News from The Center for Educational Practice at Union University http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/ recent happenings at the Center for Educational Practice at Union University Copyright 2013 Union University Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:09:27 CST News from The Center for Educational Practice at Union University http://www.uu.edu/images/Crest_Horizontal-300.jpg http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/ Community Conversation about Education to be Hosted by Union on April 15
  • Eddie Pruett, Superintendent, Gibson County Special School District
  • Susie Bunch, Superintendent, Lexington City Schools
  • Pennye Thurmond, Principal, Ripley Elementary Schools
  • Jackie Hopper, Instructional Coach, Milan Special School District
  • Fred Ellis, Parent Representative, Lexington City Schools
  • Jeff Griggs, Alderman, City of Lexington
  • Dr. Thomas Rosebrough, Executive Dean, College of Education and Human Studies, Union University
  • Dr. Norma Gerrell, CORE Director, Northwest Tennessee
  • Dave Bratcher, Vice President of Financial Services, West Tennessee Heathcare Foundation
  • Chuck Jones, Chief of Technology, Jackson-Madison County School System For more information about the event, visit conversationsix-eorg.eventbrite.com ]]> http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=161 http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=161 emarvin@uu.edu (Center for Educational Practice at Union University) Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:08:07 CST New Internship Major for Elementary and Special Education Candidates http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=159 http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=159 emarvin@uu.edu (Center for Educational Practice at Union University) Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:45:15 CST Graduate School Alumnus Named Shelby County K-4 Teacher of the Year Dr. Heather Fisher is no stranger to Union University, as she has obtained multiple degrees in Education from the university. Fisher holds the M.Ed. (2000), Ed.S. (2004) and Ed.D. (2006) from Union, but it is her current achievement that has brought her the most recent attention. Fisher was recently named as Shelby County Schools’ K-4 Teacher of the Year. Fisher currently teaches third grade students at Dogwood Elementary School in Germantown, TN, and she was surprised to receive a visit from district and school-level administrators and teachers. She was in the middle of a Science Lab with her students when the announcement came, complete with balloons and congratulatory words. Fisher says, “I never dreamed that I would be named Shelby County’s K-4 Teacher of the Year.” Fisher attributes her success to God, stating, “As a Christian, it is my desire to glorify the Lord in all that I do. For me, this reward brings glory to Him.”  Fisher is appreciative of the support she has received from her parents, colleagues and mentors during her teaching career.   She also credits the preparation she received as a Union University student.  “My graduate studies at Union opened my mind to new ways of teaching and relevant research, in a collegial atmosphere,” Fisher said. “I must say that I cherished those Saturday classes because I got to exchange ideas with so many educators. I learned so much from this experience.” Fisher’s award as Shelby County’s K-4 Teacher of the Year makes her eligible to be a Regional Teacher of the Year, as her recent award is affiliated with the Tennessee Teacher of the Year award. Fisher has been teaching for 16 years, but it is evident that she never wants her work or passion for teaching and learning to become stagnant. “Every year I pick an area in which I would like to improve and work toward that goal. I love to learn new things. I embrace learning and hope that I never get over my desire to learn. Sharing ideas is essential to keeping our profession healthy,” Fisher said. Union University’s School of Education is honored by the success of Dr. Heather Fisher. Clearly, she is making a positive difference in the lives of young minds. To learn more about Union University’s graduate degrees in Education, please visit:  "http://www.uu.edu/programs/education/graduate/">http://www.uu.edu/programs/education/graduate/ .  ]]> http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=157 http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=157 emarvin@uu.edu (Center for Educational Practice at Union University) Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:31:02 CST Union University M.A.Ed. Graduate Appointed to Tennessee's Reward Schools Ambassador Program Danielle Ringold, who completed her graduate studies in Education on Union University’s Germantown, TN campus, was recently appointed to Tennessee’s Reward Schools Ambassador Program. This accomplishment means that Ringold has been recognized as someone who understands current educational demands, particularly in relationship to data analysis.   