Idaho State University College of Education Magazine Spring 2023

Education Review BENGAL

FORGING FUTURES

Inside the College of Education’s mission of changing lives through the power of education

WELCOME TO IDAHO

STATE UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Message from the Dean:

Forging futures and changing lives through education is core to the Idaho State University College of Education’s mission.

The College takes great pride in supporting our students inside and outside the classroom and endeavors to provide them with high-impact experiences, including undergraduate research, applied learning, internships and externships, hands-on experiences, and diverse opportunities that will help to elevate them in their future careers. I am incredibly proud of the work we do in the College of Education and the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni this year.

In this issue of the Bengal Education Review, we share stories of the ways in which our College of Education community is creating new pathways and inspiring the next generation of learners. First, we are proud to be home to Idaho’s only school psychology program that is fulfilling a critical mental health care gap between homes and schools in Idaho. Second, we are excited to continue to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that take them outside the classroom, including attending the National Association for Educational Communications and Technology Conference and assisting with the National Football Foundation’s College Football Awards. Lastly, we share stories of the power of giving back by providing twelve exceptional first-year teaching and educational studies students full-tuition Teachers for Tomorrow scholarships, while also sharing our Bengal pride by providing over 200 Southeast Idaho teachers free ISU gear to make their classrooms roar.

To our alumni and friends of the College, thank you for your continued interest, engagement, and support of future generations of Bengals. The future of the College of Education is bright, and you are integral to our continued success.

As always, I would love to hear from you, so please call (208) 282-4143 or email me at jeanmcgivneyburel@isu.edu.

Jean McGivney-Burelle, PhD

Table of Contents

The Welcome Wagon

Dr. David Wiley

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference

Learning for Leadership

Cultivating Connects at AECT Conference

Protecting the Players

Celebrating Women in Sports

Energizing Esport

Teachers for Tomorrow Scholarship

Southeast Idaho Retired Educators Donation

Forging Futures: School Psychology

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Sharing Our Bengal Pride

4th Graders Visit the College of Education

Student of the Game: Alumnus Enters NFL

Carving a New Path

Alumni Feature: Kimberly Lewis

Networking on the National Level

Making a Difference

College of Education Scholarships

College of Education Graduate Programs

Education Review BENGAL

The Bengal Education Review magazine is a bi-annual publication that explores the College of Education people and programs. It is our hope that through this publication you will get to know more about our college, that you will celebrate our successes with us, and that you will stay engaged with the College of Education. The Bengal Education Review magazine is distributed to 12,500 alumni, friends, and donors nationwide. Please send comments, feedback, and story ideas to coemarketing@isu.edu.

Our Leadership Team

Dr. Jean McGivney-Burelle, Dean

Dr. Esther Ntuli, Associate Dean

Dr. Emma Wood, Assistant Dean of Educator Preparation

Tabatha Butler, Philanthropic Advisor

Aubi Moon, Director of Marketing and Communications

Magazine Contributors

A special thanks to the following contributors to this edition of the Bengal Education Review magazine: Laurel Owens, Laura McRae, Sheldon Harris, Raylene Houck, and Amy Leavitt.

On the Cover

Grace Lutheran Elementary School students alongside College of Education Dean Jean McGivney-Burelle.

Dean and Professor College of Education

by Laurel Owens

THE WELCOME WAGON

IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY’S

In the Fall 2022 semester, Shad Robinson moved into a new position as a clinical instructor at the Idaho State University College of Education. Shad has served as the lab coordinator for the Human Performance Lab at ISU since 2017 and will continue in that role as a clinical instructor for the Human Performance and Sport Studies Department (HPSS).

Shad is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and he plans to continue to research areas related to strength and athletic performance in his new role. He is also dedicated to growing as an instructor, saying, “I want to continue to refine my teaching and lecturing techniques to communicate best the knowledge and skills our students will need to have successful careers.” Shad has extensive hands-on experience in strength and conditioning, having worked with athletes since 2012, and started his own consulting business in 2020, and he hopes to share what he’s learned with students pursuing careers in the same field.

Shad earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education with an emphasis in exercise science and his master’s degree in athletic administration from ISU and served as a strength and conditioning intern and a graduate teaching assistant in his time as a student. He has strong roots within the HPSS Department, and as an ISU graduate, he has a unique connection to his students.

In his free time, Shad coaches young athletes to build strength, mobility, speed, and overall athleticism. He’s an avid outdoorsman and spends as much time as possible in the mountains biking, hiking, snowmobiling, and fishing.

Dr. Susan Kater joined Idaho State University as an associate professor of higher education during the Fall 2022 semester.

Sue is a dedicated scholar in the field of higher education administration, having served the Maricopa Community Colleges in various administrative roles for 30 years. Her scholarly research focuses on faculty and shared governance within community colleges, and she is currently serving as a co-principal investigator on the largest study of community college trustees in over 25 years. Sue has also served as the national president of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges, a consultant for the League for Innovation in the Community College, and as a member of the editorial boards for the Community College Review, and New Directions for Community Colleges.

In her current role at ISU, Sue works to support students in both an educational and personal capacity. “I understand some of the challenges our students may face balancing competing priorities while pursuing their degrees, and I applaud them for it,” she said. She recalls pursuing her doctoral degree in her late 30’s which required her to drive four hours round trip to attend classes every week while working full-time and raising two children. Sue hopes to continue supporting and celebrating students for their determination to pursue their degrees.

Sue enjoys spending time outdoors as well as with her family and friends. She is also a late-blooming avid concert-goer and has seen Queen, Elton John, Journey, Earth Wind & Fire, and several other performers live, saying, “Yes, re-enjoying the music of my youth!”

DR. DAVID WILEY

ISU WELCOMES DISTINGUISHED ADJUNCT INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY PROFESSOR

by Aubi Moon

In the Spring 2023 semester, the Idaho State University College of Education welcomed Dr. David Wiley, PhD, who will be an adjunct professor for the ISU Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) program. Wiley will teach one section of EDLT 6680: Special Topics in Instructional Design. The course will focus on entrepreneurship, and students will learn the Lean Startup methodology and engage with entrepreneurship as a scientific process. Wiley is also teaching the course for Brigham Young University, and the students from both graduate programs will take the course together.

