College of Education News
2021 Articles
- NSU ranked #9 for Best Online Master's in Educational Leadership
- COE Student Named Fall 2021 Outstanding Graduate
- Annual SNAG Tournament Raises Money for Scholarships
- NSU Early Childhood Program Ranked in Top 100 Most Affordable
- COE Associate Dean Receives 2021 Barry University Distinguished Alumni Award
- COE Alum Publishes Fiction Series
- COE Dean Receives Distinguished Service Award
- Guthrie Named Interim Superintendent of Western Heights
- Dr. Meagan Moreland Shows How to Make an Active Volcano at Home on NewsOn6
- NSU Grad to Lead Houston School District as Superintendent
- COE Alum Named Oklahoma 2021 - 20 under 2 honoree
- NSU Education Degrees Selected 2021 Most Affordable
- COE Alum Named Asst Superintendent/Office Administrator of the Year
- Faculty & Staff Acknowledged at 2021 NSU Employee Recognition Reception
- COE Faculty & Students Receive DaVinci Institute Awards
- Armstrong named among 2021 NSU Centurions
- NSU Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education ranked #42 in nation
- Alum Featured for Inquiry-Based teaching in 5th Grade Reading & Social Studies classes
NSU ranked #9 for Best Online Master's in Educational Leadership
The team at Best Accredited Colleges has released their 2021 rankings, and Northeastern State University has been ranked #9 on out list Best Online Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership!
Best Accredited Colleges create guides and school rankings with student education
in mind, and this list will help potential students learn about Northeastern State University's excellent offerings. Hundreds of institutions across the country were considered, and ranked Northeastern State University using data around financial aid awards, the quality of education, faculty, campus resources, and more.
Click here to find the full list of rankings.
December 2021
COE Student Named Fall 2021 Outstanding Graduate
"With the recent health crisis causing chaos and confusion in not only everyday life but also education, Susana identified specific areas of concern for students at the Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB). To address these concerns, Susana joined the technology committee at OSB to support the school as it worked to equitably distribute accessible digital resources and assistive technology to maximize student potential by meeting their developmental needs. During the pandemic, the focus of many schools was to get every student connected. She noticed that students were randomly assigned devices without input from teachers who work with them on a daily basis. One device does not work for every student. The technology committee stepped in to communicate with administrators, teachers, students, and the IT department to develop procedures for purchasing and distributing appropriate technology to meet the individual needs of each student.
"Susana’s willingness to implement what she has learned has enabled her to design an engaging library environment at OSB that supports the school's curriculum and meets students' developmental, cultural, linguistic, and social needs. We are so proud of her dedication to the field of librarianship and to students with visual impairments."
Pictured Above: Susana Jackson, Fall 2021 Outstanding Graduate
Annual SNAG Tournament Raises Money for Scholarships
The College of Education began hosting SNAG, the family friendly golf tournament, as a scholarship fundraiser event in 2013. This years event was held on September 10, 2021. Teams consist of five players with six teams competing in the morning and six teams in the afternoon. Registration fees are $125 per player. Hole sponsorships are available at $500 for gold, $250 for silver, and $150 bronze. Individuals can sign up as a team, as a sponsor, or as an individual player.
This year, BancFirst and Armstrong Bank tied for first place. All proceeds from the event go directly to an endowment for student scholarships.
Pictured above:
TOP/ Vanessa Anton, Dean of the College of Education (far right), presented a commemorative
plaque to BancFirst (Mindy Baker and Josh Stafford).
BOTTOM/ Armstrong Bank (Bobby McAlpine).
We appreciate our community partners so much, and these scholarships make such a difference in student lives.
If you are interested in learning more, or would like to participate in the future, contact Vanessa Anton at anton@nsuok.edu.
September 2021
NSU Early Childhood Program Ranked in Top 100 Most Affordable
UniversityHQ has ranked NSU's Early Childhood program as #35 most affordable Early Childhood Education programs in the country.
"When seeking an affordable early childhood education college degree, there are more factors in play than mere cost. Other factors can include the overall reputation and quality of education, whether the classes are online or in classrooms, and the academic focus of the program."
Click here to read UniversityHQ's full ranking report.
September 2021
COE AsSOCIATE DEAN RECEIVES 2021 BARRY UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Dr. Lisa Bisogno, College of Education Associate Dean, was one of five recipients of the 2021 Barry University Distinguished Alumni Award for her collaborative service.
Since 2007, Barry University has paid tribute to outstanding graduates via the Distinguished Alumni Awards, the highest and most prestigious honor that Barry bestows upon its graduates.
