Building Our Future - The University of Akron

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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
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