Wiley brings a wealth of knowledge to ISU, including an extensive background in teaching instructional design, open education, instructional psychology and technology, and social entrepreneurship.

He is generally regarded as the founder of the Open Education Resources movement, has received a National Science Foundation CAREER grant, was appointed as the Nonresident Fellow in the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School, and is a Shuttleworth Fellow. In 2019, Wiley was also named by Fast Company as one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business.

In addition, Wiley currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer of Lumen Learning, a company dedicated to increasing student success, reinvigorating pedagogy, and improving the affordability of education. He is also the President of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, an Education Fellow at Creative Commons, has been a tenured associate professor at two institutions, and is the Entrepreneur in Residence at Marshall University.

The IDT program helps individuals learn better and achieve success by creating and supporting accessible, dynamic learning environments that are personalized to how individuals retain information. We are excited to welcome Dr. Wiley to this new position.

Shad Robinson

Dr. Sue Kater

Nurturing Belonging

The Idaho State University College of Education Hosts the 2022 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education Conference

Feminist Pedagogy – instructional practices that are based on concepts from Feminist Theory – focuses on eliminating biases and promoting diversity through learning and understanding diverse experiences. Sinha states that this pedagogical approach focuses on individuals’ experiences rather than their attributes and identities, building a learning environment in which every idea and opinion is valued equally.

Other talks at the conference included the benefits of increasing rural high school students’ exposure to diversity, how and why we might measure cultural competency, and methods for supporting multilingual students in general education classrooms.

There were close to 100 students, staff members, faculty members, and educators who attended this year’s conference. ISU College of Education and the DEI conference organizers and presenters hope to continue to

help educators learn new methods of creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment in the coming years.

“The faculty, staff, and students in the College of Education are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment. We are dedicated to preparing future teachers and school leaders who will promote equity and justice in their classrooms, schools, and greater community. This conference is an opportunity for all of us to explore critical issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion, to learn from one another, and to renew our commitment to being positive change agents in our community,” said College of Education Dean Jean McGivney-Burelle.

To learn more about the annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education Conference, visit isu.edu/education

by Laurel

It is the responsibility of educators not only to teach future generations but also to guide them safely into the vast and diverse world. But where do you start? What are the best practices? How do you expand your worldview enough to expand theirs? These are the challenges the Idaho State University College of Education aims to address in the annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education conference (DEI).

The 2022 DEI conference took place in late October 2022 and featured nine diverse presenters and keynote speaker Dr. Sheldon L. Eakins. The theme of this year’s conference was “Nurturing Belonging Among Diverse People and Spaces,” and Eakins led the conference with a talk on building culturally responsive teaching practices. Eakins is the founder of the Leading Equity Center, host of the Leading Equity Podcast, and author of the book Leading Equity: Becoming an Advocate for all Students

His time in education has taken him to different and unfamiliar settings and introduced him to diverse groups of students. From those experiences, Eakins has learned the value of diversity and the power of apologies.

To Eakins, culturally responsive practices are rooted in an educator’s ability to admit, apologize for, and learn from their mistakes. Educators who value diversity should seek out situations that will expand their cultural awareness, and in unfamiliar settings and scenarios, it is easy to stumble into accidental insensitivity. Eakins asserts that the important thing is not to avoid making mistakes but instead to act with confidence and address the mistakes you do make.

Other speakers included Suparna Sinha, a PhD student at ISU and a graduate student instructor for the ISU Department of English and Philosophy. Sinha discussed Feminist Pedagogy as a framework for creating diverse and culturally responsive classrooms.

Owens

Dr. Sheldon L. Eakins was the keynote speaker at the 2022 DEI Conference.

Learning for Leadership

The Human Resource Development program allows students to earn a master’s degree in a highly desirable field on their own time

by Aubi Moon

Finding the time for education is one of the greatest challenges graduate students face. The Idaho State University Human Resource Development (HRD) program, which offers fully online, asynchronous courses, strives to accommodate working professionals from all walks of life. Through the HRD program, students with a bachelor’s degree can earn their master’s degree at a pace that works for them, allowing them to further their education while balancing the demands of their careers and personal lives.

Because of the flexibility and affordability that the ISU College of Education offers, the HRD program has seen an increase in enrollment from students inside and outside of Idaho who want to become leaders in the workplace. Among those students is Megan Lundberg, who lives in Rwanda, Africa, and works in P-12 education as a college and career counselor. Megan has appreciated the opportunity to take advantage of the fully online program while working full-time in Rwanda, saying, ”I selected the HRD program due to its broad application and critical importance to various careers. I look forward to serving in higher education in the future, and I believe that this degree will provide me with opportunities

Creating Connections

Instructional Design and Technology Students Receive Grant to Attend the 2022 AECT International Conference

by Laurel Owens

in future careers and qualify me to serve others well in leadership positions.”

The HRD program trains students to perform coaching, training and development, strategic planning, leadership, and performance improvement services, which will equip them for careers in various industries. Because these skills are highly desirable in today’s job market, HRD graduates can advance in their fields. They will go on to work for corporations, nonprofit agencies, financial institutions, government, healthcare, P-16 education, and beyond.

Any student with a bachelor’s degree can pursue the 30-credit human resource development master’s program. Students can be enrolled part-time or full-time and start in the spring, summer, or fall semesters. On average, 50 students enroll each semester, with 5-10% of these students being out-of-state. Scholarship opportunities are also available for in-state and out-of-state students. In addition, all graduate applications within the College of Education, including the HRD program, are free for students who apply in the 2022-2023 season.

To learn more about the fully online HRD program, please visit isu.edu/olp

Thanks to a grant provided by the Idaho State University College of Education’s Dean’s Excellence Fund, nineteen graduate students from the ISU Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) program attended the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) International Conference alongside their professors in Las Vegas, Nevada in October 2022. Students had the opportunity to attend free of charge to network with leaders in the field, present their research, and learn about career opportunities.

AECT is a major international academic organization dedicated to helping instructional designers and professionals collaborate and share their passion for building better learning systems. By participating in conferences such as AECT, students gain the experience and connections needed to be international advocates and agents of change in their field.