Ringold teaches social studies at Kingsbury Middle School, located in Memphis, but with this new honor, she will be helping other teachers understand how to analyze data to improve student achievement. The Reward School Ambassador Program selects highly successful teachers from high achieving schools to share best practices with schools in need of additional assistance. Although Ringold was chosen based on her successful work as a teacher, she is rather humble about her achievement. She says,  “I am excited that God has given me the opportunity to have an impact on other schools.” Ringold was among 15 Tennessee teachers who earned an overall “5”, the highest score on Tennessee’s Teacher Evaluation. Starting in the fall, Ringold will begin working in a school that needs help in raising its test scores and closing the achievement gap, leaving the classroom success of her currently high achieving school for one year. Ringold’s success as a teacher can, in part, be measured by the academic achievement of her students. The state calculates student growth using a measure called the Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE). Over three years, the state average for the grade level and content area in which Ringold teaches is 1.4 (NCE), but Ringold has obtained a student growth rate of 6.6 (NCE).  Ringold attributes her success to her faith in God. She says, “Teaching in an urban setting requires a lot of faith. With my Christian foundation, I always knew that no matter how challenging my days were, I needed to trust that God had put me at Kingsbury for a reason and have faith that I could have an impact on student achievement. Without my faith and trust in God, there is no way I would have had the results I have.” It is evident that Ringold is not looking at this recognition as a matter of personal success, but as one of further opportunity. She says, “I am excited to see if I can have an impact on a greater number of students. Union University’s School of Education is proud of the success of Danielle Ringold, especially in term of the impact she is having on the lives of our area’s youngest citizens. For more information about Union University’s School of Education, please visit: "http://www.uu.edu/programs/education">http://www.uu.edu/programs/education.]]> http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=156 http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=156 emarvin@uu.edu (Center for Educational Practice at Union University) Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:25:34 CST Teacher Education and Christian Education Meet in Indonesia A hill on the island of Java, above the northern shore of Semarang, Indonesia, was a new setting for Nancy Easley, Associate Professor of Education at Union University’s Germantown location, who had traveled overseas to teach. In the spring of 2012, Easley, and her husband, Ken, were invited to each teach two classes in the graduate programs at STBI, a Southern Baptist Seminary operated by the Indonesian Baptist Convention. For two weeks, the couple taught courses each night for five hours. While her husband taught in the Christian Studies program, Easley taught private school teachers in the Christian Education program, with the help of a translator. Easley, who has been teaching since 1985, has been teaching at Union’s School of Education since January 1998 and is the longest term education faculty member at the Germantown campus. Prior to joining Union’s faculty, Easley taught in public schools for the deaf for about 10 years. Easley chose to become a teacher after a young, autistic boy caught her attention one year in Vacation Bible School at her church. “This ignited my passion for teaching and thus teaching the deaf,” said Easley. “Later, when our son was a baby, I was invited to teach in a teacher education program.” The opportunity for Easley and her husband to travel to Indonesia came to her after a former doctoral seminary student of her husband’s, Robinson Rumin, invited them to come and teach in the spring of 2012, but the Easley’s schedules did not allow them to travel until September of this year. The seminary was started by Baptists in late 1950 and changed over to Indonesian operation in the late 1990s. With American professors augmenting their faculty, professors from other Southern Baptist Convention institutions are occasionally invited to support the ongoing work at SBTI. In preparation for the upcoming teaching experience, Easley researched and prepared lecture and resources the summer before the trip and designed the course and presentations. She also did her background research on Indonesia’s climate of education and other elements of the country’s culture. Before the Easleys were able to depart for their trip, they had to fulfill the requirements to receive entrance into the country. “Indonesian government required our doctorate in teaching field, ability to teach graduate students, positive review by graduate students to be able to return and to affirm that [we] had no bias against Indonesia,” said Easley. While in Indonesia, the Easleys stayed on campus in a small, two-room apartment for two weeks. On weekends, they traveled among Baptist churches, teaching and  working with small groups and preaching throughout the city. Since the return, Easley has become an approved as a visiting professor to the seminary. “An articulation of agreement of working together between Union University and the seminary is under consideration at this time,” said Easley. “[This] would encourage other professors to go and encourage Indonesian professors to come here for brief periods and might reveal opportunities for students to travel, as well.” Easley’s trip to Indonesia also broadens the work of the School of Education in diverse settings and with diverse students.
