Building Our Future - The University of Akron

Education
HIGHLIGHTS
2008-2009
Building Our Future
The Magazine for Alumni and Friends
of the College of Education
The University of Akron

College of Education
Welcome
Education HIGHLIGHTS
2008-2009
Published by the College of Education
The University of Akron
DEAN’S OFFICE
Dean
Dr. Mark Shermis
(May 2009)
Interim Dean
Dr. Cynthia Capers
(2007-2009)
Associate Dean
Dr. Sajit Zachariah
Assistant Dean, Student Services
Dr. Evonn Welton
Director, Data Management
and Information Technology
Eileen Pennisi
Director, Assessment and Accreditation
Dr. Karen Herrington
Director, Graduate Outreach Programs
Barbara Jenkins
Director, Student Teaching
and Field Experience
Pam Spinner
Coordinator, Certification/Licensure
Dr. Jaci Wilbanks
DEPARTMENTS
Counseling
Dr. Karin Jordan
Curricular and Instructional Studies (CIS)
Dr. Bridgie Ford
Educational Foundations
and Leadership (EFL)
Dr. Susan Olson
Sport Science and Wellness
Education (SSWE)
Dr. Victor Pinheiro
For more information, contact:
The University of Akron
College of Education
Dean’s Office
Akron, OH 44325-4201
Phone: 330-972-7680
Fax: 330-972-5636
www.uakron.edu/colleges/educ
Editor
Dr. Shelley Waltonen-Moore
Local Teacher
Dedicated to
Building the Future
Front Cover: Barb Baltrinic,
a celebrated Akron Public
School (APS) Teacher and
one of Ohio’s elite National
Board Certified Teachers
(see p. 19), retired from
APS in June 2009 after 35
years of service. Baltrinic
is featured teaching with
Honor Student, LaMonica
Turneur (Ellet HS ‘09),
both of whom will join
UA in fall 2009. Baltrinic
will continue to build the
future through her new
role supervising the work
of student teachers and
Turneur will join UA as an
entering college freshman.
College of Education
Welcomes 18th Dean,
Dr. Mark Shermis
The College of Education is pleased to announce that
Mark Shermis, Ph.D., has been appointed dean. Shermis
joins us from the University of Florida, where he served as
chair of the Department of Educational Psychology in the
College of Education.
Shermis earned a doctorate and master’s degree in
educational psychology at the University of Michigan and
a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology at the
University of Kansas. He is a licensed psychologist in the
states of Florida, California and Indiana.
“It is truly an honor to be selected as the incoming dean
for UA’s College of Education,” says Shermis. “It is clear
that the college has a passion for developing quality
education programs and educators who are held in high
regard. My challenge will be to help it maintain and build
a competitive edge — both here in Ohio and nationally.”
We extend a warm welcome to Dean Shermis and
enthusiastically look forward to his leadership!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Welcome New Dean
3 Dean’s Message
4 Accreditations
5 New Faculty & Staff
6 Literacy
7 Bridges to Learning
Center for Literacy Book Fair
8 STEM Opportunities
9 First STEM Middle School
10 Rubber Band Contest
Making Mathematics Work
11 Scholarships
12 Alumni Make Their Mark
13 International Student Teaching
14 News from FATITI
15 Faculty, Students &
Alumni Awards
18 Mentoring
20 Changing Campus Landscape
2

BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Dean’s Message
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Building — I have used this word in so many ways to describe the numerous activities that have occurred
within the College of Education during this current academic year. Building, as a structure or process,
represents the coming together of elements for the purpose of advancing to a higher level. Effective
building endeavors require strategic use of resources coupled with synergism to maximize outcomes.
Well, that is what the College of Education has been all about during the past year — on all fronts.
Through synergism, perseverance and diligent attention, the College has directed significant time to
buttressing our foundation by receiving continued accreditation status for two of our premier academic
programs. Our efforts continue as we prepare for a reaccreditation visit in October from the National
Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) for our licensure teacher education programs.
The synergistic work of the college with our University and community partners is essential to achieve
positive outcomes of all accreditation efforts.
Through creative energy, external funding, entrepreneurial activities and research endeavors, faculty and
staff energetically implemented several innovative programs. You will read about the excellence in our
programs, such as our literacy and STEM initiatives. These examples illustrate that we are on the cutting
edge in offering programs that address 21 st century skills.
In a literal sense we are also in the process of planning a new building for the College of Education. This
endeavor has two phases. The first is the relocation of the Department of Sport Science and Wellness
Education (SSWE) from Memorial Hall to the new stadium building. The next phase is the design of a
stand-alone structure for the College of Education as a signature building flanking the Student Union in
the heart of campus.
We continue to “build capacity” through strategic hires of administrators, faculty and other personnel,
which enable us to make academic advances. A hallmark accomplishment is that after a national search,
Dr. Mark Shermis has been appointed to lead the College of Education as its next dean. In this role he
will build on its many accomplishments and carve new pathways for the college in preparing Educators as
Decision Makers.
This is an exciting time for the college and I am delighted to have shared in the building process
as interim dean for the past two years. Through the collective activities and leadership of college
administrators, faculty, students and alumni, we have advanced College of Education goals of excellence
in teaching, research and service. Thanks to all who have participated with us in our building endeavors.
I hope you enjoy reading about the many accomplishments of the past year in this issue of “Education
Highlights.”
In appreciation,
Cynthia Capers, Ph.D., Interim Dean
The Department of Sport Science and Wellness
Education will be housed in the new stadium.
The University of Akron Education HIGHLIGHTS 2008-2009 3