Dr. John Curry, Associate Professor and Chair of the Organizational Learning and Performance Department was the AECT 2022

Convention Planning Committee Co-Chair. When asked about his role, Curry said, “My major professor always taught me that one of our responsibilities as professionals is always to be part of the academic conversation. Dr. David Coffland, my program colleague, and I are committed to that idea. Helping our students attend AECT, familiarizing them with the conference experience, demystifying the process of presenting your research, and what it takes to be part of the academic conversation, is invaluable.”

Curry and Coffland are active in the AECT organization and gave two presentations with graduate students during the conference. Curry has also served two terms on the AECT Board of Directors and is a three-time winner of the AECT President Award for his leadership and service to the field of instructional design and technology. In 2021, Curry was also honored by AECT’s Division of Emerging Learning Technologies (DELT) for his extraordinary commitment, leadership, and service to the organization by creating the DELT John Curry Distinguished Service Award.

Protecting Players the

College of Education Professor Conducts Research on Concussion Law Compliance

by Aubi Moon

Anew study of Idaho high schools compliance levels in relation to the Idaho Youth Sports Concussion Law sheds light on the importance of continued concussion education and management in secondary schools.

In the Spring 2023 semester, Dr. Caroline Faure, the Human Performance and Sport Studies Department Chair at Idaho State University, provided a 10-year update to the Idaho Youth Sports Concussion Law that she helped pass in 2012. Faure’s study examined the ways in which Idaho’s high schools were addressing the law’s concussion education and concussion management components of removal from play, return to play, and return to learn.

Athletic directors are relied upon in the majority of Idaho schools to manage concussions, so athletic directors from every Idaho high school that sponsored interscholastic athletic activity were invited to participate in the study in 2021. The study found that considerable improvements had been made in Idaho high schools as a result of the passage of the Idaho Youth Sports Concussion Law.

Faure’s study most notably concluded that concussion education efforts had expanded despite little to no funding. Furthermore, Idaho high school athletic directors felt confident in their coaches’ ability to recognize concussions and remove athletes suspected of having

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN SPORTS

The College of Education hosts a National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration during ISU Women’s Basketball Game

a concussion from play. The research also showed that the number of athletic trainers in Idaho high schools had increased. The study also found that nearly all schools required a written medical clearance from a health care professional before students were allowed to return to play.

“Most impressive was the way Idaho’s rural schools, in particular, have been able to adhere to concussion return to play guidelines,” noted Faure. There has been some concern through the years that rural communities would not have physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners or athletic trainers available. Faure found just the opposite was true. She credits an expansion of telehealth services in Idaho as helping to address the need.

While improvements in concussion law compliance were evident, the quality of concussion educational resources in schools were unknown. The research also showed that minimally-trained EMTs and first responders and parents were sometimes making return to play decisions in schools in lieu of acceptable health care providers.

Researchers estimate that 1.1 million to 1.9 million sports concussions occur to children 18 years or younger each year in the United States, so it is increasingly important to continue to advocate for concussion education and management in P-12 schools. Faure believes that funding, equitable access, and expansion to concussion education and management could help reduce future concussion risk in sport programs in Idaho Schools.

Good teachers make good coaches. That’s what Nancy Jones, an Idaho State University alumna, and longtime Twin Falls High School (TFHS) girls’ basketball coach, believes. The ISU College of Education recognized Jones for her contributions to girls’ and women’s athletics by awarding her the Trailblazer Award during the 2023 National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) celebration.

The Trailblazer Award acknowledges the efforts and achievements of women who have provided significant leadership and mentorship to girls and women in sports. Jones is a 1990 ISU alumna who graduated from the College of Education with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She also played women’s basketball at ISU from 19851989. Jones coached at various basketball camps in her youth and started coaching professionally in

1992, serving first as the junior varsity and varsity assistant coach for girl’s basketball at TFHS until 1997 and then as the head coach from 20072021. She currently serves as the vice principal at TFHS.

To Jones, teaching and coaching are intrinsically connected. She believes that coaching is fundamentally the practice of teaching a sport, saying, “For the past 40 years, I’ve been teaching the game.” Jones’ coaching philosophy prioritized personal growth over traditional success. She worked to provide the girls on her team with an environment where they felt supported and safe to grow as individuals.

This approach to coaching reflects the idea behind NGWSD – that organized athletic activities benefit women physically, socially, and societally. The celebration acknowledges not only that sports benefit women but also that women benefit sports. NGWSD recognizes the positive impact and the

by Laurel Owens

progress female athletes have made in the field of athletics as they have worked toward social equality and athletic excellence.

The event occurred on January 28, 2023, during the ISU Women’s Basketball game against the University of Idaho. The College of Education hosted an indoor tailgate before the game, inviting athletes and athletic leaders from the area to enjoy lunch and providing participants with a voucher for discounted tickets.

League, League of Legends, and Overwatch are well-known esports games with championship tournaments in which competitors can win millions of dollars. Esport athletes in their prime are known to play their game 9-14 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“If a top esport athlete is playing this often, they are prone to overtraining syndrome,” said Moerer. “This can lead to mental health issues in players such as stress, depression, or anxiety.”

The esports industry has gained much attention as secondary schools and colleges/ universities esport programs have grown in popularity.

Energizing Esport

Student’s Research Aims to Understand Burnout in Collegiate Esport Athletes

by Aubi Moon

Examining burnout in collegiate esport athletes is a relatively new topic to the athletic industry and the focus of an Idaho State University graduate student’s research.

Tyler Moerer, who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in physical education and athletic administration from the ISU College of Education, has always been fascinated with sports and esports psychology. He’s specifically interested in understanding why top-level players are ending their careers early due to mental health. Moerer’s research is aimed at understanding this issue, and is titled NonFunctional Overreaching and Overtraining Syndrome within College Esports.

Moerer’s study has included data collection

from universities that participate in Big Sky Conference collegiate esports. During the Fall 2022 semester, he examined 10 athletes to understand burnout and prevention methods.

