for Violet Patton's parents, Gladys W. and David H. Patton.

Hess argues for "uncommon utterances"

Dr. Michael Hess, who currently teaches in the Cultural Studies in Education department at the College of Education, presented his research, “Uncommon Utterances: Finding the Unique Among the Common,” January 22, 2010 at the Faculty Research Forum.

While doing research, Hess began to realize that by only looking at data and categorizing responses, the researcher missed out on the exceptionally intriguing stories, which could prove to be the most eye-opening of all.

“Powerful insights can emerge from the unique and uncommon language used by respondents,” Hess argued. “People's stories become sacred.”

2010 Student Research and Creativity Expo

Registration for the 2010 Student Research and Creative Activity Expo is
now open. Students must sign up online by Sunday, March 21, to participate
in this year's event. The registration site is www.ohio.edu/studentexpo.

The expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, in the
Convocation Center.

Choose Appalachian Teaching scholarships

Students seeking (Grades 7-12) mathematics or science teacher licensure are eligible to apply for a $4,0000 Choose Appalachian Teaching (CAT) scholarship. Applicants must be willing after graduation and licensure to
engage in a 3-year professional induction program in Appalachian Ohio.

The deadline for applications if June 1, 2010.

COE student recieves prestigious award

College of Education student Eric Sustar was named one of the six recipients of an Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM) scholarship. Sustar was awarded $750 and a one-year membership to OCTM.

An adolescent-to-young adult integrated mathematics major, Sustar is the president of the Ohio University Council of Teachers of Mathematics (OUCTM), a student organization and national affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

University receives $13.3 million gift

Violet L. Patton, a 1938 alumna, has given $13.3 million to Ohio University for the establishment of a new community arts education center.

"What an incredible gift Miss Patton has given to Ohio University and to the future of arts education here," President Roderick McDavis said. "Her gift will touch students, faculty and, in fact, each of us who benefit from the learning and creativity that arts education fosters."

Read more : Arts education
Read more: Columbus Dispatch
Read more: WSAZ-TV
Read more: Philanthropy News Digest

Alumna Violet L. Patton is the generous donor of a gift for the establishment of a new arts education center.

From the blackboard to the big screen

Ronald Giles, B.S. Ed. ’64, will return to McCracken Hall as a speaker for the McCracken Lecture Series. Giles, whose experience has spanned from the classroom to television and beyond, will deliver his presentation, “A Teacher in Commercial Television: Dewey meets Zettl,” to faculty, staff and students.

Giles’ lecture will take place at 12 p.m. in McCracken Hall, Room 214A/B on Friday, January 29. Lunch will be provided.

The renowned McCracken Education Lecture Series features a different speaker every quarter. Speakers are advocates of education and typically are graduates of the Ohio University Department of Education and/or advocates of education. The series brings in speakers from different areas who all share a common goal of advancing the field of education.

Noyce Scholarship program accepting applicants for 2010-2011

The Southeast Ohio Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science (SEOCEMS) has approximately $100,000 in scholarships funds for prospective middle level and high school math and science teachers who seek an initial license.

Scholarships applications for the 2010-2011 academic year are now being accepted.
Scholarship Application reviews will begin in April 2010. Recipients will be notified by mid-May 2010.

Ohio Resident Educator Program enlists help of OHIO professor

Ohio is starting a new system for licensing of teachers and Linda Rice will have a say in how that's done.

She has been selected as a member of the Ohio Resident Educator Program Development Committee, which was created by Governor Strickland to change the rules and regulations of the licensing process.

"When this is fully developed, what we will be moving from is what we currently have, which is a one-year entry teaching program ending in a praxis three performance based assessment to a full four-year program of teacher inductions," Rice says.

OHIO College of Education will welcome new programs

The College of Education will be playing a pivotal role in Ohio University’s realignment initiative. The COE will soon become the home of several excellent programs from the College of Health and Human Services.

The Physical Education, Recreation Studies, Coaching Education, Early Childhood, Restaurant, Hotel, and Tourism, Retail Merchandising, and Family and Consumer Science Education programs will all be moving from the College of Health and Human Services to the College of Education during the realignment that is planned to take place for the 2010-2011 school year.

The right to read: Three groups fight for literacy

For many, reading is a skill so often used that one can perform the task without even thinking. Letters unconsciously form words that melt into sentences. In a state fourth in the nation for public library funding and in a country where 86 percent of adults have basic literacy skills, access to free reading materials and the ability to read are taken for granted. In Appalachian Ohio, however, reading is a skill that often gets put on the back burner behind skills geared toward employment, income and basic survival.

