School of Education Academic Journal

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Serving as an educator is a calling. It takes a committed person with a servant’s heart to meet the needs of students from every walk of life and every skill level. At Liberty University School of Education (SOE), we have a faculty and staff of dedicated teachers, administrators, and specialists who get the privilege of assisting and mentoring our students as they become educators and servant leaders. We are proud to Train Champions for Christ who will enter the teaching field or serve as educational leaders and administrators.

I am humbled to see the impact our students have across the world in the mission field that is our public and private schools. They are literally changing the world one student at a time as they honor Christ in all they do. As we begin another academic year, I urge you to join me in prayer for our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, asking that we will honor God and that He will continue to use us all for His glory!

2023

EVENTS

Aug. 21 Classes Begin for Fall Semester

Sept. 8–10 Family Weekend

Sept. 21–23 College For A Weekend

Oct. 12–13 Fall Break

Nov. 3–4 Homecoming Weekend

Nov. 9–11 College For A Weekend

Nov. 20–24 Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 5 Last Day of Classes

Dec. 16–

Jan. 7 Winter Break

2024

Jan. 15 Classes begin for Spring Semester

Feb. 22–24 College For A Weekend

March 11–15 Spring Break

April 1 Easter Holiday

April 4–6 College For A Weekend

April 30 Last Day of Classes

May 11 Commencement

CALENDAR-ALT UPCOMING

Don Raleigh, Ed.D. DEAN

Student Achievements

Name Description

Matthew Cargill

Jessica Chiereghio

2022-23 Barlow Scholarship Recipient and 22-23 TEAA Scholarship Recipient

2022-23 TEAA Scholarship Recipient

Emily Fadale 2023 Teacher of Promise Recipient honored at Teachers of Promise Institution

Hosannah Fisher

Mary Jane Holland

Heechan (Chris) Kim

2022-23 Barlow Scholarship Recipient

2022-23 TEAA Scholarship Recipient and 2023 Teacher of Promise Recipient honored at Teachers of Promise Institution

2022-23 TEAA Scholarship Recipient

Alumni Achievements

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: AMANDA WORKS

The School of Education is proud to highlight the work of Amanda Joy Works. Amanda, a student in the Honors Program, graduated in May of 2023 earning the B.Ed. in Elementary Education with additional minors in French and Psychology. Amanda was accepted to the National Collegiate Research Conference earlier this year and presented her research, “Culturally Diverse Literature and Social Inclusion in Elementary Classrooms,” at Harvard College on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023. Later in the semester, Amanda received additional accolades, including being chosen as a Teacher of Promise (TOP) Recipient and receiving the Delta Kappa Gamma Society/Virginia Scholars Award. Amanda accepted a teaching position in Campbell County, Virginia, and is currently serving at Brookneal Elementary.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. SCOTT WATSON

WRITTEN BY DR. PAM GRIFFIN

Dr. Scott Watson is in his 20th year at Liberty University. During this time, Dr. Watson has served as a professor, chair of teacher education, associate dean for graduate programs, associate dean for advanced programs, chair of quantitative research, director of quantitative research, and one of the accreditation coordinators for education programs. Dr. Watson has approximately 40 referenced publications and hundreds of professional presentations at various teaching and research conferences.

He earned his B.A. in 1975 with co-majors in natural science and education, an M.A. in 1982 with a specialization in biology, and a Ph.D. in 1988 in curriculum and instruction and science education with a cognate in administration and supervision education, all from the University of South Florida.

Prior to his time at Liberty University, Dr. Watson served as a public school science teacher in Florida for seven years. Four of these years were spent as a high school science teacher, and three years as a middle school science teacher and department chair. In addition, Dr. Watson served as a county office administrator for one year in the Florida public schools.

After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Watson accepted a position at East Carolina University as an assistant professor of biology. After two years, he transitioned to teaching science education courses to elementary, special education, middle school, and secondary education majors. During his time at East Carolina, Dr. Watson served as a professor at his various ranks, as an acting chair and a chair, as a graduate director, and as an accreditation coordinator.

