Education

USFSM Alums hired at local schools

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Six alumni from the College of Education at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) have recently been hired by local schools.  Heidi Keegan, a 2012 graduate from the Masters in Educational Leadership program has been hired as an Assistant Principal at Sallie Jones Elementary School in Punta Gorda.  Dave Masony, a 2011 graduate of the Masters in Educational Leadership program was hired by Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, also as an Assistant Principal.  Neil Armstrong Elementary School hired Grace Shepard as an Assistant Principal.  Grace graduated in 2012 with her Masters in Educational Leadership.  Valley Hayes, a 2012 graduate of the Master of Arts in Teaching program, was hired to a full-time teaching position with Toledo Blade Elementary School in North Port.  Manatee High School has hired Melissa Gagnon as Assistant Principal.  Melissa graduated in 2009 with her Masters in Educational Leadership.  Lastly, Amanda Semrinec, who graduated with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 2011 was hired to teach 6th grade math at Manatee School for the Arts.

“We are so proud of all of our graduates,” said Dr. Terry Osborn, Dean of the College of Education at USF Sarasota-Manatee.  “I think it speaks volumes about our program to hear that students who graduated two and three years ago are reconnecting with faculty as they look for jobs and that the faculty are more than willing to be references for these students.  A University level education is about so much more than what happens in the classroom.”

USF Sarasota-Manatee to host Master’s Degree information session on July 11th

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The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will be hosting a Master’s Degree information session for anyone interested in learning more about the available programs this fall.  It will take place at USFSM, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota on Wednesday, July 11th from 6-7pm.  The event is free and open to prospective students and their guests.

The session will include information about the following Master’s degree programs: Business Administration, Criminal Justice Administration, Hospitality Management, Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Reading Education, Teaching in Elementary Education, Teaching in Exceptional Student Education, and English Education.  A brief overview of admissions processes, financial aid, and other services will also be available. Attendees will be given a campus tour and will have the opportunity to meet with Academic Advisors who will discuss prerequisites, transcripts and other pertinent details.

Registration can be found by visiting www.usfsm.edu/admissions and clicking on the event link.  Questions about USFSM can be directed to 941-359-4330 or kjander2@sar.usf.edu.

Three faculty members awarded for excellence at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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Three faculty members at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) have recently been awarded for excellence. Nominations were solicited from a variety of people for each award, including students, deans and faculty members.

Eleven nominations were submitted for the Excellence in Teaching Award and Dr. Anurag Agarwal, Associate Professor of Information Systems/Decision Sciences in the College of Business, was selected from those nominees by the Faculty Senate’s Awards & Rewards Committee for his diligence, creativity, and his ability to successfully teach some of the more difficult courses offered at USFSM.  Dr. Agarwal was also recognized for his assistance to other faculty members looking to strengthen their own teaching.

The Excellence in Research Award nominees were selected by USFSM faculty members and deans.  Five faculty members were nominated and Dr. Jim Unnever, Professor of Criminology in the College of Arts & Sciences, was selected based on his extensive body of research, the fact that his research has been cited by other researchers over 1300 times, his publications in the top journals in his field, and his ongoing research work.

The Excellence in Service Award encompassed service to the university, service to the academic discipline, and service to the community. Nominations were solicited from all of the members of the USFSM community for this award. There were eight nominees for this one and Dr. Elizabeth Larkin, Professor of Childhood Education in the College of Education, was selected by the committee for her extensive contributions to USF as a faculty governance leader, her consistent service as a journal editor and reviewer over the years, and for her work with children in the local community through Schools and the Big Brothers-Big Sisters organization.

The awarded faculty members were announced at a Faculty & Staff Recognition event held on campus.

University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Alumnus Awarded a Fulbright Research Postgraduate Grant

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Michael Jones, an alumnus of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s College of Education has been awarded a Fulbright Research postgraduate grant to Laos. The Fulbright grant will cover the costs of round-trip transportation to Laos and maintenance for the academic year.

Jones received his Master’s Degree in Teaching from the USF Sarasota-Manatee in 2007. He is the executive director of Open Equal Free (OEF), a not for profit he established that works to improve the quality of education in the developing world. OEF connects educational professionals to lesson plans, news, information, networking opportunities and other resources. He has served on the board of directors for a local and national nonprofit in the US, taught for six years both in the US and abroad, and worked as a teacher trainer and education consultant for an NGO in Cambodia. Jones has given presentations on developing curricula for the developing world in Singapore, on rethinking Education for Development, in Cambodia, and on the power of the open content movement at TEDx.

