Education Alumni Network

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1 U N I V E R S I T Y O F S T. F R A N C I S SAVE THE DATE! Education Alumni Network 2016 Events: November 5 EAN Open Meeting 2017 Events: February 4 EAN Open Meeting February 9 Sunny Hill Nursing Home Service Event March 2 Professional Development: The Secret to Managing Your Stress April 1 EAN Open Meeting I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Educator 1-2 Spotlight President s 2 Message Membership 3 Pencil Project 3 What s the 4 Buzz in Education Upcoming 5 Events What s New in 6 EDU? In Fraternitas 7 USF It s in Their Blood EDUCATION ALUMNI NETWORK LEADERS ALSO SERVE AS USF ADJUNCTS Since its inception in 2011, the Education Alumni Network (EAN) has relied heavily on alums committed to staying involved with USF in a number of ways. Some of EAN s most successful ventures have been spearheaded by alums who also serve as College of Education adjunct instructors. I have to attribute much of EAN s success over the past few years to Suzanne Knoelk, who has served tirelessly as its president since 2014, remarked Pat Pierson, liaison between the College of Education and EAN. Under Sue s leadership, EAN has developed into a vibrant network of professional educators committed to giving back to their alma mater. In addition to Sue s role as EAN president, she has developed and now teaches two courses for REAL in the area of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities, her particular area of expertise. Like Sue, Rita Guzman has played a pivotal role in EAN over these past 5 years, serving as chairperson of its Service Committee. Rita is co-coordinator of and an instructor in USF s wildly popular English as a Second Language endorsement offerings. As leader of the Service component for EAN, Rita has every year coordinated a wonderful Valentine s Party for the residents of Sunny Hill Nursing Home, which includes bingo with donated prizes, resident room visits, and the delivery of handmade Valentine s from area school children. One thing that is a great source of pride for EAN is its beautifully produced newsletter found on EAN s homepage: It is EAN s Communication Chairperson, alumna Stephanie Renderman, who is in charge of this major undertaking. A full-time educator, COE adjunct instructor in reading endorsement course work, and mother of two young children, Stephanie s commitment to creating this meaningful publication at least twice a year is an act of extreme generosity. Stephanie has taught multiple online and site-based courses within the reading endorsement and RS Master s degree program. Candidates love her expertise as well as her ability to make the content authentic for them. Amy Schroeder, reading program coordinator and herself a USF College of Education alum, has this to say about Stephanie: It is a pleasure to work with Stephanie as a colleague now after having her in second grade, mentoring her in her first year of teaching, and teaching her in the master s program here at USF. I knew over 20 years ago she would be a shining star in whatever she chose to do! Some of the most popular professional development opportunities offered by EAN have been presented by Holly Bontkowski, a COE alum who coordinates and instructs courses in her area of passion: the Common Core. (continued on page 2) Become a Member 8

2 P A G E 2 (continued from page 1) In the fall of 2015, Holly s EAN presentation on Writing for the PARCC Assessment was one of the most well-attended of EAN s professional development events so much so that the group has invited her back to present on the topic of Disciplinary Literacy: Creating Natural and Authentic Engagement in the Disciplines, which is scheduled to take place on Nov. 3, Melanie Short jumped into EAN with both feet when she became active in the organization during the academic year, volunteering almost immediately to cochair the Social Committee. In that capacity, she is this year focusing on social events that may be attended by EAN members entire families. Melanie is always eager to teach in the reading endorsement program for USF, and her candidates love to see her name on their course registration. Her feedback and support of teachers in the name of student learning cannot be surpassed. She was a PERFECT recipient of a USF Teacher of the Month award in Few people love USF more than Melanie. She is a forever advocate and works so hard to get teachers to utilize USF for course work and professional development, remarks Amy Schroeder. Although I knew her first as a candidate in the reading Master s program, Melanie soon grew to become a friend and a colleague. These and many other adjunct instructors for USF s College of Education demonstrate year after year that service to their alma mater is a guiding core value in their lives. A Note from the President I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the alumni of University of St. Francis. It is a true blessing to be part of such a great organization and working with the incredible members of the Education Alumni Network. After completing my graduate degree in 2010, I was looking for a way to stay involved with the University of St. Francis and keeping current in the field of education. My path to education is rather different than most teachers. After working in the private sector of 19 years, I decided to return to school and obtain a degree in elementary education. Upon my graduation in 2004 from Governors State University, I secured a teaching position at Chaney-Monge Elementary School District 88 in Crest Hill. My initial placement was teaching middle-school reading in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade classes. After two years, I moved to first grade. It is during my tenure in first grade that I obtained my Master of Science in Reading with the Reading Specialist certification from the University of St. Francis. In 2012, I was given the opportunity to serve as the Reading Specialist at Chaney-Monge. But I was feeling empty in that position and in 2015, I returned to the elementary classroom as a second grade teacher. That is my true calling and love every day I get to go to school I don t even refer to it as going to work. I am looking forward to a great year with Education Alumni Network and continuing to stay involved with our wonderful University of St. Francis. E D U C A T I O N A L U M N I N E T W O R K