      Alana Hu, a Union University undergraduate student and public relations major, served as a guest author for this article. Dr. Nancy Easley with her students in Indonesia.]]>     http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=155 http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=155 emarvin@uu.edu (Center for Educational Practice at Union University) Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:37:56 CST     Center for Educational Practice Honored by Name Change that Recognizes Dr. Thomas R. Rosebrough The Board of Trustees at Union University has unanimously approved a name change for the Center for Educational Practice at Union University. From this point forward, the Center for Educational Practice will be called the Thomas R. Rosebrough Center for Educational Practice. This Trustee recognition is based on the faithful and long-term service of Dr. Thomas R. Rosebrough, Executive Dean and University Professor of Education in the College of Education and Human Studies at Union University. Dr. Rosebrough has served as Dean of the College since 1996, and has numerous years of undergraduate and graduate teaching experience, including as a professor of educational foundations, learning theory, and instructional design. Likewise, Dr. Rosebrough has demonstrated scholarly excellence, as shown in numerous presentations and publications as well as in a recent book for which he was the lead author. The text, Transformational Teaching in the Information Age: Making Why and How We Teach Relevant to Students, is published by ASCD (2011), and has been widely recognized for its theoretical and practical perspectives. Namely, Transformational Teaching recognizes the philosophical importance of helping teachers identify their roles as scholars, practitioners, and relaters, and the practical significance of teaching for depth and meaning. Today’s announcement from the Board of Trustees about the name change for the Center came with similar name-changing announcements for other related programs and awards at the university. The Director of the Thomas R. Rosebrough Center for Educational Practice is specifically pleased by the Center’s name change. Dr. Eric D. Marvin states, “There is no better name to support the work and mission of this educational center at Union University than that of Thomas R. Rosebrough. Dr. Rosebrough is an educational leader, scholar, practitioner, and relater who is well deserving of this recognition. His name, as it is synonymous with service and Christ-centered excellence, will forever bring welcomed attention and humbling accolades to our work. On behalf of the Center, we are grateful and applaud this well-deserved recognition.” In response to learning the news of his recognition, Dr. Rosebrough states, “I was truly surprised and am deeply humbled by President Dockery’s recommendation and the Trustees’ action in naming the CEP after me. The School of Education desires that the Center will continue to be a regional and national force for advancing the cause of transformational education. I am pleased to be a small part of a great effort.” The Thomas R. Rosebrough Center for Educational Practice aims to promote and recognize excellence in education from preschool through higher education. Further information about the Center can be found on its website: http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/]]> http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=153 http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=153 emarvin@uu.edu (Center for Educational Practice at Union University) Tue, 04 Dec 2012 23:13:57 CST Phillips Awarded Prestigious Pew Research Grant Dr. Ben T. Phillips was recently named as a 2012-13 Pew Research Grant recipient.   The Pew Research Grant is a $4,500 internal grant from Union University.  The Pew Research Committee, composed of university faculty, distributes a maximum of four grants each year.  The Pew Research Grant seeks to nourish Christian scholarship that will make a meaningful contribution to academic discussion. Phillips’ proposed research, Determining the Cognitive Strategies of High-Performing Test-Takers on a College Readiness Math Assessment, aims to determine what strategies high-scoring test takers use to answer questions on the ACT math test.  More specifically, Phillips is seeking to observe and describe the cognitive strategies used by high performing test takers so such strategies can be identified and distinguished from the strategies used by average performers on the ACT. Phillips, an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Director of the Ed.S. and Ed.D. programs, has been studying the ACT and training high school juniors and seniors for the test over the past 10 years.  He anticipates that the research for his newly proposed study will be completed within the next 12-18 months. This research topic is one for which Phillips holds great passion.  He indicates, “I have encountered countless students who struggle in the classroom, particularly the mathematics classroom.  Some students who find math difficult do not have even rudimentary strategies for problem solving or mathematical reasoning.”  Based on his concern for such students, Phillips would like to transfer the successful cognitive strategies of high performing test takers to those who need such assistance.  To this end, Phillips states, “I have had the privilege of knowing and teaching extremely bright students who speak math as fluently as a native language.  These talented students often develop their own problem solving strategies and may not even need a teacher to explain the techniques to navigate a challenging problem.  These personal experiences beg the question:  Could we in a sense ‘export’ the cognitive strategies of gifted students to those who desperately need them?  Could we identify exactly what is happening in the minds of the bright students and then teach that to students who struggle?”   This approach offers a respectable goal, as it does not aim to merely offer a shortcut or quick tip for success.  Rather, it aims to rightly inform the minds of struggling students. Phillips feels he has a responsibility to complete this work for the benefit of students who need to learn such strategies.  He states, “If it is possible to transfer these cognitive strategies from students who know them to students who need to know them, the Christian-informed educator in me says I have a moral obligation to facilitate it.”  Likewise, Phillips is grateful that the Pew Research Grant committee selected his project.  He says, “Winning the Pew Research Grant was validation that this is a worthy research project.  I’m honored the committee viewed the project as significant.  