“When we talk about burnout or the complete removal from sports, we look at what happens before a player completely leaves,” said Moerer. “With overtraining syndrome, somebody will practice or play a game that is high intensity and short duration. Because their adrenaline is increased, this leads to an improvement in their skills. However, if it is not followed by proper recovery, this will lead to a decrease in their overall performance.”

Esports typically involve competing in matches of player-versus-player video games individually or with a team, often within the structure of a league. Games like Rocket

Because esports are not tied to a specific nation and can include worldwide participants, viewership has increased in recent years, leading to an increase in monetary prizes offered to athletes. However, little research has been done to understand athletes’ mental health.

“I’ve always been confused as to why athletes drop out when they are at the height of their professional career, but sports isn’t everything,” said Moerer. “It is important as an esport athlete to have outside hobbies and activities that you are involved in to avoid burnout.”

While ISU is currently not active in esports on the collegiate level, Moerer hopes his research can shed light on ways to better help and support collegiate esport athletics, saying, “Regardless of whether you believe esports are sports, they are a product of sportification

and they are built around the model of sports, teams, and team building. My goal is to bring awareness to this under researched area to better help athletes.”

Moerer is expected to graduate from in May 2023, and he plans to enter a PhD program with the eventual goal of becoming a sport psychologist. In his free time, Moerer serves as a graduate assistant for the Human Performance and Sport Studies Department where he teaches classes such as table tennis, weight training, and sport psychology. He also enjoys playing esports, specifically Super Smash Bros Melee.

I’ve always been confused as to why athletes drop out when they are at the height of their professional career, but sports isn’t everything. It is important as an esport athlete to have outside hobbies and activities that you are involved in to avoid burnout.”

Tyler

Moerer

Moerer presents his research findings at the 2023 ISU Graduate Research Symposium.

Teachers Tomorrow for

Twelve ISU College of Education Students Receive Four-Year

Full-Tuition Scholarships

At the start of the 2022-2023 academic year, the Idaho State University College of Education awarded 12 exceptional first-year students the Teachers for Tomorrow scholarship. This full-tuition scholarship results from the College of Education’s $500,000 scholarship campaign, which provided every College of Education student with a scholarship in partnership with the ISU Albion Center for Professional Development.

The Teachers for Tomorrow scholarship encapsulates the College of Education’s mission to support enthusiastic aspiring educators as they grow to become inspiring teachers. The scholarship is specifically meant for students who will go on to fill teaching positions in Idaho and across the country in a time when they are sorely needed. The scholarship also targets students who would otherwise lack the means to comfortably pursue their education, aiming to alleviate students’ financial burdens.

“This scholarship is the biggest and most important funding for my education. Without it, I probably would not be able to go to school,” said Dylan Rose, a Teachers for Tomorrow recipient. “I am beyond grateful for this opportunity because it allows me to pursue this newfound dream of mine.”

Southeast Idaho Retired Educators Donated More Than $4,000 for Student Scholarships

In their acceptance letters, students wrote about their hopes to teach subjects ranging from music to exercise science. Many students shared personal stories about their experiences within the education system, expressing their desire to inspire students just like they were inspired. Ximena Pasillas wrote, “I want to become a high school math teacher just like the math teacher who has inspired me so much to chase my dreams.”

The Teachers for Tomorrow scholarship is designed to motivate students to excel in their education. The funds are renewable for four years on the condition that students maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and remain enrolled in fulltime credits at ISU. The students the scholarship supports will graduate highly qualified and prepared to make a difference in education.

In the future, the College of Education hopes to expand the Teachers for Tomorrow scholarship program and others like it. “Helping our students have an affordable college education is our top priority,” said Dr. Jean McGivney-Burelle, the Dean of the College of Education. “Earning a college degree opens doors and changes the lives of students and their families for the better.”

To learn more about our teacher education programs as well as scholarship opportunities, visit isu.edu/education/give

by Aubi Moon

In February 2023, the Southeast Idaho Retired Educators Association (SEIREA) donated five $800 scholarships that will be awarded to teacher education students within the Idaho State University College of Education to help support their educational journeys. In total, SEIREA members raised $4,160 following the initial check presentation.

SEIREA is a network of retired Southeast Idaho educators committed to serving those in need in our community and providing opportunities to future educators. Historically, SEIREA and the ISU College of Education have worked together closely to benefit students and educators across Southeast Idaho.

As SEIREA President Ronda Black said, “We want to see young people go into education. Teaching is one of the most valued professions, and we want it to be as

easy as possible for students to not only pursue their passions but also not be burdened with thousands of dollars of debt.”

With the increased demand for teachers in Idaho, scholarships such as those made available by SEIREA provide students across all of the teacher certification programs at ISU with the support they need to pursue their studies and begin careers in education.

“We are grateful for SEIREA’s continued support and for this generous gift,” said College of Education Dean, Dr. Jean McGivney-Burelle. To learn more about how you can support College of Education students, please visit isu.edu/give

by Laurel Owens

Ximena Pasillas

Tabatha Butler, Ronda Black, MaryAnn Hansen, Judy Liday, and College of Education Dean Jean McGivney-Burelle

Forging Futures

How Idaho’s Only School Psychology Program is Combating Mental Health Shortages in Schools

by Aubi Moon

As the mental health crisis and burnout in P-12 teachers continues to grow nationwide, Idaho’s only school psychology program is graduating candidates who can support P-12 schools and students. The Idaho State University School Psychology Program prepares students to support social, behavioral, and academic success in P-12 environments.

School psychologists are in high demand as more students face mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges in the classroom. Because insurance is required for most outside mental health services, school psychologists are critical in providing those services to students in P-12 schools, especially in underserved populations. They also provide academic and behavioral support and intervention planning, helping foster understanding between teachers and parents and creating unified support systems for students.

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommends one school psychologist for every 500 students. Currently, there is only one school psychologist for every 1,700 students in Idaho. This shortage has likely limited access to vital services, such as psychoeducational assessments, behavioral and academic consultations, crisis intervention and relief, and school culture improvements.

The ISU School Psychology program is hoping to combat the shortage by graduating certified school psychologists who are well trained to facilitate positive change in P-12 environments and communities. The program combines traditional instruction with hands-on opportunities that allow candidates to perform proactive and preventative services that meet the needs of P-12 students.

