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K-State College of Education

Category: February 2015

Students, faculty participate in annual Cats in the Capitol

Rep. Tom Phillips visits with Shawn Finch, Jessica Leichter and Amanda Morales at Cats in the Capitol.
Rep. Tom Phillips (center) visits with Shawn Finch, Jessica Leichter and Amanda Morales at Cats in the Capitol.

Representatives from the College of Education visited with future students, parents, legislators and their staffers at the university’s annual Cats in the Capitol event Feb. 18.

This annual event celebrates K-State’s birthday and showcases the university’s strengths. Representing the college were: David Griffin, assistant dean and director of the Center for Student and Professional Services; Amanda Morales, diversity coordinator; ambassadors Shawn Finch and Jessica Leichter, Lindsey Morford, academic advisor, and Patrice Scott, communications coordinator. Royal purple displays from each college lined the Rotunda, and the area swelled when Call Hall ice cream was served.

“This was an incredible opportunity to showcase the many ways the college contributes to Kansas,” Griffin said. “We have a strong story to tell.”

College offers social justice education certificate

College offers graduate certificate in social justice education.
The College of Education now offers a graduate certificate in social justice education.

The College of Education is launching a groundbreaking graduate certificate program in social justice education, and enrollment opens in March with classes beginning in May.

Courses for the 15-credit hour program can be taken exclusively online or as a hybrid with electives being taken on campus. This program is truly unique in that it was a coordinated, collegewide effort that included faculty and graduate students from every department, and its applications extend far beyond similarly named programs, which are typically limited to K-12 education.

For more information about the social justice education certificate, contact Susan Yelich Biniecki at susanyb@ksu.edu or Linda P. Thurston lpt@ksu.edu.

 

Elite group of future educators heading to Kansas classrooms

The Pride of Wildcat Land is the best band in the land! Many band members will be leading Kansas classrooms very soon.
The Pride of Wildcat Land is the best band in the land! Many band members will be leading Kansas classrooms very soon.

When The Pride of Wildcat Land, the Kansas State University Marching Band, was named the top band in the nation and presented with the coveted Sudler Trophy in December, one dean realized this was also great news for Kansas classrooms.

Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education, noted 25 percent of The Pride’s 400 members are majoring in education. Since 89% of the college’s graduates remain in the state, this is good news for Kansas.

Mercer added that while many band students will be teaching instrumental or vocal music, many will bring their musical talents to classrooms, exemplifying their strengths in teaching to multiple learning styles.

College announces adult certificate in leadership dynamics

College now offering certificate in adult leadership dynamics.
College now offering certificate in adult leadership dynamics.

The Department of Educational Leadership is offering a new 15-credit hour graduate certificate in Leadership Dynamics for Adult Learners at K-State Olathe.

Royce Ann Collins, associate professor of educational leadership, said the certificate program is designed for professionals wishing to enhance their skill sets to lead and motivate people effectively, understand how adults learn, and help employees gain new skills.

For more information, contact leaderdynamics@k-state.edu or call 913-307-7362.

International documentary premieres on April 7

"Vale la Pena: Revolutionizing Hearts, Minds and Communities" premieres  April 7.
“Vale la Pena: Revolutionizing Hearts, Minds and Communities” premieres April 7.

The College of Education and its partners are announcing the premiere of an international documentary based on a teacher education program that will change innumerable lives.

“Vale la Pena: Revolutionizing Hearts, Minds, and Communities” will premiere April 7 at 2:30 p.m. in Forum Hall. The documentary, which translates to “Worth the Pain,” was made possible through a joint effort among the College of Education, the Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy, K-State Global Campus, the Office of International Programs and the Ecuadorian government.

Join us or watch via live stream to discover how nearly 40 voices unite to tell one unique and heartfelt story about this inspiring international partnership. Hear first-hand accounts of why these ESL teachers who are part of Ecuador’s Go Teacher program would leave behind their country, friends and families for a year in the quest to become better teachers.

For more information about Vale la Pena, watch for updates on Instagram and Twitter at #ValelaPenaKState.

iCamp draws large crowd

It was a busy day for those attending iCamp.
It was a busy day for those attending iCamp.

Nearly 200 K-20 educators attended the second annual iCamp in Bluemont Hall, looking to expand the use of iPads in their classrooms.

Cyndi Danner-Kuhn, instructor of curriculum and instruction, developed the innovative and engaging workshop. The experience took educators through an immersive experience to deepen their understanding of how students create, connect, share and collaborate with iPads.

Wesley Fryer was this year’s featured guest. He is an author, STEM elementary teacher, digital learning consultant, digital storyteller, and change agent.