I am excited about getting into the data and discovering some insights about how the human brain works!” Phillips was the first professor from Union University’s School of Education to be a Pew Grant recipient as a sole applicant.  This is a noble accomplishment and is testament to the significance of his achievement, especially considering that the Pew Research Grant is the single largest research grant offered by the university.  Further details about the Pew Research Grant, along with Phillips’ proposal can be viewed on the Pew Research Program’s website: "http://www.uu.edu/programs/pew/">http://www.uu.edu/programs/pew/.]]> http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=151 http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=151 emarvin@uu.edu (Center for Educational Practice at Union University) Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:03:02 CST Former Union University Education Major and Graduate Student Becomes Statewide Teacher of the Month Darlene Palmer is a graduate of Union University, having obtained both an undergraduate and two graduate degrees in Education from Union’s School of Education. For October 2012, Palmer was named Tennessee Education Lottery’s statewide Educator of the Month, an honor earned from the votes of students, parents, and others on the awarding agency’s website. Palmer has been teaching for over 20 years, and is currently serving as a kindergarten teacher at Bells Elementary School in Bells, Tennessee. Palmer has taught both Title I and Kindergarten at Bells. In 1991, Palmer completed her undergraduate work at Union, while she earned both a Master’s and Education Specialist degree in 2008 and 2012, respectively. Palmer is humbled by her recent award, attributing much of her success as a teacher to Union. She says, “All of my professors at Union helped me to become successful not only in life but in my classroom, as well, and I dedicate this award to each of them for all the many lifelong lessons they have taught me.” To be named Educator of the Month, teachers must first be nominated as an Educator of the Week. The School of Education at Union University is proud of Palmer’s success in the classroom, and honored by the positive impact she is having in the lives of many young students. ]]> http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=150 http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=150 emarvin@uu.edu (Center for Educational Practice at Union University) Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:51:45 CST Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) and School of Education Union’s Family Weekend was held on September 28-30, 2012 and included a variety of activities, including sports, music, food and fireworks. On Saturday evening of Family Weekend, Union Night was held on the Great Lawn. Union students, faculty, and staff greeted families and alumni during this fun-filled occasion, as attendees packed tents under the towering presence of Miller Clock Tower. Aside from relationship building, the occasion was used for a variety of purposes. Organizations used the event to raise funds for special projects. A student band shared their talents by playing music throughout the evening. Greek organizations cooked and sold food, and children rode a kiddie train, as it circled the socializing tents. The School of Education and STEA played an important role in the activities of the event. Representatives from the School of Education and STEA invited children to decorate a bookmark and select a book to be read by one of the STEA members. Parents and grandparents were likewise invited to enjoy a free cup of fall-flavored coffee, as children listened to the reading. Seven STEA members participated in the evening’s activities, reading to approximately 30 children. At the close of the evening, those in attendance gathered on blankets to watch the spectacular fireworks display. The night proved to be a wonderful night for Union, STEA, and the School of Education.

    ]]>     http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=147 http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=147 emarvin@uu.edu (Center for Educational Practice at Union University) Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:12:47 CST     Cash Brings Value to Union University's School of Education Dr. Linda Cash has joined Union University’s School of Education as Assistant Dean of Graduate Education, serving full-time on Union’s Hendersonville, TN campus. Cash is a veteran of public education, having 28 years of experience in the field. She has taught in multiple states across the Southeast from elementary to high school in both rural and suburban areas. Cash has spent the last 10 years as an elementary school principal in Sumner County, TN. And until recently, she has served as an adjunct professor for Union University. Cash holds a BS degree in Health and Physical Education from Lander University in Greenwood, SC, a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University, and a Doctorate in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University. Dr. Linda Cash has great passion for education, specifically in relation to teacher leadership and positive classroom instruction. She firmly believes that schools are the catalyst for success in life, and that educators should teach students to care for others, as they strive to be the best learners possible. As Cash views education as an equalizer, she sees value in providing students with the right encouragement and learning environment. With such conditions, she believes educators can give students a future they never dreamed of having for themselves. To this end, Cash believes that educators, including herself, should instill in every student the motivation to learn more, do more, and to serve others. Cash is married and has three boys. Both she and her husband, John, are natives of South Carolina, but have been in Tennessee for 15 years. They chose to stay in Tennessee for the schools and opportunities for their family. Dr. Cash enjoys supporting her three sons in all of their athletic adventures. Likewise, Cash is an avid reader and runner. It is highly evident that Dr. Linda Cash possesses great passion for education and the impact she can have on her students. She feels blessed to be at Union, as indicated from her words, “Sometimes the best opportunities come when you are not looking for them. God opens doors for a future we cannot see!” The School of Education is pleased to welcome Dr. Cash for the experience, knowledge and passions she will provide to her colleagues, students, and community.]]> http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=146 http://www.uu.edu/centers/edpractice/story.cfm?ID=146 emarvin@uu.edu (Center for Educational Practice at Union University) Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:06:00 CST