Dr. Joel Bocanegra, who serves as an associate professor in the school psychology program, believes the shortage is partially due to a lack of awareness in Idaho regarding the demand for school psychologists and what the work involves.

“We can’t stop what is happening in the home or outside world sometimes, but we can influence them in the school environment,” said Bocanegra. “We know that school is a safe space for students, and school psychologists play a critical role in ensuring that students are getting fed, they are safe, they are warm, they are loved, and supported.”

The required field experiences for the school psychology program provide candidates with real world experiences in P-12 schools, often through full-time paid internships. Candidates perform a wide range of services as they work one-on-one with students on their

level either in the classroom setting, on the playground, in the lunchroom, or in an office environment.

Upon becoming practicing school psychologists, these candidates benefit from having been trained in a variety of multidisciplinary functions to provide exceptional support to students, parents, and teachers. This could include social/emotional training, leading anti-bullying initiatives, working with parents to manage learning and emotional problems, helping with emergent bilingual students, and implementing violence, drug, or alcohol prevention programs.

“We know that not everyone has the same needs, and we don’t assume all the problems are within the child. That is why we look at the system and the teachers, principals, and one’s home life. We then provide an intervention plan to empower our parents, teachers and children,” said Dr. Howard Fan, professor and chair of the School Psychology and Educational Leadership Department within the ISU College of Education.

As the field has been expanding and mental health is taking a bigger role in schools, school psychology candidates are often granted interim certifications in their practicum or internship and offered a position within the district following their graduation. For both Fan and Bocanegra, they believe that school psychologists hold the key in improving mental health care in Idaho that could lead to a multigenerational impact. School psychologists can also prove to be critical in preventing burnout in teachers and administrations by facilitating systematic changes to provide much-needed support.

With nearly 100% job placements upon graduation, the ISU School Psychology program is offered fully online with a new cohort starting each summer. The stackable, 3-year program allows students to complete the Master of Education (MEd) in the School Psychology Examiner program and then they can enter the Educational Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology program to become a nationally-certified school psychologist. The program enrolls 8-12 students per year with a preference given to those with an education or psychology bachelor’s degree. Given recent demand, the program is looking to expand and accept more students in upcoming years.

Scholarship opportunities are available for in-state and out-of-state students. In addition, all graduate applications within the College of Education, including the school psychology program, are free for students who apply in 2023.

“In this profession, the students that need the most help are probably getting the least. Research has shown if you can catch a student early on before they fall behind, they can do better. As the only school psychology program in Idaho, if you want to make a change at a critical time in a student’s life and have an impact on them forever, then school psychology is for you.”

Dr. Joel Bocanegra

Dr. Howard Fan mentors school psychology candidate Zach Heaton.

Climbing Kilimanjaro

College of Education Assistant Professor Dr. Geoffrey Thomas Summits Africa’s Highest Peak

by Laurel Owens

It’s not uncommon for people to compare struggles in life to climbing a mountain. For Dr. Geoffrey Thomas, that metaphor has never been so clear as it is when climbing a literal

During the 11-day journey to the summit and back, which only nine hikers of the eleven in his group completed, Thomas kept the advice of one of their guides at the forefront of his mind. He had said to look at the peak at the start of the journey, from the bottom of the mountain,

While most people think of the climb up as the hard part, Thomas learned the most valuable lesson on the way down. A blizzard struck, lowering visibility and making the terrain difficult to maneuver.

At the height of the storm, a Tanzanian guide named Goodluck held Thomas’s arm and didn’t let go for two miles.

Thomas is certain that he would have fallen many times among the slick mud and snow of that stretch had it not been for the support of his guide, saying, “We all need help. We all need assistance, no matter what.” For Thomas, the lesson here was that even if you’re capable of doing something on your own, it’s good to have help.

Almost immediately upon returning from his trip, Thomas began gathering his thoughts on the journey to share with his students. Thomas is eager to show future educational leaders the lessons he learned and teach them that leaders find inspiration in every challenge. Of course, Thomas was also eager to rest, joking that he might have to find a hobby he could do sitting down for a while.

“If you just keep focused on the next step, then the next step, and the next step, pretty soon you’re at the top.”

Dr. Geoffrey Thomas

GRACE LUTHERAN STUDENTS VISIT THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

by Aubi Moon

Sharing our Bengal Pride

The College of Education Makes Over 200 Classrooms ROAR

by Aubi Moon

Over 200 P-12 educators across Southeast Idaho have added orange and black to their classrooms and school spaces thanks to a new campaign called Make Your Classroom ROAR, sponsored by the Idaho State University College of Education and the ISU Alumni Association.

Beginning in the Spring 2022 semester, the College of Education encouraged P-12 teachers, coaches, support staff, principals, and superintendents to sign up to add Bengal spirit to their workplaces. Free ISU flags, stickers, highlighters, pennants, pens, pom-poms, lanyards, staplers, notepads, and a custom Benny the Bengal stuffed animal were provided to recipients in the Fall 2022 semester. All educators, including those not ISU alumni, were invited to participate.

“We are proud of our Bengal teachers. They change lives for the better. Day in and day out, they set our children up for success as citizens by inspiring them to do good, to think, and to learn,” said Ryan Sargent, Executive Director of the ISU Alumni Association.

“The ISU Alumni Association is excited to continue partnering with the College of Education to ensure educators around the country can share their ISU pride with their students.”

In addition to the free ISU gear, the College of Education sponsored a $500 gift card to those who shared photos of their spaces on social media with the displayed Make Your Classroom Roar gear. A teacher from Ellis Elementary School in the Pocatello/ Chubbuck School District 25 was announced as the gift card recipient during a surprise presentation in December 2022.

College of Education Dean, Jean McGivney-Burelle added, “This was a fun, collaborative project that encouraged hundreds of educators to show their Bengal pride. More importantly, we hope that through these displays even more P-12 students from across the state will see ISU as the vibrant university it is and consider pursuing their postsecondary education here.”

The College of Education plans to continue the Make Your Classroom ROAR campaign in 2023 with the goal of delivering 200-250 boxes.

