Favorite Part of Being a Professor?
I love seeing my students get excited about working with children. I think my FAVORITE part is getting an email or text from a teacher candidate or one of our alumni asking for ideas for lessons, help with a particular student need, or just to share something that went well in their own classrooms! We are small enough to truly know our students. I can establish a personal connection with my students that goes beyond just the content in the classroom.
What Makes Mount Union Standout?
Our teacher candidates start gaining experience in local classrooms during their first year at UMU. They are placed in a variety of schools within the community, providing them with hands-on, practical experience in urban, suburban, and rural educational settings. We have established strong partnerships with many local school districts and meet regularly with school leaders to stay informed about current educational issues and gather valuable feedback. Additionally, our program is small enough to allow us to know each student personally and provide individualized support throughout their journey to becoming effective educators.
Interesting Research as a Faculty Member
For the past several years, I have dedicated significant time to researching the science of reading and dyslexia. My commitment to advancing my knowledge and expertise in these areas has led me to achieve LETRS certification, complete Orton-Gillingham training, and become a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP). Additionally, I served as part of the team responsible for developing the Ohio Department of Higher Education Literacy Standards. This ongoing research continues to inform my practices and reinforces my dedication to improving literacy instruction for both educators and students.