“I’m so excited to have been awarded a Fulbright grant,” said Jones. “Not only is it a tremendous honor, but it will allow me to continue my work on improving the quality of education in the developing world. I’ve always thought, and research repeatedly shows, that education is a vital key for improving one’s life. I feel so lucky to be empowered to spend a year helping to improve lives in Laos, and hope to make my work adaptable and usable in countries all over the world.”

The Fulbright research grant will allow Jones to travel to Laos and research educational practices being implemented in Laotian schools and the effectiveness of NGOs at influencing and improving pedagogy in the schools they work with. He will be looking at how well modern educational practices are being adapted for Laotian schools and what difficulties teachers and NGOs face in adapting them. Jones will be working with both Open Equal Free and Child’s Dream to connect with schools and create resources (lesson plans, learning materials, and activities) designed to improve education and teacher quality in Laos.

“Michael has a strong commitment to Open Education Resources and Creative Commons licensing. He is successfully working to meet the educational needs of children in rural Cambodia, but in a much larger sense, he is a leader in modeling how effective education is practiced in the 21st Century,” said Dr. Rebecca Burns, Asst. Professor of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) USFSM College of Education and one of his former professors.

The Office of National Scholarships identifies, recruits and mentors high achieving students to apply for national merit scholarships across all disciplines. The scholarships and fellowships are for creative, motivated and academically strong students who are leaders in and out of the classroom.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. The Program operates in over 155 countries worldwide. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is administered by the Institute of International Education.

Three awardees to be recognized at USF Sarasota-Manatee Commencement on May 6

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On Sunday, May 6, 2012, two students and one professor will be recognized during the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s (USFSM) Commencement ceremony at the Manatee Convention Center for outstanding achievements.

Kate Shackelford, a senior graduating with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, has been selected to receive the Golden Bull Service and Outstanding Leadership Award, presented by USFSM’s Student Government Association.  As President of the PRIDE (Promoting, Recruiting, Increasing Diverse Educators) Club on campus, Kate played an active and hands-on roll in her education.  She held internships at both Ballard Elementary School and Rogers Garden Elementary School during her time as a student and hopes to obtain full time employment locally now that she has graduated.  As a result of Kate’s leadership, PRIDE has volunteered at events like the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival and organized a Homecoming Dress Drive with Southeast High School to allow students to have access to dresses for school dances.  Kate also works part-time by giving private horse riding lessons to youth and is a Big Sister with the Big Brother, Big Sister organization of Manatee County and helped facilitate a partnership between the organization and PRIDE.

Shawna Machado, a senior graduating with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, was chosen as this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Award.  This award is presented by the Alumni Association.  Working on plans to study abroad on a Fulbright Scholarship before returning to USF Sarasota-Manatee for a Master’s Degree, Shawna embodies outstanding in more ways than one.  A member of the Social Justice Initiative, the Psychology Club and the Sarasota School of Social Justices, she also works as a Family Advocate for Hope Family Services and volunteers in the community on top of maintaining her status as a full time student.  She is passionate about serving the underserved, working with victims of abuse and homelessness, and speaking for those who do not have a voice.

Professor Ross Alander, Senior Lecturer in Management Studies for the College of Business, has been selected by the students as the Spring 2012 Outstanding Professor.  He has an extensive and comprehensive background in Human Resources and Organizational Development in health care, the auto industry, professional employer organizations, with service companies, with professional groups, the public sector and not for profits.  Ross has held a number of management/leadership positions at the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors, including being a factory (foreman) supervisor.  Moving into the area of health care, he served as Personnel Administrative Manager of E.W. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing (Michigan) and as Vice President of Human Resources at Lansing General Hospital (Michigan), then for 10 years as the Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development for Tampa General Hospital, where he led a team of 200 members.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in social science and economics and a master’s degree in Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University and recently attended the Program on Negotiations at Harvard Law.