It may seem like a silly question at first glance, but to a 4th grade student, the answer feels very important. And when four elementary students stopped by the Idaho State University College of Education in February 2023 to interview Dean Jean McGivney-Burelle, they wanted to know.

These 4th graders, from Grace Lutheran Elementary School in Pocatello, were tasked with interviewing a series of people from the community about their jobs and how they help others. The year-long project builds towards students completing their Idaho Binder while also learning soft skills such as making eye contact, speaking clearly, and shaking hands.

Dean Jean always knew that she wanted to be a teacher, and she told the students that she now has the important task of taking care of the faculty and staff within the College of Education, thus supporting them in taking care of students. “Specifically, since the College of Education

prepares teachers, we are not only changing their lives but all of the students that they will teach,” said Dean Jean.

During their visit, students had the opportunity to tour the College of Education, learn more about collegiate programs, administrative duties, and higher education in Idaho. Students were also asked what they wanted to be when they grew up ending the interview. One student responded, “I want to become a teacher. It just feels right.”

The College of Education always appreciates the opportunity to connect with young learners in our community, and we look forward to future visits.

“

Is this the job you thought you’d have when you were a 4th grader?”

Photo: ISU representatives deliver Make Your Classroom ROAR boxes in Fall 2022.

Student of Game

The

ISU College of Education Alumnus Tanner Conner Enters the NFL Playing for the Miami Dolphins

by Laurel Owens

Being a student athlete is one of the biggest challenges a student can take on, but in his time at Idaho State University, Tanner Conner almost made it look easy. He was the Bengals’ wide receiver, a two-time Big Sky Champion in Track and Field (hurdles), and a dedicated student. His athletic and student accomplishments have led him to the National Football League (NFL).

Originally from Kent, Washington, Conner comes from a family of athletes and he entered ISU on a track scholarship. He joined the ISU Bengal football team as a freshman in 2017, recording 34 catches for 685 yards and three touchdowns in only six games during his final season. Excelling throughout his time at ISU, Conner’s highlights included breaking the Big Sky record in the 60m hurdles event in track and field, and ending his ISU Bengal football career in 2021 with a season-high of 208 receiving yards against the University of Idaho. He met his wife Kelsey Breer at ISU, and earned both his bachelor’s degree in criminology with a minor in psychology and a master’s degree in athletic administration from the ISU College of Education.

After graduating from ISU in 2022, Conner signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. However, upon joining the team’s 53-man roster, he faced a big challenge; Conner would be changing positions from college wide receiver to NFL tight end. Conner faced a steep learning curve as he began working with Dolphins tight end coach Jon Embree to transition his skills.

The decision to put Conner on the 53-man roster surprised many in the NFL community.

Still, the Dolphin’s general manager Chris Grier says that Conner’s athleticism was a big draw. Conner is a uniquely impressive athlete, boasting a 39.5-inch vertical leap and a 4.37-second 40-yard dash time. He also has a unique build, standing 6’3” and weighing 230 pounds, giving him an ideal combination of bulk and speed.

Conner knows that athleticism alone isn’t enough to succeed in his new position. He is grateful for his experience at ISU, specifically the athletic administration knowledge he

gained, saying, “While being in the athletic administration program, I got to see how all the cogs in the machine work from the administration to the players, to the team, to the fans. Being an NFL player and having this education has helped me understand and gain insight into the athletic administration side. I will always see my education as an opportunity.”

Conner appears to be exceeding the expectations of his coaches during this transition, and to those who knew Conner at ISU, that is no surprise. “So many people look at Tanner, and they see this incredible athlete,” said Dr. Caroline Faure, professor, and chair of the Department of Human Performance and Sport Studies. “But what some people don’t realize is how gifted he was as a student. He had the same work ethic, and his leadership was exemplary. He put together one of the most remarkable master’s projects I have seen in the past ten years.”

Conner’s coaches indicate that his success depends on his dedication as “a student of the game.” Conner has shown time and time again that he’s an exceptional student. Conner

said, “I’m enjoying the moment in the NFL and blessed to be here. However, I am grateful for professors like Dr. Faure, who equipped me with the knowledge and skills that will last me in my post-football career.”

Conner, his wife Kelsey, and their puppy currently reside in Miami, Florida. Entering his second year in the NFL, Conner is excited to see the impact and influence he can have. The College of Education wishes Conner the best of luck in the NFL!

Conner now plays tight end for the Miami Dolphins.

Conner played wide receiver for the Bengals.

Carving A New Path

College of Education Graduate Jarrett Mitton Pursues a Unique Interdisciplinary Graduate Degree Through the ISU Master of Public Health Program

by Aubi Moon

As a former student athlete, Jarrett Mitton has always been fascinated with understanding how the human body responds during exercise. Mitton, who is originally from Ponderay, Idaho, first joined the Idaho State University Sport and Exercise Science program to stay involved in sports while expanding his knowledge of exercise physiology plus strength and conditioning. He has since found a career path that feels more like a life calling than work.

After graduating from the Sport and Exercise Science program, Mitton decided to continue his multidisciplinary studies at ISU through the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Mitton is the first student to participate in this new educational pathway that combines expertise and involvement within both programs. As a graduate student, Mitton is using his knowledge of sport and exercise science by researching how factors such as stress, exercise, diet, and health can affect athletes’ bodies in college as well as later on in life.

His current research, titled Groin Injury: Prevalence and Etiology During Game-Related NCAA Football, explores how common groin injuries occur in college football and if there is a difference between injury rates on artificial turf versus natural grass. He explained that “This research is important to take a deeper look at because there isn’t nearly as much data on groin injuries in American football, as opposed to shoulder or knee injuries. Groin injuries can harm an athlete’s health and ability to play their sport. We are also looking into the literature regarding the potential quality of life issues when an athlete stops competing, which may be associated with sustaining a groin injury during athletic competition.”

Mitton also helps manage the ISU Human Performance Laboratory through his position as a graduate assistant for the sport and exercise science program. He can conduct various research projects inside the on-campus lab. His hands-on data collection involves testing an athlete’s maximal anaerobic output on the wingate bike and aerobic capacity on the treadmill, capturing 12-Lead electrocardiogram and metabolic data, including VO2, and understanding how the athlete’s body is responding to stress under exercise conditions.