3 P A G E 3 Join the Education Alumni Network! The Education Alumni Network offers opportunities in several areas: Professional Development Service Workshops and Presentations To the University Continuing education To the Community Connect with Educators And More Various grade levels taught Social Gatherings Various positions within the educational field Attendance at USF Alumni Events With only meetings a year of one hour each, there is a minimal commitment needed in order to be an active member of EAN. We thrive on planning efficiently in order to reduce any work load on select members. We are hoping to expand our network in order to have a greater impact on both the educational community and the local community. If you re on the fence, try attending an event or joining a meeting we promise it will be worth your while! Build Your Resume Add to your Professional Organization Memberships Leadership Positions Available! Give education a chance The Pencil Project Be a part of a global change. EAN is supporting the International Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society through the Pencil Project. Consider bringing unsharpened pencils to any EAN sponsored events to join in our efforts of supporting students around the world. one pencil at a time -The Pencil Project The USF chapter of the International Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor society, in conjunction with EAN, is pleased to support student learning globally. The Pencil Project s intention is to give students a chance at education, one pencil at a time. Currently The Pencil Project has donated over 3 million pencils to children around the world. For the academic year, unsharpened pencils and sharpeners will be collected and sent to students in need. Half of the collection will go with our undergraduate candidates to Bolivia for distribution in schools there. The other half will be sent to a school in Uganda that has been assigned to KDP. For more information about the project or how you can get involved please contact Amy Schroeder at: ASchroeder@stfrancis.edu or visit:

4 P A G E 4 What s the in education Leaders Must Be Readers Educators often seek out professional development through book studies or professional reads. Professional reading materials come in many forms, so whether it is a published book, blog, article, or multimedia presentation, the knowledge gained can be invaluable. Teacher Jessica Barwa shares her current read with you in this brief Q&A. Q: Who are you (in a professional nutshell!)? A: Jessica Barwa, University of Illinois B.S. 1999, University of St. Francis M.S. Ed th Grade Teacher, Rockdale Elementary School District 84, Sponsor: Entrepreneurship Club and Crochet Club This is my 6th year as a professional educator at Rockdale. Q: What are you reading right now (title and author)? A: Inquiry and Innovation in the Classroom: Using 20% Time, Genius Hour, and PBL to Drive Student Success (Eye on Education) by A.J. Juliani dp/ /ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=utf8&qid= &sr=1-1&keywords=innovation+genius+hour Q: What made you choose this particular title, blog, article, etc.? A: Our staff development theme for the year is innovation, so this book was distributed for staff to jigsaw throughout this year. Q: How do you think this professional reading will impact you as an educator? A: This professional reading integrates several best-practices in which I have interest. I am always looking for ways to grow student engagement and to embrace new technology options to inspire student success. I see education becoming more and more focused on teachers meeting individual student needs, rather than the student meeting the school climate and I am looking for ways to manage that "flip" positively and productively. Q: If you were a book reviewer and had to give this book a rating from 0 to 5 stars, how many would you give it? A: I haven't finished it yet, but so far, it's a 4. I feel inspired, but still seek practical elements like how to free up 20% of time in a jam-packed schedule. Maybe I'll get there. Q: To whom would you recommend this book / text? Why? A: I would recommend this book to a new teacher looking to change the world, or to an experienced teacher seeking to embrace the learning styles and special needs of digital natives. I chose these recommendations because the book would help a new teacher develop pedagogy and terminology to implement some of today s (and tomorrow's?) best practices. For the experienced teacher, this book might help us consider a positive approach to student engagement integrating multiple best practices into one manageable book. Do you have a professional read you d like to share? Send your answers for these questions to Jessica Barwa at jbarwa@stfrancis.edu E D U C A T I O N A L U M N I N E T W O R K

5 P A G E 5 Disciplinary Literacy Thanks to those who joined us on November 2 for this fabulous PD featuring an hour-long session by Holly Bontkowski that introduced teachers to the natural and authentic literacies inherent in each discipline. The information moved teachers toward activities to enhance the disciplinary literacies of their own subject areas. After Holly s presentation, educators were invited to choose one of two break-out sessions: Lea Sloan s on Tech Tools for Formative Assessment or Dr. Cathy Nelson s on Cross-Curricular Formative Assessments. If you were unable to make it, we hope you check out our upcoming events! Sunny Hill Nursing Home Service Event On February 9, 2017, the members of EAN will be hosting Bingo! Night at Joliet s Sunny Hill Nursing Home. Wondering how to become involved? Contact the office of Family and Alumni Relations to commit your time! This rewarding service event will be sure to fill your heart this Valentine s Day. Join Us at Sunny Hill! Thursday, February 9 6 7:30 pm Complimentary Student-Created Valentine Cards We welcome homemade cards that will be shared with the residents at Sunny Hill Nursing Home. Due to USF by Saturday, February 4 The Secret to Managing Your Stress PD Thursday, March pm San Damiano Hall Motherhouse 3rd Floor $10 Stress tops the list of impediments to professional and personal productivity in educators. In this seminar, Mr. Craig Schmidt, an expert in the affective domain of teaching, examines the danger stress poses to one s physical and psychological well-being and goes on to share many time-tested means for managing stress in order to experience the peace and joy available to everyone

