Penn State Education — Spring 2024

The voices that make up our community are exactly what make it worth fighting for.

Spring 2024

CONTENTS

DEAN’S MESSAGE

04 Looking back at our first 100 years and forward to the next 100 years

NEWS & NOTES

06 College of Education offering new special education master’s program; Zembal-Saul named NARST Fellow; New unified doctoral program offered; Assistant professor wins national dissertation award; Researcher examines school funding mechanisms in new book; Researcher among top 2% of those referenced in field; College of Education holds its awards ceremony

FEATURES

09 College of Education alumna Ashlie Crosson named Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year (By Brian D. Cox)

10 Alumna blazes trails in German language education overseas (By Stephanie Koons)

11 College of Education student balances student-teaching with pursuit of Olympic dream (By Gabriella Gaskell)

This publication is available in alternative media on request. The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901, Email: oeoa@psu.edu, Tel (814) 863-0471. UBR EDU 24-149

RESEARCH

12 Two College of Education researchers work toward identifying, reducing inequities in education (By Stephanie Koons)

FROM THE ALUMNI SOCIETY BOARD

13 A message from outgoing Alumni Society Board President Jonathan Klingeman

ALUMNI NEWS

14 Alumni update

15 College of Education alumna Dorothy “Dot” Shemick passes away at age 95

College of Education

DEAN Kimberly A. Lawless EDITOR Brian D. Cox WRITERS Brian D. Cox | Stephanie Koons | Gabriella Gaskell CONTACT 247 Chambers Building | University Park, PA 16802 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ALUMNI SOCIETY OFFICERS Jonathan Klingeman, President | Catherine T. Tomon, President-elect | Sharlene Yontosh, Secretary | Joseph H. Clapper, Immediate Past President DIRECTORS Brian Bliss | William Clark | Molly Dollmeyer | Jhan D. Doughty | Kiley Foley | Caleb Gildea | Krishawna Goins | Ramon Guzman Jr. | Sherry Hibbard | Sarah Lozano | Deborah Marron | Ronald Musoleno | Kurt Nyquist | Matt Richards | Sandra Rodriguez-Arroyo | Julie Henry | Sharon Salter APG REPRESENTATIVES Mia Hines | Cass Ramsey STUDENT MEMEBERS Michael Cattell | Brandin Conrath | Rory Murphy

DEAN’S MESSAGE

As part of the Penn State College of Education’s 100th anniversary, we’ve spent a significant portion of the past year looking back — upon our history, upon how much we’ve evolved, upon how much we’ve accomplished and upon how much we have yet to achieve.

But as the observance of our centennial year comes to a close, we find ourselves looking forward — not only to our present and future as a college, but to the impact our faculty, staff, students and alumni are having and will continue to have on the world of education and beyond.

Whether that’s through a tireless and unapologetic devotion to access, inclusion, and belonging; groundbreaking research; topnotch educator preparation; cutting-edge curriculum development; impactful education policy progress or a laundry list of other areas in which our world-class faculty, staff and students are making a difference, we look forward to fulfilling our mission of being changemakers and foundation shakers.

Thinking about the inspiring present and bright future of those within our college and our alumni has us excited — enough to dedicate this spring’s edition of our alumni magazine to it.

Within these pages, you’ll find stories about an alumna who was named the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, about a field hockey student-athlete in our college who is pursuing her dream of competing in the upcoming Summer Olympics, about the research work attempting to figure out ways to counteract inequities in education and more.

Clearly, there is much of which to be proud in the College of Education.

Admittedly, the education world is not without its challenges, but not only am I pleased with what the College of Education is now, but eager to see what the coming years and decades have in store as we continue to realize our potential.

We make it no secret that we endeavor to create lasting positive change in education and the world, and I have no doubt the people of this college and our alumni will do just that. I feel confident saying this because I am fortunate enough to work with and among so many of them every day. I believe it will happen because I see it taking place in front of my very eyes.

We are changemakers. We are foundation shakers. They are labels we wear — and will continue to wear — proudly.

So, here’s to our first 100 years and to our next 100 years! We can’t wait to see what the next century has in store.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t express my gratitude to the many of you who support my mission for this college through your contributions to the Penn State Fund for the College of Education. To make a gift of support today — your latest, your first in a while, or your first ever — please use the following QR code. Thank you!

Kim Lawless Dean, Penn State College of Education

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

OFFERING NEW SPECIAL EDUCATION MASTER’S PROGRAM

Starting in summer 2024, the Penn State College of Education will offer a master’s program in special education that enables students with undergraduate degrees in non-education majors to earn a teaching degree. The post-baccalaureate program in special education is intended for students who have completed a bachelor’s program in a field related to education, such as rehabilitation and human services, human development and family studies or psychology. The bachelor’s program must be completed before beginning the master’s program in special education.