Faculty Stories: First Pitch

DR. ESTHER ALCINDOR

As many of my friends know, I love sports and cheering on my teams, especially the Liberty Flames. This past baseball season, I was given the opportunity to throw the first pitch at a home game. I was excited and at the same time unsure if I would throw the ball correctly. After soliciting advice from several friends, I watched other first pitches, and while some were on target, there were several that were way off. I decided that I would not be one of those and practiced the afternoon before the game since I had never thrown a baseball. My goal was to get the ball to

the catcher. As I walked down the steps and got on the field, I repeated a verse that I share with my students, “God has not given you the spirit of fear but of power, of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7), and I felt calm. I was given the ball and threw the first pitch, right across the home plate, and it was a strike! My first pitch ever was a success.

Education Partnerships

DR. SANDRA BATTIGE

Melissa Bengds and I have built a partnership with Campbell County’s special education office to place our practicum students in their schools. We met with Dr. Dustin Barrett, their Coordinator of Special Education, earlier in January. Dr. Barrett is excited to have our students in practicums at their high schools to work on transition skills with their students. He has also agreed to place our “special education add-on” students in inclusion classrooms. He has personally selected each teacher our students observe to ensure our candidates are seeing excellent special education teachers in action. We could not be happier with this partnership.

I also met with Christopher Bennett, the Executive Director of Human Resources in Loudoun County. He is interested in building a relationship with Liberty to attract more student teaching candidates to his county. His goal is to hire Liberty teaching grads because he understands the importance of hiring teachers who have a solid biblical worldview.

Faculty Accomplishments

DR. SANDRA BATTIGE Professor & Special Education Chair

Dr. Sandra Battige had one co-authored article published in the American Journal of Education Research.

Carpenter-Ware, K., Welch, M., & Battige, S The Prioritization of Special Educator Wellbeing: An Empirical Perspective of Contemporary Importance. American Journal of Educational Research and Reviews, 2022,7:88. DOI: 10.28933/ ajerr-2021-12-2105

DR. CAROL CANADY Professor

Dr. Edna Udobong from the School of Government and Dr. Carol Canady from SOE received a $1,500 ILLUMINATE Grant for the 2022-23 school year entitled Service Learning by Promoting Literacy at a Rural Elementary School in Nigeria.

ANNA CATES Adjunct Professor

Anna Cates won an Illumination Book Award for the following: Poetry Collection, Love in the Time of Covid.

Scan here for more information:

DR. BECKY CLARK Adjunct Professor

Dr. Becky Clark had her article Improving Reading Proficiency through Effective Small Group Implementation: An Action Research Study published in the Spring 2023 edition of the Tennessee Literacy Journal.

DR. BUNNY L. CLAXTON Adjunct Professor

Dr. Bunny Claxton presented at the Blue Ribbon conference at the Disney Yacht Club in December: Mind Over Matter: Critical Thinking Skills for Today’s Middle School Students.

Books:

Claxton, B.L. (2022). Planning, Writing, and Implementing IEPs: A Christian Approach (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt. ISBN: 978-1792481642

Claxton, B.L. & Cobb-Fossnes, D.M. (2022). Mind Over Matter: Critical Thinking Skills, Student Edition. Kendall Hunt. ISBN Print: 9798765700587; eBook: 9798765700754

Claxton, B.L. & Cobb-Fossnes, D.M. (2022). Mind Over Matter: Critical Thinking Skills, Teacher Edition. Kendall Hunt. ISBN Print: 9798765715468; eBook: 9798765738313

Claxton, B.L. & Cobb-Fossnes, D.M. (2022). Game Changer: Christ-centered Critical Thinking Skills, Student Edition. Kendall Hunt. ISBN Print: 9798765700594; eBook: 9798765700600

Claxton, B.L. & Cobb-Fossnes, D.M. (2022). Game Changer: Christ-centered Critical Thinking Skills, Teacher Edition. Kendall Hunt. ISBN eBook: 9798765739495

Claxton, B.L. & Dolan, C.L., (2022). A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Literature Review for Doctoral Research. Kendall Hunt. ISBN print book: 9781792466069; ISBN eBook: 9781792466065

Claxton, B.L., & Mott, R.K. (2022). A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Communication Research. Kendall Hunt. ISBN Print: 9798765708200; eBook: 9798765708217

Claxton, B.L. & Sherman, M.C. (2022). A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an IEP. Kendall Hunt. ISBN Print: 9798765712511; eBook: 9798765714430

Presentations:

Books:

The Poison Tree: A Peace Play (2022) Wipf & Stock: https://wipfandstock.com/9781666737615/the-poison-tree/Ed. Anna Cates.