Florida Teacher Evaluations Discussion to be held April 27

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On Friday, April 27, 2012, local teachers, administrators, and those considering careers in education are invited to attend “Florida Teacher Evaluations: Your Job Depends on It” from 4-6:30pm in the Selby Auditorium at USF Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM), 8350 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.  Hosted by USFSM’s College of Education, this event will feature local Principals from Manatee, Sarasota and Pasco counties who will discuss the Teacher Evaluation Model adopted in Florida and how it is interpreted in each district.

The event is free and open to the public, but due to limited seating an RSVP is required.  A link to the RSVP form can be found by visiting the College of Education website at www.sarasota.usf.edu/COE.  Questions about the event can be emailed to Dr. Marie Byrd-Blake, an Assistant Professor in the College of Education, at mbyrdblake@sar.usf.edu.  This event is also serving as the West Central Symposium for FATE (Florida Association of Teacher Educators.)

5th grade students invited to (SM)2ART Fair at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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On March 3, 2012 the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will host the (SM)2ART Fair for 5th grade students.  (SM)2ART stands for Sarasota-Manatee Sensational Mathematical Art and was developed by Dr. Patricia Hunsader, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Children’s Literature in the College of Education (COE) at USFSM along with a team of USFSM students majoring in Education at the university.

“At the USF (SM)2ART Fair, math, art, and fun will collide in an array of neon,” said Dr. Hunsader.  “Fifth-graders will experience over twenty-five hands-on mathematical art projects that allow them to explore shapes, symmetry, optical illusions, pop-ups, fractals, origami and more. This is math like you’ve never seen it – engaging, exciting, motivating…..and educational, too!”

This free event for 5th grade students will take place at USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail from 9:30-12:30pm on Saturday, March 3rd.  Space at the event will be limited and pre-registration is required.  The online registration form can be found at www.sarasota.usf.edu/smart.  Once registration is full, a waiting list will be developed.  Questions about the smart fair can be emailed to Dr. Hunsader at hunsader@sar.usf.edu.

The College of Education at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is home to undergraduate and graduate programs preparing those who enter the field of education as teachers and administrators as well as professionals who can assume roles in business, industry, and the non-profit sector related to education.  Our graduates are in demand throughout the state and region for their excellent preparation to impact learning.  The USF College of Education has been continuously accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  To receive national accreditation, a college must meet the six NCATE standards.

5th grade students invited to (SM)2ART Fair at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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On March 3, 2012 the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will host the (SM)2ART Fair for 5th grade students.  (SM)2ART stands for Sarasota-Manatee Sensational Mathematical Art and was developed by Dr. Patricia Hunsader, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Children’s Literature in the College of Education (COE) at USFSM along with a team of USFSM students majoring in Education at the university.

“At the USF (SM)2ART Fair, math, art, and fun will collide in an array of neon,” said Dr. Hunsader.  “Fifth-graders will experience over twenty-five hands-on mathematical art projects that allow them to explore shapes, symmetry, optical illusions, pop-ups, fractals, origami and more. This is math like you’ve never seen it – engaging, exciting, motivating…..and educational, too!”

This free event for 5th grade students will take place at USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail from 9:30-12:30pm on Saturday, March 3rd.  Space at the event will be limited and pre-registration is required.  The online registration form can be found at www.sarasota.usf.edu/smart.  Once registration is full, a waiting list will be developed.  Questions about the smart fair can be emailed to Dr. Hunsader at hunsader@sar.usf.edu.

The College of Education at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is home to undergraduate and graduate programs preparing those who enter the field of education as teachers and administrators as well as professionals who can assume roles in business, industry, and the non-profit sector related to education.  Our graduates are in demand throughout the state and region for their excellent preparation to impact learning.  The USF College of Education has been continuously accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  To receive national accreditation, a college must meet the six NCATE standards.

Community members tapped for PAInT Advisory Board at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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Several members of the community involved in either arts, education or both have been asked to join the PAInT (Partnerships for Arts Integrated Teaching) Advisory Board for the College of Education (COE) at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM).  The group has been tasked with making local connections that will help the College of Education (COE) begin developing curriculum centered on arts infusion.

Dr. Elizabeth Larkin, Professor of Childhood Education in the COE is the lead for this new initiative and is excited about what it will mean for students, both at the University and in the local schools.  “Our USFSM College of Education graduates will benefit from the faculty partnering with a variety of arts organizations and collaboratively exploring effective curriculum design and strategies for enhancing learning,” she said.  “We are focused on developing critical and imaginative literacies to help students listen carefully to different perspectives, reflect on professional practices, find innovative solutions by reframing problems, and express ideas with clarity and conviction. We will be documenting our work, and using the outcomes to build our programs.”