The awards are presented to select Barry graduates who have made significant contributions to their professions and/or community, and who consistently demonstrate Barry’s Core Commitments of Knowledge and Truth; Inclusive Community, Social Justice, and Collaborative Service through their daily lives.
She will be honored at Barry University in November. Click here to read more.
October 2021
COE Alum Publishes Fiction Series
Ashley Roepel (BA Psychology '13) recently published Path of the Spiders, the third installment in an eight-book epic fantasy series called Thread of Souls that is based on the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. The series blends swords and sorcery, dragons and mythical creatures, and fully realized locations that take your breath away. From the desert wastelands of the Expanse, down the twisting caverns of the Deep Hollows, through the beautiful streets of the Elven capital city, and all the way to the icy tundra home of the Citadel.
Roepel states, "my psychology education helped me understand characters and situations I write [about] better." Roepel attended the Broken Arrow campus. She plans to release the fourth installment of the series in Summer 2022.
Click here for information about the series
September 2021
COE DEAN RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Dr. Vanessa Anton, Dean of the College of Education, was presented the Oklahoma Association of Colleges for Teacher Education's annual Distinguished Service Award for her service in educator preparation.
She received the award at OACTE's deans/directors meeting in Oklahoma City on August 27, 2021.
August 2021
Guthrie Named Interim Superintendent of Western Heights
Monty Guthrie (B.S. '90, M.Ed. School Administration '04) has been name interim superintendent of Western Heights Public Schools in Oklahoma City. Guthrie has 26 years of experience in education, and will lead development of an intervention plan to correct noncompliance and deficiencies identified within the district.
“Monty is a visionary leader with a track record of unifying staff and developing positive relationships within the school community,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.
Click here to read the full story
July 2021
Dr. Meagan Moreland shows how to make an active volcano at home on newson6
Dr. Meagan Moreland joined the News On 6 team on Thursday afternoon to share a fun hands-on volcano-themed activity for kids.
Watch the video clip on newson6.com
June 2021
NSU Grad to Lead Houston School District as Superintendent
Millard House (NSU M.Ed. School Administration, '98) was recently named the new superintendent of Houston Independent School District in Houston.
With about 30,000 employees who serve more than 200,000 students in 276 schools, Houston ISD is more than five times larger than the Clarksville, Tennessee school district. It’s the largest school district in Texas and seventh largest in the nation.
House is a Tulsa, Oklahoma native with nearly three decades of education and nonprofit experience. Before he was named CMCSS director of schools, he served as an executive consultant and executive director of New Leaders Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also served as the chief operating officer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System in Charlotte and deputy superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools.
Millard House pictured above
Click here to see full article
May 2021
COE Alum Named Oklahoma 2021 - 20 under 2 honoree
Kaitlin Wright (Elementary Education, '19) was chosen as a 2021 20 Under 2 honoree.
The Teaching & Leading Initiative of Oklahoma has honored twenty of the top novice teachers in the state in the third annual 20 Under 2 Novice Teaching Awards, a list of promising new Oklahoma teachers. The 20 Under 2 award celebrates emerging teachers who are setting the educational pace for Oklahoma students and make Oklahoma’s future look bright.
Ms. Wright teaches 2nd grade at Okmulgee Primary School. Wright emphasizes the importance of emotional safety as a prerequisite to learning. “Children learn best when they are comfortable and loved. I try my hardest to give every student a place to feel safe, loved, valued, but also to learn and have fun!” Ms. Wright was selected because of her outstanding instructional skills and her deep commitment to students, families and community.
This year's 20 Under 2 honorees will receive a $250 gift certificate to Magic City Books to purchase books for their classroom or professional development along with a few other gift items.
Kaitlin Wright pictured above
Click here for full list of 2021 20 Under 2 Honorees
May 2021
NSU education degrees selected 2021 most affordable
Education Degree online has selected Northeastern State University's education programs as most affordable in the West South Central U.S. (TOLA States).
Click here to see full list on Education Degree website
May 2021
COE ALUM named asst. superintendent/office administrator of the year
Former College of Education graduate, Sharon Ballew ('79, '83) was named by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators as the 2021 OASA District 11 Assistant Superintendent/Central Office Administrator of the Year.
Ms. Ballew currently serves as the Director of Federal Programs at Tenkiller Public Schools and has been employed there since 1992. Her involvement in the district has includes grant writing, the Oklahoma Alliance of Boys & Girls Club, and the Oklahoma Association for Bilingual Education.
"Sharon Ballew is among the best of Oklahoma administrators. We are excited and proud to recognize these outstanding leaders," Dr. Pam Deering, OASA executive director.