Little Black Box: Speculative Poetry from Ohio. Eugene, OR.: Resource Publications, 2023. Link: https://wipfandstock. com/9781666764383/little-black-box/

Claxton, B.L. (2022, December). Mind Over Matter: Critical Thinking Skills for Today’s Middle School Students. Blue Ribbon Conference, Orlando, Fla.

Claxton, B.L. (2022, October). Critical Thinking Skills to Help Students Today’s Confused Culture. Rise Up Virtual Conference.

Claxton, B.L. & Michael, K.Y., (2022, May). Differentiating Research Methods for EdD and PhD Doctoral Programs. Virginia Academy of Science (VAS). Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va.

Claxton, B.L. & Michael, K.Y., (2022, January). Implementing Applied Research: An Alternative Research Approach for Doctoral Candidates in Education. Presentation at the Counsel for Teaching Excellence (CTE). Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va.

DALE CLEMENTE Adjunct Professor

Dale Clemente co-authored a book this year: Clemente, D.F., & Chatmon, C. (2022). Remote Learning Behavioral Study: An Observational Study Among Students in the Pre-k, Elementary, and Middle School Age Groups. International Journal of Whole Schooling, 18(2), 29-51

He was also a reviewer for the book Social Justice and CulturallyAffirming Education in K-12 Settings: 9781668463864: Education

Books - IGI Global

DR. DAWN COBB-FOSSNES Adjunct Professor

Dr. Dawn Cobb-Fossnes co-authored two works of critical thinking curriculum this past year: Mind Over Matter and Game Changer.

JANET DECK Adjunct Professor

Janet Deck had an article published from a research collaboration project with St. Leo University.

Scan here for more

information: She also contributed two chapters to a book published by Rowman and Littlefield entitled Stages of Literacy Development.

DR. NANCY DEJARNETTE Director of Accreditation & Assessment

Dr. Nancy DeJarnette had an article published with a former colleague in 2022: South, C.L. & DeJarnette, N.K. (2022). RULER: A Social Emotional Learning Program’s Impact on School Climate. Education, Society and Human Studies. V(3), N(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.22158/eshs.v3n1p52

She has a second article published with another former colleague. Wallace, K. & DeJarnette, N.K. (2023). edTPA as Educative, Evaluative, and Enduring Professional Tool for Guiding Teachers’ Development. DOI: 10.1080/13664530.2023.2254280

Dr. DeJarnette was elected VPEL Officer — Secretary on Friday, May 12, 2023, meeting for a one year term.

APRIL L. HARVEY Adjunct Professor

April Harvey presented a breakout session at the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders Winter Conference in Athens, Ga. Educational leaders throughout the state had the opportunity to hear the Georgia governor, Brian Kemp, and state superintendent, Richard Woods, speak on educational issues impacting our state and nation. The presentation that she shared focused on the topic of collective teacher efficacy.

DR. CHARLOTTE P. HOLTER Adjunct Professor

Dr. Charlotte P. Holter received the Distinguished Technology and Engineering Professional Award on April 15 from the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA).

BRUCE KIRK Online Adjunct Professor

Book:

Once proofing is completed, Bruce Kirk will have peer-review published research: Planning for 2020 in Light of COVID-19: An Analysis of Crisis Communication by Christian Colleges and Universities in the U.S.

DR. AMANDA SAVAGE Adjunct Professor

Dr. Amanda Savage authored an approved grant to the National Defense Industrial Association for the 8th grade science department at Ruckel Middle School in Niceville, Fla., to buy supplies for the 8th grade schoolwide roller coaster competition. The kids built roller coasters out of card stock and set them up in the library. The school voted, and prizes were awarded to the winners.