As Mitton said, “Having a background in sport and exercise science has allowed me to incorporate that knowledge into my graduate courses and research. This has helped me to understand better how athletes can be healthier, improve their athletic performance, potentially reduce rates of injuries and ultimately improve the likelihood of success within sport.”

Mitton is expected to graduate with his master’s degree in May 2024 and he hopes to work in the sport science or medical field. Outside of his graduate program, Mitton is an ISU sports performance coach and assists with strength and conditioning for several collegiate sports.

Alumni Feature

Kimberly Lewis, School Psychology 2016

by Aubi Moon

It is often said that the most rewarding careers are the ones in which you get the chance to make a difference in someone’s life. For Kimberly Lewis, the decision to become a school psychologist stemmed from her drive to be at the forefront of helping others.

Lewis is a two-time Idaho State University College of Education graduate from the master’s in human exceptionality program and education specialist in school psychology program. She currently works as a certified school psychologist for the Pocatello/ Chubbuck School District 25 (PCSD25), employed for the last four years.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Idaho, Lewis raised her five children as a stay-at-home mom until she decided she wanted to further her education at ISU. Lewis learned that the College of Education’s School Psychology program provided the flexibility that fit well into her schedule as a busy mom.

Once in the program, Lewis gained a wide variety of skills, including cognitive assessment testing, neuropsychology, behavioral planning and intervention, and crisis management. Field experiences also advanced Lewis’s knowledge as she completed a practicum and then a 1200-hour internship working in Eastern Idaho school districts, including American Falls and Snake River. As Lewis said, “I feel like the program prepared me very well to work with people.”

Lewis has stayed very busy working as a full-time school psychologist since her 2016 graduation. She currently assists approximately 80 students across three elementary schools within PCSD25. Her primary role is providing special education and cognitive testing, reporting, and evaluation.

Lewis notes that while there are practical reasons she stays in school psychology, such as the schedule and state benefits, she thoroughly loves the job itself. “I help students every day change their mindset from thinking they are stupid to understanding that they just learn differently,” said Lewis. “I love being able to problem solve and figure out students’ learning disabilities and ways we can help them. We know that their disability won’t go away; however, they can learn coping strategies to manage their learning gap.”

Lewis is incredibly grateful for the opportunities that ISU has provided her. While her mission is to help others, she does believe there is a general misunderstanding as to what school psychologists do or can do in schools. She hopes P-12 schools and outside agencies can better collaborate in the future and share resources. She is also mindful of the growing mental health care shortage in Idaho and sees the great need to hire additional school psychologists to provide continued and free support to P-12 students.

NETWORKING ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL

SIX STUDENTS TRAVEL TO LAS VEGAS TO ASSIST WITH THE 2022 NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION COLLEGE FOOTBALL AWARDS

by Aubi Moon

For the first time, Idaho State University athletic administration and sport management students had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, and assist the National Football Foundation (NFF) with the College Football Award Ceremonies in December 2022. During the NFF event, 21 former players and coaches including Champ Bailey (University of Georgia), Andrew Luck (Stanford University), and Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech University) were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the William V. Campbell Trophy – also known as “the academic Heisman” – was awarded to Jack Campbell, (University of Iowa) the nation’s top football scholar-athlete.

Believing in the power of experiential learning, Dr. Caroline Faure, chair and professor for the ISU Department of Human Performance and Sport Studies (HPSS), organized this opportunity for six of her undergraduate and graduate students. Faure has assisted the NFF communications team since 2020 and jumped at the chance to bring her students along to gain invaluable experiences working and

networking at a national sports event.

Students were able to put their skills into practice as they assisted the NFF’s communications team by producing, editing, and uploading video content, assisting with press conferences, and generating social media posts on various platforms. As Faure noted, “I think the most memorable part of the experience for students was them seeing how big and how fast of an impact their work had. By the end of the three days, their video and graphics content had reached millions nationwide. It was shared on tens of thousands of pages, and their video interviews were uploaded and shared by regional and national outlets nationwide. That was special for them because they got to see just how important and impactful their work was.”

Dylan Bohne, a sports management program senior, was among the students who helped with the NFF Awards. Bohne was eager to showcase his marketing skills and form connections with people he would not have otherwise met. As he explained, “Being able to design graphics for the NFF was not only a huge portfolio builder, but it also allowed me

to connect with some fantastic people that work for the NFF. I was also able to have nearly complete control over what was posted on their social media accounts. That helped me to build confidence in myself.”

For Joshua Alford, the experience was once in a lifetime. Alford was named a Scholar Athlete for the National Football Foundation’s Los Angeles (CA) chapter when he was in high school, and as he said, “Being an ISU football player, I saw many legends who helped the sport of football become what it is today. Those legends made their own respective impact on the sport of college football. This experience helped me in my major as I heard many inspiring stories from them.” Alford is expected to graduate from the ISU Sport Management program in the Fall 2023 semester. Upon graduation, he plans to become a football coach at the collegiate level.

Students who have a passion for working in the sports industry often find that landing their dream job can be difficult without handson experiences such as these. Making industry connections and meeting world renowned sport management professionals can be a significant opportunity for students as they

seek job employment after graduation. The NFF trip was funded through the ISU College of Education’s Dean’s Excellence Fund. The College and the HPSS Department look forward to providing additional opportunities to students in years to come.

Alford with former Ohio State football player Mike Doss.

Making a difference

Retired Teacher Establishes Gillette Family Scholarship to Aid Post-Traditional Students

by Aubi Moon

Beverly Gillette, an Idaho State University College of Education alumna, and a retired Pocatello teacher, and her family have established the new Gillette Family Scholarship to benefit post-traditional students returning to school to become elementary teachers.

For Beverly and her husband Gene, Idaho State University has always meant a lot to them. Not only was ISU the place where they first met in 1960, but it was also the foundation for their belief in the power of education to change lives.

In 1963, Gene earned a bachelor’s degree from ISU in history with minors in geology and military science, and he was also awarded distinguished military honors from the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Beverly and Gene were married the next week, and Gene went on active duty with the army.