Click here to read the full article from Tahlequah Daily Press
May 2021
faculty & staff acknowledged at 2021 NSU employee recognition reception
Several College of Education faculty and staff members were acknowledged at this year's Employee Recognition Reception and Presentation, held on Thursday, April 29. Congratulations to all of this year's awardees, nominees, and retirees!
FACULTY MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Dr. Ingrid Massey, Director of the NSU Broken Arrow Reading and Literacy Center, received the Graduate Faculty Mentor of the Year Award.
The mission of the Faculty Mentor program is to enhance the educational experience of NSU students by supporting advising and mentoring activities in order to improve student academic achievement, recruitment, retention, graduation rates, career/professional development and post-graduate education. As part of the Faculty Mentor program, recognition is extended each year to an outstanding undergraduate and graduate faculty member. NSU students provided nominations for this year's outstanding faculty mentors and were chosen by a select committee.
Dr. MooSong Kim, Department Chair of Health & Kinesiology, was also nominated.
STAR AWARD
Lori Riley, Academic Advisor II for College of Education in Broken Arrow, and Lois Buttress, COE Certification Coordinator, were both nominated for the STAR award.
Since 2011 Staff Council has formed a committee to recognize and honor staff members who excel and demonstrate star qualities: Service, Teamwork, Attitude, Reliability and a strong commitment to the values of Northeastern State University: Integrity, Collaboration, Creativity, Leadership, Excellence, Communication, and Diversity.
YEARS OF SERVICE
Dr. Sally Armstrong, Professor in the Clinical Education department of Curriculum & Instruction, and Mrs. Lois Buttress, Teacher Certification Coordinator, were both honored with pins for 40 years of service at NSU. Congratulations and thank you for your years of service!
RETIREMENTS
COE extends congratulations and warm regards to those retiring this year:
Margaret Dobbs, Health & Kinesiology
Dr. Cindi Fries, Curriculum & Instruction
Dr. Judy Moody, Educational Leadership
April 2021
COE Faculty & Students Receive DaVinci Institute Awards
- Sarah Ramsey, Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction
- Jericho Hobson, Assistant Professor of Curriculum & Instruction
- Meagan Moreland, Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction
- Anne Heine, Student, B.S.Ed. Special Education ('21)
- Amber Quammen, Student, B.S.Ed. Elementary Education ('21)
Pictured above: Dr. Sarah Ramsey
Pictured above: Dr. Jericho Hobson
Pictured above: Dr. Meagan Moreland
Pictured above: Anne Heine
Pictured above: Amber Quammen
Click here to learn more about NSU's DaVinci Awards
March 2021
Armstrong NAMED AMONG 2021 NSU Centurions
Dr. Sally Armstrong, Professor of Curriculum & Instruction, was named among the 2021 NSU Centurions. Also among the 2021 list was Gene Frusher, who was awarded posthumously. Dr. Susan Frusher, recently retired Professor of Educational Leadership, accepted the award on his behalf.
The Centurion honor is awarded annually to 10 members of the Northeastern State University family alumni, faculty, staff, and students who impacted the life of the nominator, the Northeastern community, or the public at large. This award is for individuals whose leadership and commitment, in the course of helping others, has allowed them to make a significant impact in the past 100 years of NSU's history.
See NSU website for past winners.
March 2021
NSU Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education ranked #42 in nation
Study.com has published its 2021 rankings, and Northeastern State University has been ranked #42 on the list of Best Bachelor's Degrees in Early Childhood Education!
Over 40 million visitors per month use Study.com to research potential schools, degrees,
and careers, and this list will help Study.com users and NSU potential students learn
about Northeastern State University's excellent offerings. To compile the list, Study.com
considered hundreds of universities across the country and selected Northeastern State
University based on academic and career resources, the quality of education, faculty,
and more.
March 2021
Alum Featured for Inquiry-Based teaching in 5th Grade Reading & Social Studies classes
Traeton Dansby, recipient of Teach2Reach and 2020 graduate of the College of Education, was recently recognized in the Tahlequah Daily Press for incorporating inquiry-based teaching in his 5th grade Reading and Social Studies classes. His students at Heritage Elementary School conducted a mock trial to debate the role that key figures in the American Revolution had in the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party.
Dansby began developing the project while an undergraduate in the Elementary Education program in Dr. Benn-Duke's Social Studies Strategies. "Seeing it come to fruition was so cool. I am so appreciative for the high quality education I received by the College of Ed. You all have such an outstanding program that fully equipped me to work in the classroom. Classes like Dr. Benn-Duke's are so rich with valuable information, I continue to use what I was taught in her class and others on a daily basis. I am forever appreciative of NSU's COE!"
Read the full story here: Heritage students 'acquit' American Revolution pair
March 2021