DR. CHRISTOPHER SMITH Adjunct Professor

Dr. Patrick Lowenthal, Dr. Amy Lomellini, Krista Greear, and Dr. Chris Smith were presented with the first-place award in the Application Division of the Journal Awards for the Division of Distance Learning at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., in October 2022 for an article titled Accessible Online Learning: An Analysis of Online Quality Assurance Frameworks.

DR. JESSICA TALADA Adjunct Professor

Dr. Jessica Talada presented A Leader’s Guide to Making Change Happen — Building a Literacy System that Supports All at the Model Schools Conference in June 2023.

DR. DANA TURNER Adjunct Professor

Dr. Dana Turner published the book Gathered to Her People: A Small Collection of True Stories by Christian Women Who Hold Heartache and Hope.

DR. VICTOR WANG Adjunct Professor

Dr. Victor Wang has a new book coming out: Handbook of Research on Andragogical Leadership and Technology in a Modern World.

DR. CATHRYN WARREN Adjunct Professor

Dr. Cathryn Warren won teacher of the year at George County Middle School in Lucedale, Miss., where she serves as the individualized education program team leader.

DR. SCOTT B. WATSON Professor

Professional Presentation:

Watson, S.B. (2022, November). Teaching and Learning about Variables in Science. Virginia Association of Science Teachers Annual Conference. Williamsburg, Va.

STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Virginia (Ginny) McKinney Shank is a native of Lynchburg, Va., and currently serves as the director of student teaching, the edTPA coordinator, and an adjunct instructor in Liberty’s School of Education. A graduate of William Jennings Bryan College with a degree in elementary education, Ginny earned her master’s degree in reading education at Lynchburg College and is a licensed reading specialist. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction at Liberty University.

Ginny has worked in the field of education for more than 25 years, serving as an elementary classroom teacher and reading specialist in both Christian and public schools. She has devoted a decade of her career to supplemental education as the executive director of Sylvan Learning and Ace It! Tutoring program, which uses grant funding to bring Sylvan reading and math remediation to at-risk students in Title 1 elementary schools. Ginny remains passionate about urban education and bringing the Gospel and literacy to children living in poverty.

In her current role, Ginny leads adjunct faculty who guide and supervise student teachers. She also provides edTPA training and resources for both faculty and students. She established a partnership with the Academic Success Center to provide tutoring for licensure exams for residential students. With her colleagues, she holds monthly webinars for students related to student teaching and licensure exams.

Ginny has been married to her husband, Tim, for 26 years, and they have one daughter, Caroline, who will graduate from Liberty in May 2024.

Her greatest joy is teaching residential and online teacher candidates and mentoring them as they embark on the mission field of teaching. Her life verse is Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these other things shall be added unto you.”

RYAN CARDINALE Director of Student Support

I am honored to serve as the Director of Student Support in the School of Education. My primary role is to assist students (particularly licensure candidates) with complicated situations that they may encounter en route to earning their teacher licensure endorsement. My goal is to make the educational journeys of our students as smooth as possible and to develop new processes and helpful resources as students navigate the complicated world of teacher licensure. I love seeing our students overcome hurdles and achieve their God-given dream of becoming teachers!

Student Clubs Highlights

AUTISM SPEAKS U

Sponsor, Dr. Esther Warren

Autism Speaks U (ASU) exists to bring community and advocacy to campus through social events, advocacy seminars, and other fun activities on and off campus. ASU connects students who are on the spectrum with other students on campus, providing opportunities for fellowship, student leadership, and self-advocacy through monthly meetings and shared activities. Follow them on Facebook at ASU of Liberty University or Instagram @AutismSpeaksULiberty.

KAPPA DELTA PI

Sponsor, Dr. Pam Griffin

Kappa Delta Pi is an educational honor society with the purpose of promoting excellence in future professionals and recognizing the outstanding contributions made to education.

The Pi Sigma Chapter at Liberty University was founded in 1984. The organization endeavors to maintain a high degree of professional fellowship among its members, quicken professional growth, and honor achievement in educational work.