While Gene served in Vietnam, Beverly moved to stay with family in Kimberly, ID. During this time, Beverly was asked to be a substitute teacher for a Spanish speaking classroom. Her time in the classroom sparked her desire to return to ISU to finish her bachelor’s degree.

“It wasn’t easy, and our budget wasn’t very good, but it was the best insurance policy for the family, and it was a good example for the kids,” said Beverly.

Beverly became the first female in her family to graduate from college by earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1976 from the ISU College of Education. She said, “10 years and four kids later, I finally did it.”

Upon graduation, Beverly accepted a teaching position at Tendoy Elementary School in Pocatello, where she stayed until her retirement in 1997. As a teacher, Beverly believed in thinking of her students as little people and providing them with the same level of respect she wanted in return. She started every day in her classroom by offering her students a handshake or a hug, and most chose the hug. “I can’t say I was a very good student growing up, which proved to be an asset to me as a teacher,” explained Beverly. “I could relate to the struggling student.”

Beverly’s decision to finish her degree and have a teaching career has inspired generations of her family, leading all four of her children to attend ISU. Upon seeing her lifelong friend, mentor, and fellow retired educator, Rita Haggardt, reach $20,000 for her Terry L. and Rita Haggardt Scholarship Endowment in early 2022, Beverly knew she could make a difference as well.

The $25,000 Gillette Family Scholarship was established to benefit returning ISU students, like Beverly, who hope to finish their bachelor’s degree in elementary education. As Beverly said, “I certainly could have used a scholarship when I went to school, so to pass that along to another is meaningful to me.”

The Gillette’s currently reside in Pocatello. Beverly is active in the Southeast Idaho Retired Educators Association and she enjoys spending time with her family and five grandchildren.

College of Education’s Radio Show

To learn more about scholarship opportunities within the ISU College of Education, please visit isu.edu/give.

Inspiring Educators is a half-hour radio show co-hosted by the Idaho State University College of Education Dean, Jean McGivney-Burelle and Philanthropic Advisor, Tabatha Butler. Each episode features conversations with our alumni, students, friends and supporters of the college about their careers, philanthropy and the future educators they inspire.

Listen to Inspiring Educators for free by visiting kisu.org or searching “Inspiring Educators” on Spotify.

Photo: Dean Jean McGivney-Burelle, Vice President for Research, Dr. Martin Blair, Tabatha Butler

Photo: Idaho State Senator, James Ruchti and Dr. Wendy Ruchti talk about their Idaho Educator Scholarship

Your gifts forge futures

Your gift to the Idaho State University College of Education will not only support a college student, but all the students impacted by the new educator, leader, and innovator your gift created. Your support helps foster strong, compassionate, and knowledgeable students who graduate ready to excel, to make a difference, and to change lives.

Thank you for your consideration and support of the College of Education!

Scholarships

Allen Andersen Family

Anika Marie Hoybjerg

Anna Robinson-Clark

Babe Caccia

Barbara and Roger Michener

Betty L. and Roy E. Simonds

Bill Watkins

Billie McNabb Miller and Margaret F. Miller

Brian and Julie Armes

Byron M. Skaug

Carl Durfee

Children’s Literacy Foundation

Clark-Seddon

Colleen and William Neel

College of Education Intern

Della and Reuben Ward

Dianne W. Holmes

Distinguished Teacher

Donald L. and Helen

Doering Nielson

Dr. Robert W. (Bob) and Mrs. LaVoy V. Riley Myers

Dr. T.C. and Cheryl E. Mattocks

Edna Dursteler

Ethel E. Redfield

Evelyn Robinson

FMC Math/Science Education

Frances E. Satterwhite

Frank. B. and Phyllis H. Wilson

Gates Minority and International Student

Gillette Family

Gordon and Marjean Waford Family

Idaho Falls Retired Teachers

James and Wendy Ruchti

Jeannette Rowe

Jerry J. and Elner C. Bellon

Joe and Pauline Kent

John Falcone

John Gorman

John L. Bobell, Jr.

June M. Wilson and Carol M. Rounds

Kelly Rae and Pamela Haberman

Kole - Connie Smith Bowen

Lamont Jones

Lorraine Peterson Green Wight

Margaret S. Klingemann

Margaret Somsen

Marion A. Toombs

Mary Elizabeth “Zibby” Pyle Leeper

Nannette and Gail Siemen

Nathan R. and Michelle Schroeder

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Nisson Family

Paula Rankin

Pete and Ronda Black

Peter C. Kole - Donald J. Sampson

Peter C. Kole - Dr. Deborah Hedeen

Peter C. Kole - Pauline S. Thiros

Peter C. Kole - Richard L. Bowen

Peter C. Kole – Jay G. Jensen

Peter Kole and Eleanor Loscalzo

Phillip L. Luckey and Michael E. Nesbitt

Richard L. and Donna J. Sagness

Robert W. Sherman Roger and Nancy

J. Wheeler

Ron and Patty Bolinger Family

Ruth Robinson Chandler

Southeast Idaho Retired Educators

Ted Earl

Terry L. and Rita D. Haggardt

Veeva D. Whitworth

W. James and Dr. Karen Johnston

Wyman-Skaggs Home Economics

Zobell-Albion

Please contact the College of Education Philanthropic Advisor, Tabatha Butler to start your scholarship.

(208) 282-3617 | tabathabutler2@isu.edu | isu.edu/give

With more than 15 flexible, affordable, online graduate programs, the Idaho State University College of Education is invested in equipping the next generation of leaders, educators, innovators, and influencers for the professional excellence needed to make a better tomorrow. All graduate applications within the College of Education are free for students who apply in 2023. Request a free application fee waiver code by visiting isu.edu/education.

Our online graduate program offerings include:

• Athletic Administration, MPE

• Deaf Education, MS

• Education Administration (P-12), MEd, EdS, EdD

• Educational Leadership, MEd

• Elementary Education, MEd

• Higher Education Administration, EdD

• Human Resource Development, MS

• Instructional Design and Technology, MEd, EdD, PhD

• Music Education, MEd

• School Psychology, MEd, EdS

• Secondary Education, MEd

• Special Education, MEd

• Teaching, MA