While the initiative is still in its early stages, the university has already incorporated several activities and events to its annual agenda that help make PAInT a reality.  In early February, the Children’s Literature Symposium, in its 6th year, will bring together educators for a two day workshop exploring variants in children’s media.  Then, in early March, 5th graders from around the county are invited to participate in the SMART Fair on campus, an event that allows students to make the connections between math and art by participating in hands on activities.  These events, along with classroom curriculum, faculty brainstorming sessions and involvement by the local arts community will continue to unfold this initiative.

“PAInT really does set us apart,” said Dr. Terry Osborn, Dean of the College of Education.  “It’s going to allow our students the opportunity, through their internships and teaching in the local schools, to take advantage of the tremendous resources we have in this community and take those to the classroom.  It will create a learning environment in our local schools like none other.  We are very excited about that.”

Members of the PAInT Advisory Board are: Shelly Dorfman with the Lincoln Center Institute; Nancy Roucher, a member of the Arts Education Task Force; Stephen Miles, Provost, New College of Florida; Judy Sedgeman, newly appointed Director at Manatee Tiger Bay; Johnette Isham, Executive Director of Realize Bradenton; Elizabeth Power, Executive Director of the Perlman Music Program/Suncoast; Robert Warren, Director of Education and Community Engagement at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; Gregory Chesnut, Director of Music at First Congregational Church; Angela Hartvigsen, Fine Arts Program Specialist for the School Board of Sarasota County; and Sherry Lawrence, Curriculum Specialist, K-12 Arts & Gifted Education Director and Project STAGE for Manatee County Schools.

Recently COE faculty participated in a one day retreat led by Shelly Dorfman and Nancy Roucher where they were submerged into arts integrated learning.  The retreat utilized books, artwork, music and creative discussion to help the faculty members grasp how impactful arts integrated teaching can be.  Due to the successful nature of the discussion and experiences at the retreat, the COE has scheduled a follow up meeting to continue in their discussions and to begin to work through how these new tools will be integrated into their own teaching.

The College of Education at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is home to undergraduate and graduate programs preparing those who enter the field of education as teachers and administrators as well as professionals who can assume roles in business, industry, and the non-profit sector related to education.  Our graduates are in demand throughout the state and region for their excellent preparation to impact learning.  The USF College of Education has been continuously accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  To receive national accreditation, a college must meet the six NCATE standards.

Sixth Annual Children’s Literature Symposium to be held at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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Registration is now open for the 6th Annual Children’s Literature Symposium at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) to be held on Friday and Saturday, February 3rd and 4th.  This year, the Children’s Literature Symposium brings together presenters from across the United States and internationally who address the topic of “variants” in children’s and young adult literature and media: books with plots that build upon folklore or other previously written tales.

The Keynote Speaker for this year’s symposium is Dr. Perry Nodelman: Professor Emeritus at the University of Winnipeg; author of Words About Pictures: The Narrative Art of Children’s Picture Books, The Pleasures of Children’s Literature (with co-author, Mavis Reimer), and The Hidden Adult: Defining Children’s Literature.

“The Children’s Literature Symposium highlights one of the most effective ways to have a positive impact on a child’s educational future: reading,” said Dr. Terry Osborn, Dean & Professor in the College of Education at USFSM.  “The College of Education is pleased to sponsor the symposium, offering insights to scholars and teachers, both current and future, and bringing internationally-known expertise to Sarasota and Bradenton as only a hometown research university can do.”

Registration includes light lunch, snacks/beverages on Friday, as well as continental breakfast, lunch, snacks/beverages throughout the day Saturday.  More information about the Children’s Literature Symposium can be found online at www.sarasota.usf.edu/academics/coe/ where online registration is also hosted.  Questions can also be directed to Diane Lewis in the College of Education at 941-359-4217.

The College of Education at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is home to undergraduate and graduate programs preparing those who enter the field of education as teachers and administrators as well as professionals who can assume roles in business, industry, and the non-profit sector related to education.  Our graduates are in demand throughout the state and region for their excellent preparation to impact learning.  The USF College of Education has been continuously accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  To receive national accreditation, a college must meet the six NCATE standards.