But residents in struggling areas do not feel helpless. By building libraries, working with children and realizing it is never too late to learn, some residents are showing that reading is a skill for which they are willing to fight.

Three from rural Appalachian region named to the Ohio School Funding Advisory Council

Three residents of rural Appalachia have been appointed to the Ohio School Funding Advisory Council: Dr. Renée Middleton, Dean of the Ohio University College of Education; Dr. George Wood, principal of Federal Hocking High School; and Dr. Richard Murray, Superintendent of the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center. The twenty-eight member council was established to review funding in Ohio’s schools, as called for in Ohio’s Education Reform Bill, Section 3306.29 of House Bill 1.

Renee Middleton, one of three from rural Appalachia to be chosen for the Ohio School Funding Advisory Council.

Johnson brings issues of identity to the forefront through a new project

On Thursday, Nov. 5, the College of Education Office of Student Affairs and Upward Bound hosted Déanda Johnson, coordinator for the African American Research and Service Institute, who gave a presentation titled, “Exploring the Diversity of Southeastern Ohio and other Issues of Identity.”

Johnson gave a background of the project the Institute is currently working on, focusing on the African-American presence in the Ohio River Valley. The team working on the project decided to track the past of the area using oral histories.

Student Organization Fair offers a plethora of opportunities to get involved

At the College of Education student organization fair on Oct. 20, students got the opportunity to talk with representatives of student organizations to see what they had to offer.

The event was coupled with a celebration of the recent success of the NCATE visit. Students were congratulated with sandwiches, cake and cookies for their hard work preparing for the visit.

Henning presents research to faculty, students

Dr. John Henning, who currently serves as Chair of the Teacher Education Department at OHIO’s College of Education, presented his findings on “Using Performance Assessment Results for Program Improvement” at the Faculty Research Forum on Friday, October 30.

Henning looked at the Teacher Work Sample (TWS) and how its data can be used to improve the teaching program. At the forum, Henning zeroed in on the Instructional Decision-Making aspect of the TWS, which prompts student teachers to describe what caused them to rethink their teaching plans, then describe what they did next to improve student progress.

Education Evolution

With the publication of The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin revolutionized science. Now, 150 years later, evolution is still the prevailing scientific theory explaining the origins of life on Earth, but discussing the topic in classrooms remains a challenge.

Science teachers in Ohio are required by state education standards to teach evolution and related concepts, like examining the gradual changes of species in the fossil record, as early as grade eight, said Danielle Dani, an assistant professor of science education at Ohio University.

"While best practices in science teaching start with students' prior knowledge and beliefs, teaching evolutionary theory does not necessitate a discussion of the merits of intelligent design or creationism," she said.

Danielle Dani, an assistant professor of teacher education, pictured here with a student.

College of Education faculty attend advising seminar

College of Education faculty members attended the Ohio Academic Advising Association (OHAAA) Fall Regional Seminar, held November 6. The Seminar, which was held at Ohio University's Nelson Commons, was entitled "Lean Times in Advising."

A panel of deans and administrators addressed issues such as professional development without financial assistance, budget cuts and serving students with fewer resources. The panel also opened up the floor for other questions.

Art auction continues success

For the third consecutive year, McCracken Hall opened its doors to a group of student-artists from South Elementary School in Stockport, Ohio, for the College of Education’s Art Extravaganza Silent Auction.

“This is the best place to have them come and feel secure and happy about the talents that they have,” Mrs. McDavis said of the Art Auction.

South Elementary School students bid on artwork of fellow classmates.

Howley discusses the art of critique in research

Dr. Craig Howley presented his research to a crowd of over 30 students, staff and faculty on Friday. His presentation, titled, “Critique, a Casualty of Education Science (With Suggestions for Revival),” raised questions regarding the way research is executed.

Howley’s research is explained in a paper, which he presented at a National Rural Education Association meeting. It discusses the importance of interpretation along with the facts when conducting and presenting research.

College of Education remembers Sandra Turner

Sandra Turner, Professor Emeritus of Educational Technology, passed away on Monday, Oct. 26. She was the beloved wife of James “Jack” Turner; loving mother of David (Laura) and Dana (the late Kevin) Thomson; dear grandmother of Lauren, Ben, Hannah, Sophia and Quinn; fond sister of Gary Vogel, Mary Jane (Bill) Friend and Charles (Beth) Vogel.

“Sandy was the first department chair of Educational Studies,” said Professor Gordon Brooks, who teaches educational research and evaluation at Ohio University. “She was respected as a leader for her calm and rationale approach to issues as well as her dedication to students and to social justice.”