SCAN HERE TO SEE WHAT OUR HONOR SOCIETY DID THIS PAST YEAR:

URBAN EDUCATION CLUB

Sponsor, Dr. Monica Huband

For 8 years the Urban Education Club has continued its mission to prepare teacher candidates for the realities and challenges associated with teaching and supporting students in low-income, urban communities. They hear presentations from experts in the field of urban education and individuals who work to support the downtown Lynchburg community. This semester they will focus on trauma and how it can impact students’ academic performance and classroom behavior. The Urban Education Club provides valuable insight and information for students who feel called to teach in cities and those who are still trying to decide where God is calling them. Every student deserves grace and customized support. Come discover how to make school a positive and meaningful experience for all children.

COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN (CEC)

CLUB

Club Activities:

• Partnering with iKids at TRBC for our annual holiday events and respite nights

• CEC resource fair with hands-on learning stations with different exceptionalities

• Student-teacher panel hearing from the experiences of current student teachers

• A speaker night partnered with Autism Speaks U discussing the college experiences of students with ASD

PACE CLUB

Sponsor, Dr. Harvey Klamm

The Professional Association of Christian Educators (PACE) is a student club founded on a partnership between the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Liberty University. The mission of the ACSI PACE chapter is to develop an awareness of and support for God’s global work in K–12 Christian schools. It is a chapter for future educators wanting to grow spiritually and professionally. PACE serves as an organization for future educators to collaborate with future and current educators where passion for teaching fully integrates with a passion for Christ.

Sponsors Field Day

April 21, 2023, was a historic day as the PACE Club (Professional Association of Christian Educators) sponsored its first post-COVID-19 Field Day at Faith Christian Academy in Hurt, Va. The theme was “Survivors” (from James 1:2-4) and involved the 6th-12th graders in an action-packed afternoon filled with team game challenges. Twenty-four PACE Club members served as team coaches and game officials. Events such as hungry hippo, human knot, battleship, ping pong ball blow, and key treasure hunt, among others, engaged the students in team building and kept the gymnasium atmosphere loud with shouts of encouragement. The day ended with PACE Club team coaches leading their newly made friends in a team devotion, encouraging their group members to be survivors for Christ as they committed their lives to living God’s commands and precepts.

NEW PROGRAMS FOR FALL 2023

Ed.S. in Special Education

Ed.D. in Special Education

Ed.S. in Instructional Design & Technology

Ed.D. in Instructional Design & Technology

5 OF OUR MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS

B.Ed. in Elementary Education

Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Master of Arts in Teaching

Ph.D. in Education

School of Education Leadership

Don Raleigh, B.S., M.S., Ed.D., Dean

Laurie Rice, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D., Associate Dean

Michelle Goodwin, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.D., Associate Dean of Licensure and Residential Programs

School of Education Faculty

Esther Alcindor, B.S., M.Ed., M.S., Ph.D., Chair of Early and Elementary and Middle Education Programs, Associate Professor

Sandra Battige, B.M.E., M.Ed., Ph.D., Chair of Special Education Programs, Associate Professor

Pam Griffin, B.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., Chair of Secondary Education and Assistant Professor

Carol Canady, B.S., M.Ed., Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Russell Claxton, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D., Online Chair, Professor

Nancy DeJarnette, B.S., M.S., Ed.S., Ed.D., Director of Accreditation and Assessment

Lisa Foster, B.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., Professor

Monica Huband, B.A., M.A.T., Ed.D., Online Chair, Associate Professor

Melanie Hudson, B.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., Online Chair, Assistant Professor

Harvey Klamm, B.A., M.Ed., Ed.D., Associate Professor

Kurt Michael, B.S., M.A., Ph.D., Professor

Samuel Smith, B.A., M.Ed., Ed.D., Professor

Maria Spaulding, B.S., M.Ed., Ph.D., Assistant Professor

James Swezey, B.A., M.Ed., Ed.D., Professor

Scott Watson, B.S., M.A., Ph.D., Professor

Michele Worley, B.A., M.Ed., Ed.D., Assistant Professor