Stacey Buser
Accreditations
Sport Science and
Wellness Education Receives
Continued Accreditation
What a delight to share that the Athletic Training Education
Program in the Department of Sport Science and Wellness
Education has received continued accreditation from the
Commission of Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
(CAATE). Congratulations to the faculty and staff in the Athletic
Training Education Program, particularly Stacey Buser, clinical
instructor, who led the writing of the report and preparation for
the visit; Carrie Fister, instructor, who led the clinical education
component; and Victor Pinheiro, department chair (SSWE), who
provided administrative leadership for the accreditation and all in the
department who had a key role in this marvelous outcome! The next
comprehensive review will occur in the 2012-2013 academic year.
Provide Framework for the College
Counseling Receives
Continued Accreditation
The Department of Counseling received a stellar report from the site
visitors of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related
Educational Programs (CACREP). We are happy to announce
accreditation in all of our CACREP programs: school counseling,
community counseling, marriage and family therapy/counseling and
counselor education and supervision. Congratulations are extended
to counseling’s faculty and staff. Sincere gratitude goes to Cynthia
Reynolds, professor (counseling), who led the preparation of the
self-study and Karin Jordan, department chair (counseling), for her
leadership in preparing the department for the visit.
Cynthia Reynolds
Special recognition goes
to Karen Herrington,
director of assessment and
accreditation, who played
a vital role in both of these
accreditation efforts.
4

BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Meet Our
New Colleagues
Betsy Kerns academic
adviser
Education: M.A.,
The University of Akron
Rebecca McElfresh
instructor, EFL
Education: Ph.D.,
Kent State University
Jane Beese
instructor, EFL
Education: Ed.D.,
The University of Akron
Karen Larwin
visiting assistant
professor, EFL
Education: Ph.D.,
Kent State University
Brenda Reichert
administrative assistant,
dean’s office
Kuldhir Bhati
assistant professor,
counseling
Education: Ph.D.,
University of
Wisconsin-Madison
Seungbum Lee
assistant professor,
SSWE
Education: Ph.D.,
University of Minnesota
Amanda Rovnak
coordinator, clinic
for individual and
family counseling
Education: Ph.D.,
The University of Akron
Holly Englert
program coordinator,
Jumpstart of Akron
Education: M.A.,
Eastern Michigan
University
Nidaa Makki
assistant professor, CIS
Education: Ph.D.,
Kent State University
Pamela Spinner
director, student
teaching and
field experiences
Education: M.Ed.,
Kent State University
Julie Harhay
administrative assistant
(CIS)
Education: B.A.,
The University of Akron
Leisa Martin
assistant professor, CIS
Education: Ph.D.,
University of Oklahoma
I-Chun Tsai
visiting instructor, EFL
Education: Ph.D.,
University of
Missouri-Columbia
Diane Hergenrather
coordinator, projects,
Franco-American
Teachers-in-Training
Institute
Education: M.P.A.,
The Ohio State University
Lanna Martorana
administrative assistant,
EFL
Ingrid Weigold
assistant professor,
counseling
Education: Ph.D.,
Texas Tech University
The University of Akron Education HIGHLIGHTS 2008-2009 5

Adwoa Badoe
Literacy:
Building a Strong Foundation
Fall Reading Conference
Promotes Thoughtful Literacy
On Oct. 24, 2008, the Center for Literacy hosted “Fostering
Thoughtful Literacy,” a statewide reading conference attended by
nearly 500 educators from across the state. The annual conference
is the result of a 15-year collaboration by the literacy faculty at
The University of Akron, Kent State University and Youngstown
State University. Noted literacy educator Linda Hoyt kicked off
the day of professional development with a keynote presentation,
“Spotlight on Comprehension.”
Conference attendees were visibly moved by international
storyteller, educator and African dance instructor Adwoa
Badoe’s stirring presentation, “Storytelling and Book Reading.”
Participants also chose from more than 20 breakout sessions
conducted by pre-K through higher education faculty, who shared
their expertise on a variety of literacy topics. Faculty coordinators,
Ruth Oswald, associate professor (CIS), and Evangeline Newton,
professor (CIS), noted that the inter-university conference has
built a reputation for excellence over the years.
The comments of Munroe Falls classroom teacher Jane
Grover echo those of many participants, “This is my 30th year of
teaching. I have been to many, many conferences. The reading
conference was excellent and the keynote speaker inspiring. The
sessions I attended were outstanding and I am already using their
ideas in my class.”
Charlene
Williams of
JPMorgan
Chase reads
to Lincoln
Elementary
students.
Lincoln Elementary School
Comes to Campus
What happens when you put 275
kids, 20 adult volunteers and
bags of good books together in
a room in the Student Union?
Lots of engagement, that’s what!
On Nov. 24, 2008, a caravan
of buses transported all of the
students from Akron’s Lincoln
Elementary School to campus.
Once here, 20 volunteer readers
— students, staff, faculty and
community partners — greeted
the youngsters and then read
them books from a range
of genres, including poetry,
biography, true stories and
fiction. The Lincoln students
engaged in the reading by
listening intently, excitedly
pointing to illustrations,
sometimes laughing and even
chiming in on repetitive phrases.
One second grader appreciated
the reading so much that he
repeatedly placed a nickel in the
volunteer reader’s hands!
The event, coordinated
by Jackie Peck, visiting
associate professor (CIS),
was funded by the JPMorgan
Chase Foundation, which
also provides service learning
tutors for Lincoln students
and professional development
resources for the teachers.
Cherry Gore, Lincoln’s
principal, was pleased to
introduce her students to the
campus.
From left, retired school teacher Jennie Vlanton,
Evangeline Newton and Linda Hoyt.
6

BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Bridges to Learning
Early childhood teacher candidates bridged theory and methods
with professional field practice through two unique experiential
classroom projects.
The first, “The Book in the Bag,” has been a highlight of the
Integrated Primary Curriculum calendar since its introduction four
years ago through a pilot program sponsored by a service-learning
grant. Each UA student has created an inquiry-based learning bag,
integrating the content areas around a chosen trade book. The
activities they develop then provide hands-on, fun-filled times in
their cooperating Akron Public School classrooms. At the end of the
field experience, the bags remain as gifts to the classrooms.
Book in the Bag
Jacki Gordon
The second project, “Thinking Outside the Box,” is another
example of hands-on learning. Students in Advanced Integrated
Primary Curriculum created game-based learning experiences
housed in pizza boxes. These new learning tools reinforce concepts
in areas where students are struggling, and they proved very popular.
Jacki Gordon, visiting assistant professor (CIS), views the projects as
creating many more bridges to learning than originally thought.
“It has bridged theory and authentic practice, the University with
the community, teacher candidates with the students in their field
classrooms and even teacher candidates as they enter classrooms to
discover gifts left by former UA students,” she notes.
Gordon believes that her University students have come to
understand a teacher’s role as a “difference maker” where one can
enrich the lives of others through their many gifts.
Center for
Literacy Book Fair
Featured Writer in
Residence Vanita
Oelschlager
The Center for Literacy’s
Writer in Residence, Vanita
Oelschlager, held a book
fair in November 2008. The
community was invited to
visit with her and have one
of her many children’s books
autographed. Proceeds from
several titles benefitted the
Center for Literacy.
The net proceeds from the sale
of Oelschlager’s books benefit
the Oak Clinic for Multiple
Sclerosis and other charities.
Two new books were published
in spring 2009, “Ivy in Bloom”
and “Birds of a Feather.”
To learn more, visit
www.vanitabooks.com
Thinking Outside the Box
The University of Akron Education HIGHLIGHTS 2008-2009 7

STEM Opportunities
Serve as a Basis for Ingenuity and Enthusiasm
Explore Robotics: STEM Program
“Students who normally
are a little timid found
their voice and confidently
taught others about the
program. It was amazing!”
It starts with the build! Students
construct and program their
robots to accomplish the mission.
The Explore Robotics
program offered through
the College of Education
provides opportunities for
middle school students in
Akron Public Schools (APS) to
experience science, technology,
engineering and mathematics
(STEM) in innovative ways.
By integrating computers,
programming software
(Lego Robolab 2.9 and Lego
Mindstorm NXT) and building
materials into a cooperative
learning environment, student
teams work to find solutions
to mechanical and technical
challenges.
Ohio Academic Content
Standards are aligned with
these problem-solving scenarios
(missions) to provide
opportunities for hands-on
learning. Even as the students
become adept at manipulating
their robots, they are mastering
specific learning objectives and
developing skills in teamwork,
communication and problem
solving.
The program, initially funded
with a grant from the Knight
Foundation obtained by
Sharon Kruse, professor
(EFL), provided afterschool
and summer enrichment
opportunities to students at
Perkins Middle School. Tim
Sisson, project coordinator,
further developed the program
with cooperation from APS,
Summit County Job and Family
Services and the National
Inventors Hall of Fame STEM
Middle School. The program has
expanded to include Reidinger
and Miller South middle schools.
On Feb. 3, 2009, the Explore
Robots and their middle school
creators “stormed” the eTech
Ohio Conference. Students from
all three middle schools modeled
maturity, teamwork, knowledge
and professionalism as they
demonstrated their robots to
an audience. The audience
responses yielded interest on
several levels – with curriculum
materials, lessons learned and, of
course, the engineers behind the
robots.
“It was amazing to see the
students walk up to teachers,
superintendents and others and
introduce themselves with a
handshake and then lead their
guests through the various
missions on display,” says Sisson.
“Students who normally are a
little timid found their voice and
confidently taught others about
the program. It was amazing!”
It is hoped the Explore Robotics
Program can offer more students
across Summit County and
beyond, opportunities to hone
their STEM skills and have
similar positive outcomes. The
program is looking to more fully
develop a model for classroom
use, continue the afterschool/
summer enrichment program
and to “invade” eTech again in
2010 with new ideas and lessons
learned.
Tim Sisson “Explores Robotics” with two middle
school students who engineered their robots for
a high level mission at the eTech conference.
8

BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Construction on the First STEM Middle
School in the Nation Under Way
As Northeast Ohio undergoes a transformation
from supporting an industrial age economy to an
information or solutions-based economy, basic
organizations, structures and relationships must
evolve.
To that end, the Akron Public Schools (APS),
along with the city of Akron, The University of
Akron and the National Inventors Hall of Fame
Foundation (NIHFF) began collaborating in
2004 to create a concept for a cutting edge
school titled the National Inventors Hall of
Fame School...Center for Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics Learning.
Additional partners in this effort now include
the Greater Akron Chamber and Akron
Tomorrow.
The STEM-focused middle school will be housed
in the renovated National Inventors Hall of Fame
on the western edge of campus. It will serve
students of all ability levels in grades 5-8, with 100
to 125 students admitted per grade. The school
will provide a unique opportunity for UA in that
it will be a Professional Development School,
bringing undergraduate and graduate students
into the classrooms. (Since the renovation project
is scheduled for completion in 2010, the NIHF
STEM School will initially open to 210 fifth and
sixth graders at the APS district office on West
Market Street.)
The decision to begin at the middle school level
(grades 5-8) was purposeful, reflecting research
that indicates that middle school is the time in
which students “fall out of the pipeline” and
decide math or science is not for them. The
program is based on research and best practices
on math and science learning. Along with partner
expertise, it will be a model for other schools and
public school districts.
As a 2008 recipient of the Ohio STEM Schools
planning grant, the NIHF school is one of five
STEM schools, and the only middle school, in the
Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN). The
schools are linked and poised to learn from each
other and to share best practices. Funding for the
network was provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation and the Battelle Foundation.
For more information, visit
www.akronscienceschool.com
Vision
To provide the highest quality
education experience for
students that ensures creativity
and inventive thinking
through a focus on science,
mathematics and technology.
The University of Akron Education HIGHLIGHTS 2008-2009 9

STEM Opportunities
Front row, from left, Max Aifer (first place),
Grant Neil (second place); and Jared Mann (third
place). Back row, from left, Carin Helfer, AGPA
Science Education Outreach, and Katharine Owens,
associate director of operations.
Rubber Band Contest
for Young Inventors
Who knew that rubber bands could help you water your plants while
you’re on vacation or generate electricity? These are only two of the
innovative uses for rubber bands demonstrated at the first annual
Rubber Band Contest for Young Inventors at UA.
The Akron Global Polymer Academy (AGPA) hosted the contest
with its partners, the Rubber Division of the American Chemical
Society and the National Museum of Education. To promote the
contest, AGPA teachers wrote science and social studies lessons for
middle school classes and released the academy’s first animated film,
“A Brief History of Rubber.”
Katharine Owens, professor (CIS), and AGPA’s associate director of
operations, proudly announced the names of three young inventors
– Max Aifer, Grant Neil and Jared Mann - who were honored for
their creations at an awards ceremony on Feb. 14, 2009.
AGPA, which already produces lesson plans, conducts campus tours
and delivers our summer institute, has launched other initiatives,
which include recognizing the Polymer Teacher of the Month and
providing information for conducting Polymer Family Nights.
In 2008, AGPA began partnerships with several organizations to
enhance teachers’ professional development. They are: Barberton
City Schools, Westlake City School District, COSMOS Center at
Bowling Green State University, the Science Education Outreach
Center at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, ASM International and
Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center.
For more information, visit www.agpa.uakron.edu
Making
Mathematics
Work
The Ohio Department of
Education has awarded Linda
Marie Saliga, associate
professor (theoretical and
applied mathematics), and
Lynne Pachnowski, professor
(CIS), a Mathematics Initiative
grant. Titled “Making
Mathematics Work,” the
$200,000 project provided a
fall 2008 workshop for 100
fourth through ninth grade
teachers that addressed the
underlying reasons why many
of the rules in mathematics
were developed. Saliga and
Pachnowski worked to increase
the conceptual understanding
and pedagogical content
knowledge of the teachers in the
project. During spring 2009, the
teachers developed,
taught and refined lessons that
implemented much of the new
knowledge they acquired.
“The project has engaged so
many middle level teachers in
the discussion of getting at the
root of so many math ‘rules’
that have been passed down
for years,” notes Pachnowski.
“If this project is successful,
more teachers will produce
students who are able to feel
that they understand ‘why’
they do what they do and who
will be able to create their
own procedures. Students and
their teachers should feel that
mathematical understanding is
not something for a select few,
but is something all students
can possess.”
The grant was obtained in
collaboration with the High
Schools That Work Northeast
Ohio districts.
Lynne Pachnowski
10

BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Scholarships
Nurture Our Future
The Dr. Sylvester Small Endowed
Scholarship in Education
In recognition of a nearly 40-year career devoted to education,
the Akron community and its students, The Dr. Sylvester Small
Endowed Scholarship in Education was established in 2008 upon
Small’s retirement as superintendent of Akron Public Schools.
Born in 1947, Small grew up in South Akron and graduated from
Hower High School, Class of 1965. He went on to earn bachelor’s,
master’s and doctorate degrees in education at The University of
Akron in 1970, 1976 and 1984, respectively.
During his time as chief administrator of Akron Public Schools,
Small is credited with transforming the district in several ways.
Many who knew his work ethic believed that no student had a
greater advocate than Small. Focusing on what was right and best for
students, he helped pass operating levies and tax issues to provide
important resources for Akron. He also raised the district’s academic
performance rating, expanded education programs and fostered
community partnerships. In addition, Small set in motion the
physical transformation of Akron Public Schools with an $800 million
rebuilding project that will replace or renovate all school buildings
in the district.
Dr. Sylvester Small
His scholarship stands to inspire students to “get out there and
change the world” through education and service to others.
The need-based scholarship will be awarded annually to an
undergraduate student in the College of Education who is a
graduate of Akron Public Schools.
For more information on supporting
or establishing a scholarship,
please contact Kristi Brant, director
of development, at 330-972-6112
or kbrant@uakron.edu
Homecoming
Queen & King
Education Majors
Kendal First and
Chad Jakubowski
were crowned
Homecoming
Queen and King
in fall 2008.
The University of Akron Education HIGHLIGHTS 2008-2009 11

Alumni Make Their Mark
as Cornerstones in Educational Leadership
UA Alums Among
Top Educators in
Summit County
University of Akron graduates
Teresa Noland and Sylvester
Small took home top honors on
Oct. 14, 2008, at the inaugural
Summit County Education
Celebration event at UA’s
Student Union Ballroom.
Noland, a fifth-grade teacher
at Akron’s Glover Elementary
School, was awarded the Teacher
of the Year honor. Noland, who
has taught for 20 years in the
Akron district, was one of 20
outstanding teachers nominated
for the award.
All-County Teaching Team
Sylvester Small
In addition to Noland, 19
teachers (nine of whom are
UA graduates, denoted in blue
below) were named to the
All-County Teaching Team.
Susan Alexander, Portage
Lakes Career Center; Betty
Banks-Burke, Hudson City
Schools; Shirley Burris,
Cuyahoga Falls City Schools;
Rebecca Dimeff, Coventry
Local Schools; John Faust,
Revere Local Schools; Norma
Hammond, Woodridge High
School; Nancy Jones, Tallmadge
High School; Jeanette Lander,
Stow-Munroe Falls City
Schools; Michael McDonald,
St. Sebastian School;
Lisa Milano, Twinsburg
High School; Paula Murphy,
Springfield Local Schools; Eric
Muzi, Green Local Schools;
Bradley Petraitis, Manchester
High School; Bruce Parker,
Mogadore Local Schools; Janis
Roskoph, Nordonia Hills City
Schools; Danielle Starkey,
Barberton City Schools; Harry
Timms, Norton High School;
MarySue Watson, Chapel Hill
Christian School; and Mary Jo
Worthington, Copley-Fairlawn
City Schools.
Small, a retired Akron Public
Schools superintendent,
received the Lifetime Educator
Achievement Award. During
his career, Small worked as
a teacher, assistant principal,
principal and administrator in
the Akron school system before
becoming superintendent in
2001.
The Summit County Education
Celebration was sponsored by
The University of Akron, Akron
Children’s Hospital, WKDD-
FM, WHLO-AM, WTOU-AM,
Akron Beacon Journal, Summit
County Education Service
Center, Ohio National Guard,
Sterling Jewelers and Summit
Federal Credit Union.
12

BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Bridging
the Global Divide
Sarah Vue pauses to soak in the
beauty of Old San Juan while
student teaching in Puerto Rico.
International Student
Teaching Opportunities
Expand to Four Continents
The 2008-09 academic year has been one full of
international adventure, learning and classroom
experiences for several pre-service teacher candidates.
“The opportunity to venture out of Ohio to practice
teaching methodologies and classroom management
skills learned here at The University of Akron, as well
as learn more about other cultures, was one they were
eager to experience,” says Pam Spinner, director of
student teaching and field experiences.
“Traveling and teaching in other countries allows them
to bring a unique perspective to the classroom, along
with an appreciation for diversity and culture that can
only be gained through an experience such as this,”
adds Spinner.
In all, UA placed students in
four continents and seven countries
Puerto Rico
Renee Hervich, Whitney Ridgway, Daniel Ryals,
Sarah Vue and Debra Lilly-Lagani
Italy
Lindsay Pennington, Patrick D’Andrea
and Katie Stasen
Japan
David McGuire
Germany
Jessica Peterson
Australia
Matthew Chojnacki
France
Gregory Golden
Mexico City, Mexico
April Levack
“Going to Puerto Rico
was the best thing
I’ve ever done. This
experience allowed
me to develop
sensitivity to different
cultures and customs.”
– Sarah Vue
The University of Akron Education HIGHLIGHTS 2008-2009 13