College of Education student wins Homecoming King

Jerad Claytor, a senior Education major, was crowned King at the 33rd Annual Homecoming Coronation. Claytor is planning on teaching high school Biology and hopes someday to get an administration degree to be a superintendent.

"I'm stoked that I got crowned homecoming king," Claytor said. "All the contestants put in several hours, and a lot of hard work to be in the competition, I am honored that I was even in the running for king."

"It shows that hard work and dedication really do pay off," Claytor said.

Claytor is a member of Student Alumni Board and The Singing Men of Ohio. He also has a minor in music focusing on voice and piano.

Homecoming King Jerad Claytor poses with Marissa Wilson.

Ohio University College of Education to host Art Expo for Morgan County students

The College of Education will host its Third Annual Art Extravaganza Silent Auction Monday, November 2, 2009, at 7 p.m. in the McCracken Hall Gallery.

The expo will feature art created by students from Morgan County's South Elementary School. Members of the Ohio University, Athens and Morgan County community are invited to mingle with student artists while enjoying complimentary food, beverages and music.

Caperton regales crowd at Jennings Scholar Lecture

Ohio University hosted the second lecture of the Jennings Scholar Lecture series Saturday, Oct. 10, inviting Dave Caperton of Speakers Unlimited to take the stage.

In his lecture, “Your Mission: C.H.A.N.G.E the World,” Caperton stressed the importance of using humor in the classroom to connect with students. He advised teachers to C.H.A.N.G.E– Commit to joy, Humor yourself, Adjust your focus, Neutralize stress, Get physical and Encourage.

OHIO Education Unit successfully completes accreditation visit with preliminary results

The Ohio University College of Education and Education Unit, comprised of 6 campuses and programs within 4 colleges, welcomed a nine-member Board of Examiners team from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) to McCracken Hall.

The visit closed with an exit conference from the Board of Examiners. The Board issued preliminary findings, provided as a courtesy to the Education Unit. The findings stated that the Unit had met each of the six NCATE standards, with only one area for improvement.

Students get first-hand knowledge of job-seeking skills from education professionals

On Friday, Sept. 25, the Society of Alumni and Friends presented the Eighth Annual Society of Alumni and Friends Fall Conference, themed, “Little Fish Enters the Big Pond.” The Society presented information to education students centered on how to get their first teaching job.

Businesses, school officials celebrate partnership

Business and education came together Thursday to kick off another year of partnership to benefit Athens County students.

The Athens County Business Education Partnership was formed to facilitate meaningful dialogue between business leaders and local school district officials, with an ultimate goal of expanding opportunities to support increased achievement for all students.

College of Education prepares for coming NCATE visit

Faculty and staff from the College of Education on Thursday hosted an information session that was designed to prepare its students for an October visit from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

NCATE Update: A letter from Dean Middleton

Let me also reassure you that, even in the highly unlikely event an institution would lose its accreditation and state approval for offering educator licensure programs, students in the pipeline would be protected. This protection is assured in state code.

College of Education receives high marks from students

Ohio University College of Education (COE) students recently completed a student satisfaction survey designed to gauge their level of satisfaction with the College’s programs and services. The COE selected a random sample of classes and administered the survey to students in all of these classes. The 953 respondents rated items on a four-point scale, with four representing “very satisfied”, three “satisfied,” two “dissatisfied,” and one “very dissatisfied.”

Respondents’ ratings on 15 of the 18 satisfaction items had mean scores of three (“satisfied”) or above, indicating that, in general, students are satisfied with their experiences in the College.

Local student named Noyce Scholar; receives distinguished scholarship valued at $24,000

The emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in rural Ohio is getting a special boost from a scholarship program aimed at encouraging new teachers to pursue math and science education in Appalachia.

Future counselors gain insight and recognition from conference

Dr. Mona Robinson, an Assistant Professor in the College of Education (COE), and several Counselor Education students had the opportunity to attend the National Association for Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC) 16th Annual Training Conference, held July 23-26 in Memphis, Tenn. The theme for the conference was "Reinvesting in Persons with Disabilities: Diversity & Change We Can Believe In.”

Two of Ohio University’s representatives were recognized with awards. Michele Wilson was the recipient of the $1,000 Student Scholarship Award after giving a presentation on the needs of women veterans.

Alumna kicks off McCracken Lecture Series

The 2009-2010 McCracken Education Lecture Series officially began Friday, Sept. 18th, when Ohio University alumna Linda Gray Reed delivered her lecture, "School District Reform in the Facebook Generation," to a group of students, faculty and staff.