6 P A G E 6 in EDU? An Innovative Doctor of Education Program Provides Opportunities for Alumni Our Doctor of Education program was first developed as a way to meet the needs of our alumni. Dr. Stephen Midlock, author and coordinator of the program explained, As our Master s Degree candidates graduated, they often asked if we had a doctoral program so that they could both pursue a postgraduate degree, but also continue their Franciscan experience at USF. Our Doctor of Education program offers a unique and innovative approach. The program s focus is on servant leadership which is based on the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. We have actualized that concept throughout the program. Teach others the way that you would like to be taught. Lead others the way that you would like to be led. With that in mind, the program was developed to meet the needs of busy professionals who want to pursue upper level leadership, either as a school district superintendent, or as a CEO or president of a service-oriented organization. Our mission is to ensure our candidates success through personalized assistance and guidance throughout the program. We don't lecture in our courses, but instead provide candidates with thoughtprovoking discussion based on current topics facing school district or service-oriented organizational leaders. Our approach is unique in that classes will meet one night per week from 4:30-8:30 in our newly renovated Guardian Angel Hall at our St. Clare Campus. Course A meets one week, Course B meets on the next week. Course A meets the following week, etc. Candidates carry 6 credit hours (2 courses) per semester including the summer. Some courses (dissertation courses) are delivered via a blended format and don't meet as often. The dissertation is taught in courses, chapter-by-chapter. Candidates always have the support and guidance of a faculty member throughout the dissertation process. Because the program is organized around a cohort format, candidates will develop a network with other professionals. Our content (leadership preparation) courses have performance-based group projects instead of final exams. These are excellent (and enjoyable) projects in which candidates engage in group work together to solve a challenge facing a school district or organization. The program is designed for busy professionals and can be completed in 3.5 years, including the dissertation. There are two concentrations: 1. Superintendent which results in the ISBE endorsement for Superintendent of Schools, or 2. Stewardship, Leadership, and Learning which prepares candidates for upper level organizational leadership. The Superintendent concentration requires either a general administrative or a principal preparation endorsement on the professional educators license along with two years of administrative experience. The Stewardship, Leadership, and Learning concentration serves candidates in a variety of fields: nursing, health organization management, community college faculty, community college administration, public, private, and charter school teachers and administrators who don t have the ISBE administrative requirements, etc. The doctoral program began with its first cohort in January Since then, four cohorts (66 candidates) will have graduated by December The program has an 88% completion rate which is higher than the national average of 56% (as reported by the Council of Graduate Schools, 2016). For more information, contact Dr. Stephen F. Midlock smidlock@stfrancis.edu.

7 P A G E 7 REAL/ADVANCED PROGRAMS ADOPTS AN ALUM S FIRST-GRADE CLASS Just how early should students start thinking about college? According to USF alum and impending master s degree recipient Melissa Hilliard, the answer is FIRST GRADE! Melissa, a first grade teacher at Independence Elementary School in Bolingbrook (where four-time alum and ESL coordinator Dr. Rita Guzman serves as Assistant Principal), reached out to individuals at REAL and the College of Education Advanced Programs to ask if they would consider adopting her class. We really try to get students to believe that they can go to college and succeed, remarked Melissa. I am trying to get my first graders, who are 58% high risk in a school with a 75% poverty rate, to understand that no matter what, they can go to college and be successful. The REAL/Advanced Programs team quickly sprang into action, gathering from their own resources and those of the Welcome Center such items as a USF pennant, pencils, USF children s activity booklets, and various goodies that could be used as rewards and raffle prizes for Melissa s students. Next, Dr. Guzman asked Melissa to see if she could arrange for USF s mascot Bernie to be a special guest at Independence School s College and Career Night on Oct. 6. USF s Welcome Center coordinator Annette Jelinek quickly agreed and made all the arrangements for Bernie s visit to Independence. It makes me so proud as an undergrad alum and future graduate program alum to have USF adopt my students, stated Melissa. I always have my USF banner outside my room along with my bachelor s degree. When we received the other USF materials, I began decorating my door like USF, and all day my students kept asking me when it would be done; they were so excited! It is understandable, then, that when Alumni Relations learned of Melissa s deep connection to USF, they approached her about becoming an Alumni Mentor, and Melissa graciously accepted. In that capacity, Melissa will be able to help and support other USF education majors on their journey to becoming similarly inspiring and committed educators.

8 Education Alumni Network University of St. Francis 500 Wilcox Street Joliet, IL Alumni and Family Relations Office Phone: (877) 811-ALUM EAN Homepage Join fellow education alumni in a new group that provides networking, social events and interaction with current USF students and faculty. The group provides assistance to alumni looking for jobs, changing careers, or just looking to reconnect with other grads. All alumni are welcome!