Americans celebrate their time
in France at a closing ceremony.
Bridging
the Global Divide
News from Franco-American
Teachers-in-Training Institute (FATITI)
Already in its third exciting year, this international exchange
program has proven to be a great success. Under the direction
of Susan Colville-Hall, professor (CIS), Sandra Spickard-
Prettyman, associate professor (EFL) and Diane Hergenrather,
program coordinator, the institute strives to encourage citizen
diplomacy while advocating for better solutions to universal
educational challenges. Exciting highlights included:
An intensive linguistic training and cultural seminar in July 2008
to prepare 16 American per-service teachers from 12 universities
for their time in France. During a two-week orientation in Paris,
the Americans lived with host families in Angers, met with local
officials and toured historical sites.
Placement in 13 regions throughout France, including Bordeaux,
Reims and Lorraine. The Americans worked with mentor
teachers, observed French teaching methods and taught in their
respective disciplines.
Entry-Level Teachers from France in D.C.
Zippy in DC
The hosting of 22 entry-level
teachers from France from
January to March 2009 by
FATITI. The French were
exposed to English language
lessons, diversity in the schools,
state content standards and a trip
to Washington, D.C.
Michelle Wilson, of Akron
International Friendship,
coordinated the housing
placements with American
families while they taught
in area schools (Firestone,
Springfield, Green, Stow-
Munroe Falls, Norton, Nordonia,
Tallmadge, Archbishop Hoban
and Kent-Roosevelt high
schools, and Manchester and
Perkins middle schools).
The University of Nebraska-
Lincoln, a new partner for
FATITI, made placements for
seven of the French teachers.
14

Megan A. Mannion
Francis Broadway
BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Suzanne MacDonald
Cynthia Reynolds
Renee Mudrey Camino
Sajit Zachariah
Megan Moore Gardner
Mary Jo MacCracken
Fred Carr
Jane Beese
Faculty, Students and Alumni
Frame the Future
The following is a sampling of
the wonderful work that our
faculty, contract professionals
and students were engaged in
over the past year. They include
honors, research, grant awards
and publications.
We’d like to specially recognize
our Distinguished Education
Alumni who were honored on
April 14, 2009:
Alexander Adams ‘62, ‘70,
emeritus faculty, physical
education, retired assistant
professor UA
David Axner
‘78, ‘84, ‘97, superintendent,
Dublin Schools
Nicholi Cannon ‘68, ‘71,
retired, Akron Public Schools
Megan A. Mannion ‘91, ‘93,
principal, Rankin Elementary
School
We congratulate the following
faculty members on their
prestigious promotion from
associate professor to professor:
Francis Broadway (CIS)
Lisa Lenhart (CIS)
Suzanne MacDonald (EFL)
Cynthia Reynolds (counseling)
Robert Schwartz (counseling)
Sajit Zachariah (associate dean)
Congratulations to these faculty
members on the following
honors awarded by the college:
Renee Mudrey Camino,
assistant professor (EFL),
Outstanding Teacher
Megan Moore Gardner,
assistant professor (EFL),
Outstanding Research
Mary Jo MacCracken, professor
(SSWE), Outstanding Service
Fred Carr, professor (EFL)
and director of UA’s H. Kenneth
Barker Center for Economic
Education, and Jane Beese,
instructor (EFL), received the
Distinguished Research Award
at the Allied Academies Fall
2008 International Conference
in Reno, Nev. Their article,
“The Federal Reserve Interest
Rate Manipulations from 2000-
07 and the Housing Mortgage
Crisis of 2008” was published in
the “Journal of Economics and
Economic Education.”
Susan Colville-Hall, professor
(CIS), announced that eight
Ohio Core Teachers won
scholarships to attend the Ohio
Foreign Language Association
2009 conference: Hilda Ahmad,
Laura Kingsbury, Stella Munoz
Rodriquez, Pingfen Sung,
Marie Tanious, Jinnan Xu,
Jian Yang and Yhang Zhang.
Colville-Hall and Sandra
Spickard-Prettyman, associate
professor (EFL), were the
recipients of $450,000 to support
the Franco-American Teachersin-Training
Institute.
Bridgie Ford, department
chair (CIS), and A. Daviso
co-authored a 2009
publication titled
“Community
Integration and
Employment for
Youth with Special
Needs” for the
“International
Encyclopedia of
Education” (3 rd ed.).
Bridgie Ford
David Axner
The University of Akron Education HIGHLIGHTS 2008-2009 15