Each quarter during the academic year, the McCracken Education Lecture Series features a guest speaker who is an advocate of education. Over the years, many graduates of the College of Education have served as the keynote speaker. Members and friends of the College value the impact of educators like Linda Gray Reed within the field of education.

College of Education congratulates award winners

Once again, the Ohio University Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA) recognized students for excellence. The ONCA assists students in finding and applying for nationally competitive awards and opportunities. This is the tenth year in a row OHIO students have received such prestigious national awards, this year with 68 winners.

College of Education welcomes the class of 2013

On Sunday, Sept. 6, faculty, staff, students and friends of the College of Education offered words of wisdom to the class of 2013 at the 4th Annual Convocation and Welcome. The College welcomed 281 new students to field of education.

College of Education mourns loss of student Kari L. McSwiney

Faculty, staff, students and friends of the College of Education are in mourning of the loss of education student and Intervention Specialist major Kari L. McSwiney, age 21. McSwiney passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2009, of complications with her bone marrow transplant.

Sister hopes to save sibling with bone marrow donation, August 3, 2008 : Dayton Daily News

Kari L. McSwiney Notice : Dayton Daily News

Kari (right) and Erin McSwiney in Kari's dorm at Ohio University.

New graduate students receive information, advice at the 2009 Graduate Student Orientation

“In my capacity today as the Dean of the newly formed Graduate College, I would like to welcome you all,” said Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College, Rathinda Bose. “You made the right decision in coming to Athens.”

Incoming graduate students at orientation listen to faculty and staff talk about the upcoming year.

Tracy Leinbaugh named chair of Department of Counseling and Higher Education in the College of Education

Tracy Leinbaugh, a member of the College of Education since 1998, has been appointed chair of the College of Education’s Department of Counseling and Higher Education. Leinbaugh assumed her new responsibilities on July 1, 2009.

Tracy Leinbaugh appointed as the new chair of the Department of Counseling and Higher Education.

College of Education assistant professor wins dissertation award

David Horton, a newly appointed assistant professor within the Department of Counseling and Higher Education, won the 2009 Outstanding Paper/Dissertation Award from the Southeastern Association for Community College Research (SACCR). In addition to receiving this award, SACCR invited Horton to be the featured luncheon speaker at their conference in Lexington, Kentucky.

OHIO Upward Bound uses project-based learning to prepare another class of students

The OHIO Upward Bound program has successfully completed another summer of college preparation. The summer residential phase, which is a major component of the Upward Bound program, reaped success for the 2009 year. The theme for the summer, “Exploring the Past, Shaping the Future,” was exemplified through the project-based learning (PBL) initiative that students participated in. These initiatives applied real-world concepts to students’ learning experiences, and challenged them with complex situations similar to those that they will encounter both in and outside of the classroom.

Helping children with homework: How much is too much?

Parents ponder this question - how much should I help my child with his homework?

Perianne Bates teaches teacher education at Ohio University.

She says, "Parents need to ask their children on a daily basis if they have homework and what kind of homework they have. It is also important that parents set aside a place and a time for homework to be completed."

McCracken series begins Friday, September 18

Ohio University alumna Linda Gray Reed will kick off the 2009-10 McCracken Education Lecture Series on Friday with her lecture, "School District Reform in the Facebook Generation."

The speech will take place at 11:30 a.m. in McCracken Hall, room 214 A/B, and is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided.

Students get a different classroom experience in summer Appalachia class

In a dusty corner of a Southern Perry County cemetery, college students sat cross-legged amidst historical tombstones, quietly absorbing the writings of a long-deceased union organizer who once lived and worked in the area.

The visit to Richard L. Davis’ resting place in the Rendville cemetery, where students heard oral readings of Davis’ writings from the 1890s, was part of a week-long course designed to acquaint education majors with the many social, political, and environmental issues that define Appalachian Ohio.

Students gained exposure to Appalachia and Southeast Ohio through an education course taught by Dr. Frans Doppen.

Athens County Business Education Partnership

Dr. James Salzman, the director of the Edward Stevens Literacy Center, speaks on the importance of partnerships such as the Athens County Business Education Partnership (ACBEP).

The ACBEP provides a structured opportunity for the community to be actively involved in supporting and supplementing public education. The ACBEP has a steering committee led by two co-chairs and includes education members who represent Athens’ four county schools and one city school system, Tri-County Career Center, Ohio University and Hocking College.

OHIO College of Education alumnus and Army Major Zoltan Krompecher featured in Army Times

Major earns literary laurels

Army Maj. Zoltan Krompecher always enjoyed writing but never kept a journal or wrote to get published. His writing was limited to keeping little notes and filing them away.Then he found writing to be a release in dealing with his work as an intelligence officer in the 1st Special Forces Group.