Faculty, Students and Alumni
Frame the Future
Chi Sigma Iota, a counseling
honors society, recognized
the following individuals as
recipients of local awards –
Outstanding Service, Christina
Janevski; Outstanding
Practitioner, Doris Atanmo-
Randolph; and Fellowship
Award, Maryann O. Meniru.
CIS clinical instructors, Margo
Kernen and Anne Varian, and
part-time instructor Jerri Saltz,
presented “Bullying in Schools:
Tips for Supporting PDS Schools
and Teachers in Minimizing
Issues” at the 2009 National
Association of Professional
Development Schools (NAPDS)
conference in Florida. In April
2009, Kernen and Varian
presented “Conflict Resolution
Education: Enhancing the
Student Teaching Experience”
at the American Educational
Research Association meeting
in California.
Congratulations to Alan
Kornspan, associate professor
(SSWE), on the publication of
his 2009 book, “Fundamentals of
Sport and Exercise Psychology.”
Lynn Kline, assistant professor
(CIS), Shernavaz Vakil,
associate professor (CIS)
and Ruth Oswald, associate
professor (CIS), presented
“Designing a Globally
Competitive System of
Education” at the Association
of Teacher Educators’ annual
meeting in February 2009.
The presentation focused
on the collaborative process
utilized to develop the new
pedagogical core using the
Transfer Assurance Guide
(TAG) courses as a foundational
base. While unable to attend,
Karen Herrington, director of
assessment and accreditation,
and Evonn Welton, assistant
dean of student services,
contributed to the presentation.
Sharon Kruse, professor (EFL),
is to be congratulated for her
prolific writing, which includes
the publication of three
books! The first to appear
in print is her 2009 book that
she co-authored with K.S.
Louis, “Building Strong School
Cultures: A Guide to Leading
Change.”
Lisa Lenhart, professor (CIS),
co-authored a 2009 book with
K. Roskos and P. Tabors titled,
“Oral Language and Early
Literacy in Preschool: Talking
Reading and Writing” (2 nd ed.).
She was also awarded $1,323,016
for Reading First initiatives.
Mary Jo MacCracken, professor
(SSWE), co-presented a paper in
September 2008 at the National
Meeting of the Association of
Applied Sport Psychology in
St. Louis titled, “Assessing
Subjective Well-being in
Minority Children Involved in
Physical Activity.”
Leisa Martin, assistant
professor (CIS), won the 2009
Outstanding Faculty Award from
the International Society for
the Social Studies. She will also
serve as the 2010 summer editor
for Action in Teacher Education.
Frank Merendino, a student in
higher education administration,
was selected by The Placement
Exchange (TPE) to serve as
one of 70 TPE Ambassadors
across the nation (out of a pool
of 350 applicants). Merendino
and Sandra Coyner, associate
professor (EFL), presented
at the NASPA (Student
Affairs Administrators in
Higher Education) Region VI
Conference in Lexington, Ky.,
in November 2008.
Christina Janevski
Margo Kernen
Anne Varian
Shernavaz Vakil
Lisa Lenhart
Sharon Kruse
Sandra Coyner
16

BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Nidda Makki, assistant
professor (CIS), along with
Jessica Hopkins, assistant
professor (arts and sciences),
Shannon Donnelly, visiting
assistant professor (arts and
sciences), and Christopher
Miller, associate professor
(engineering), were awarded
$77,430 for “Drinking Water
Issues as a Context for Problembased
Science Instruction.”
Congratulations to Evangeline
Newton, professor (CIS), on
several recent publications. One
work, published in 2008 with
co-authors T. Rasinski, N. Padak
and R. Newton, is titled, “Greek
and Latin Roots: Keys
to Building Vocabulary.”
Under the leadership of Susan
Olson, department chair
(EFL), the Master’s Degree
in Postsecondary Technical
Education was approved for
online delivery by the Ohio
Board of Regents in January
2009. UA also applied for North
Central Accreditation approval
in spring 2009.
Ruth Oswald, associate
professor (CIS), received
the distinguished honor of
becoming the first inductee
into the Ohio Reading Hall
of Fame at the Ohio Council
of the International Reading
Association’s annual fall reading
conference in November 2008.
She is a past president of this
organization and is chair of the
publications committee.
Ron Otterstetter, assistant
professor (SSWE), co-authored a
2009 article on “Catecholamine
Response to Hypoxia Induced
Acute Mountain Sickness”
published in “Aviation, Space
and Environmental Medicine.”
Lynne Pachnowski, professor
(CIS), received a grant from the
Ohio Department of Education
for $70,000 to host the 2009
Summer Honors Institute.
Victor Pinheiro, department
chair (SSWE), was elected to the
Green Local Schools Board of
Education (2007-2011).
Cynthia Reynolds, professor
(counseling) and doctoral
student, Laura Tejada,
presented on ethics in play
therapy at the International
Association for Play Therapy
conference in Dallas, Texas, in
October 2008.
James Rogers, professor
(counseling), recently published
in “Death Studies” and the
“Encyclopedia of Counseling.”
He also presented at the
Convention of the American
Psychological Association, the
XXIX International Congress of
Psychology and Shelter Care.
Robert Schwartz, professor
(counseling), was appointed
to the Counselor Education &
Supervision journal editorial
board. His 2008 publications
are included in the “Journal
of Mental Health” and the
“Journal of Counseling and
Development.”
Victor Pinheiro
Susan Olson James Rogers Robert Schwartz
Lynn Smolen, professor (CIS),
and Suzanne MacDonald,
professor (EFL), were
recognized for their 2008
publication of “Adolescent
Literature and Reader
Response: It’s About Global
Awareness and Social Justice!”
in “The International Journal of
Learning.”
Denise Stuart, associate
professor (CIS), and Francis
Broadway, professor (CIS),
facilitated two of the Face-to-
Face discussions that were part
of the campus-wide Rethinking
Race program. The first
session was on “Black Males in
Children’s Literature” and the
second was on “Race and Global
Children’s Literature.”
Ingrid Weigold, assistant
professor (counseling), was
appointed to the editorial board
of the Journal of Mental Health
Counseling in fall 2008.
Xin Liang, associate professor
(EFL), and Susan Olson,
department chair (EFL),
were awarded $74,999 for the
“Evaluation of the Quickstart to
College Project” from the Ohio
Department of Education.
The University of Akron Education HIGHLIGHTS 2008-2009 17

Mentoring:
a Blueprint for Successful Teaching
The Orange City High School
students began mentoring
their middle school students
by supporting and organizing
creative opportunities for
them, and providing social and
emotional guidance through
the Stargirl Society, developed
after the Jerry Spinelli novel,
“Stargirl.”
“I believe that this mentorship
model has provided a framework
for our middle school teacher
candidates to implement in
all diverse settings as they
recognize the needs of their
future 21 st century learners and
the importance of adult advocacy
for our young adolescents,” says
Walker.
Deborah Walker
(middle front row) with
mentors and mentees.
Touching the Future Through Mentorship
On Nov. 7, 2008, two groups of student mentors and mentees
experienced a Day of Mentorship at The University of Akron.
Deborah Walker, instructor (CIS), brought together her middle
school teacher candidates and Orange High School students from
Kathy Frazier’s academically talented class to participate in teambuilding
activities and reflective brainstorming sessions to learn
strategies and techniques for successful mentorship experiences.
This day of celebration, supported by the Office of the Dean of
Education, provided 67 students with T-shirts, recreational activities,
lunch, mentorship presentations and learning activities. Future goals
were created and a mentorship model was established.
The middle school teacher candidates have tutored and supported
their 7 th and 8 th grade mentees in math and language arts to help
improve their state-mandated test scores. They also have worked as
adult advocates for their mentees’ academic and emotional success.
Although the focus of both
groups differed, the rewards of
building a trusting relationship,
recognizing the roles and skills
needed for effective mentorship
and discovering the power of
a support system in helping
achieve their goals, were clearly
evident during this experience.
“The Day of Mentorship
allowed me to connect with
my middle school and see
how important relationship
building is when working with
middle school students,” notes
participant Katie Fehrenbach.
Spending the day on The
University of Akron campus
inspired a vision for higher
education for these young
people, along with providing
an authentic professional
development experience for the
teacher candidates.
18

BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Record Number of National Board
Certified Teachers Recognized by
UA Mentoring Program
The University of Akron’s National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards (NBPTS) Support Cohort is pleased to announce that
17 area educators successfully completed their National Board
Certification in November 2008. In this intensive professional
development experience candidates have up to three years to
successfully achieve National Board Certification.
The University’s support cohort has been funded consistently by
the Ohio Department of Education since 1997. The NBCT class of
2008 had the highest annual achievement rate since the mentoring
services began, with an 85 percent passage rate for those who
submitted both the portfolio and assessment pieces of the application
process. This includes initial (first year) and advanced (second or
third year) candidates. A reception was held on Feb. 5, 2009, to
recognize the new National Board Certified Teachers.
“It was good to develop a personal
relationship with a student much like
one I may be teaching someday.”
– Adam Yoder, UA Mentor
Since its inception, the program has mentored 315 Northeast Ohio
teachers; 230 of which have become National Board Certified. This
represents an overall programmatic achievement rate of 73
percent. With the addition of 175 NBCTs in 2008, Ohio reports a
total population of 2,933 National Board Teachers. The University
of Akron is pleased to have contributed nearly 10 percent of the total
NBCT population gain in 2008.
Barb Baltrinic, an Akron Public School Teacher for 35 years, was
appointed as the new coordinator for the cohort in 2008-2009.
Baltrinic is recognized for her exemplary ability to help the teachers
in her small group achieve certification. She will join our student
teaching and field experience office full time in fall.
UA NBCT Class of
2008 (front row l-r):
Kerilyn O’Brien,
Jessica Stifler, Allison
Morris, Melissa Jacot;
(second row l-r):
Lani Banner, Martin
Bach, Yvonne Culver,
Amy Young, Amanda
Accavallo and
Susan Polly.
The University of Akron Education HIGHLIGHTS 2008-2009 19

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
College of Education
Akron, OH 44325-4201
college at a glance
Established………………………………….1921
The new InfoCision Stadium/Summa Field.
Campus Landscape Continues to Change
The New Landscape for Learning, the ongoing campus renovation
campaign that began in 2000, has transformed the look and feel of The
University of Akron campus. To date, the campaign has constructed or
acquired 15 new buildings, made 17 major additions or renovations, and
added 34 acres of new green space to campus.
Those of us working in Zook Hall have a unique vantage point – starting
with the location of the former Carroll Hall, where our new College of
Education will be built. Of course, our attention these days is drawn
toward the east side of campus, where construction of InfoCision
Stadium/Summa Field is nearing completion. Our Department of Sport
Science and Wellness Education will be housed in this prominent new
structure near the Exchange Street entrance to campus.
Please mark your calendars – UA’s first on-campus stadium will open
Sept. 12 when the Zips take on the Morgan State Bears. On Sept. 19,
alumni are invited to a “tailgate” party with our new dean, Mark Shermis,
and the Alumni Association. We will then march to the stadium to enjoy
the Indiana game. Details forthcoming.
Departments
Counseling
Curricular & Instructional Studies
Educational Foundations & Leadership
Sport Science & Wellness Education
Degree Options
Bachelor’s…………………...………34
Master’s…………………...…...……41
Doctoral…………………...…....……5
Licensures, Endorsements…………..45
Faculty
Full-time……………….....…....……69
Part-time…………..…...…....……164
Schools districts participating in
student-teaching program……..……………139
Counties represented in
student-teaching program………….…………21
Alumni (living)……………………………27,577
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution
© 2009 by The University of Akron / 209-ED-75
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