Literacy Symposium yields learning disability dialogue

The Edward Stevens Center for the Study & Development of Literacy & Language partnered with WOUB Center for Public Media, the Ohio Board of Regents, and the office of Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) to host the 9th annual Literacy Symposium. The symposium, held August 7 at the Inn at Hocking College, brought together educators and advocates of education from all ends of the state and several realms of education.

COE alumnus named President of Virginia Union University

The Virginia Union University Board of Trustees today unanimously elected Dr. Claude G. Perkins president of the university. Dr. Perkins was appointed acting president on January 21, 2009. “We are proud to welcome Dr. Perkins to the Virginia Union University family on a permanent basis,” said Dr. Frank S. Royal, chairman of the Board.

Dr. Perkins earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Supervision from Ohio University in 1973.

Dr. Claude G. Perkins

COE Instructor Kevin Rice featured in Post article

"(Teaching a summer course) has been one of the best things I've ever done," said Kevin Rice, a professor of teacher education.

Instructor Kevin Rice gave his thoughts about the advantages to summer classes.

Education student Matt Johnson writes book, music and lyrics for a children's theatre play

"Hip-hop carries such a negative connotation, and I hate that," said Johnson. Matt Johnson is the music director for the production Cinderella: A Hip-Hop Fairy Tale, presented by a group of actors age 10 to 16 who are a part of The Columbus Children's Theatre's Summer Performance Company.

Local teachers make friends with fractions

Elementary teachers from across southeast Ohio came together for a week of learning, collaboration, and professional development during the Better Mathematics Through Literacy Summer Institute. Colorful posters and group activity sheets adorned the walls of Baker Ballroom, where enthusiastic elementary teachers spent a week of their summer vacations participating in the workshop.

COE graduate featured in Ohio University Learning Communities video

COE graduate and the past-president of Kappa Delta Pi, Parker Fernandez, was featured in the Ohio University Learning Communities video.

View here : You tube

Doctoral student and Lancaster instructor honored

As Becky Brooks interpreted the Phi Theta Kappa Professor of the Year announcement during Ohio University Lancaster’s Honors Convocation, she realized she was about to receive the award.

All eyes on OHIO student
Education major a guest on this season's 'Big Brother'

A forensics team member and Ohio University student is hoping that his careful preparation and a natural gift for gab will help him win this season's "Big Brother" show.

Ohio University senior and education major Ronnie Talbott, 30, is one of 12 "house guests" on the show, which starts tonight on CBS.

Ohio University's new Literacy Center director getting focused

James Salzman is promising help for teachers and students in the Athens area.

Director of Literacy Center Selected

James Salzman, a veteran educator with more than 30 years of experience in literacy education, has been selected as director of the College of Education's Literacy Center. Salzman will begin his new position on July 1.

Read More :Outlook

"Dr. Salzman has the experience and expertise necessary to establish and implement a strategic vision for the center for the next five years and beyond," said College of Education Dean Renée A. Middleton.

A graduate of the COE's master's program receives multi-state Teacher of the Year award.

Linda Gillespie didn't originally set out to be a teacher, but has found over the past six years it is her passion.

"My bachelor's degree is not in education. I returned to college to obtain a master's in education with licensure, so that I could make a difference with the young lives that I would encounter. That is my pedagogy, that is what drives me; for I believe that all can learn, it is the teacher that needs to find that key to help all students be viable contributors to a global society," Gillespie said.

Read More : Chillicothe Gazette

"It was an 'Oh my God. There are people who recognize what I'm doing,'" Gillespie said of hearing she won.

2009 Commencement Reception Photo Albums

Graduate, held June 12, 2009 at Ping Center : Photo Album

Undergraduate, held June 13, 2009 at Ping Center : Photo Album

So enter that daily thou mayest grow in knowledge, wisdom and love.

2009 Awards Recognition Luncheon

Photo Album

Students, faculty and staff received various awards and recognition.

Education dean says probationary status will be rectified quickly

Though the Ohio University College of Education's accreditation is currently in probationary status, with a review looming on the horizon, the college's dean said Friday she's utterly confident that the college's right to teach teachers won't be taken away.

Read More : The Athens News

On probation, College of Ed strives to upgrade

Ohio University's COllege of Education held a mock accreditation visit earlier this month, and officials hope that when the real one takes place this fall, OU will be taken off probation.

Read More : The Athens Messenger

"All (other) five standards were met. There was no question on the quality of our faculty, on teaching , research, outreach," [Dean Middleton] said.