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Global Organization for Improving Science Education through Research. The honor recognizes Zembal-Saul’s “significant professional accomplishments as a science education researcher and her exceptional and longtime service to the NARST community.” Zembal-Saul has been a NARST (National Association for Research in Science Teaching) member for more than 30 years, dating to her time as a graduate student at the University of Michigan.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION OFFERING NEW UNIFIED DOCTORAL PROGRAM

ZEMBAL-SAUL SELECTED AS 2024 NARST FELLOW

Penn State College of Education faculty member Carla Zembal-Saul has been selected as a 2024 fellow by NARST: A

The Penn State College of Education is now offering a revamped doctoral program in the Department of Education Policy Studies (EPS) that combines three previously existing programs into a unified program that is designed to provide a wider range of academic and professional opportunities for students.

The Education Policy and Leadership

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(EPL) Program provides doctoral training for students interested in career areas pertaining to educational policy, educational leadership and higher education. The goal of the program is to prepare students to pursue careers and exert leadership in education as researchers, faculty or administrators within educational organizations or other organizations that pertain to education. Students engage common coursework pertaining to education policy, leadership, research, equity and diversity as well as specialized coursework that they select in consultation with their adviser to prepare themselves for the dissertation research that culminates their studies.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR EARNS NATIONAL DISSERTATION AWARD

Mariah Harmon, assistant professor of education (teacher education) in the Penn State College of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction, has been named as the 2024 recipient of the James Anderson Outstanding Dissertation Award, presented by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).

The award recognizes excellence in doctoral dissertation research that contributes to the knowledge base of educator preparation or of teaching and learning with implications for educator preparation. The award is named for James D. Anderson, whose landmark 1988 book, “The Education of Blacks in the South,” transformed the field of African American educational history.

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EDUCATION RESEARCHER EXAMINES SCHOOL FUNDING MECHANISMS IN NEW BOOK

The commonly held perception that school funding mechanisms originate at the local level is not only inaccurate but encourages complacency in dismantling structural inequalities, according to a Penn State College of Education researcher.

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Matthew Gardner Kelly, assistant professor of education in the Department of Education Policy Studies, wrote his first book, “Dividing the Public: School Finance and the Creation of Structural Inequity,” which was published in January in the Histories of American Education Series at Cornell University Press. The book uses the history of local taxation and its alternatives to trace the role of school finance policies in expanding and entrenching structural inequalities in education in the 19th and 20th centuries.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION RESEARCHER AMONG

TOP 2% OF THOSE BEING REFERENCED IN FIELD

A Penn State College of Education faculty member is among the top 2% of researchers to have their work referenced in the disciplines of languages and linguistics, according to statistics compiled by Stanford University professor John P.A. Ioannidis and available through the Elsevier Data Repository. Researchers included in the database are categorized in 22 scientific disciplines and 174 sub-fields.

Matthew Poehner, professor of education (world languages education and applied linguistics), made the list in the area of languages and linguistics.

Poehner researches how people develop abilities in other languages. The research topic that he is perhaps most strongly associated with is dynamic assessment — a manner of testing in which, when test takers encounter problems, support is provided and how the test taker responds becomes part of the interpretation of their abilities.

COLLEGE HOSTS ANNUAL FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY

The College of Education held its annual faculty, staff and student awards ceremony held April 1.

LaWanda Ward and Liana Cole won Cotterill Leadership Enhancement Awards. The award includes resources for professionally related activities, including participation in conferences, seminars and sabbaticals.

By Brian D. Cox

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Ashlie Crosson — who received a master’s degree in educational leadership from the Penn State College of Education — was recently named Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Crosson currently teaches 10th grade English, Advanced Placement (AP) writing, and journalism at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

Photos courtesy: Pennsylvania Department of Education

ALUMNA BLAZES TRAILS IN GERMAN LANGUAGE EDUCATION OVERSEAS

By Stephanie Koons

Sydney McQuiggan, an alumna of both the College of Education and the College of the Liberal Arts, has spread her wings in Germany and Austria through cultural exchange programs.

Since graduation, McQuiggan, who was the student marshal for the College of the Liberal Arts, has found not only a sense of community among like-minded educators but has had the opportunity to immerse herself personally and professionally in two German-speaking countries: Germany and Austria.

Photos provided by Sydney McQuiggan

By Gabriella Gaskell

Sophia Gladieux started her spring semester in a third-grade classroom at Pleasant Gap Elementary School. She looked to finish her student teaching experience and graduate in May. Then she would return to Penn State for a master’s degree – among other pursuits. Then, she got the text.

Gladieux, a member of Penn State’s field hockey team, is after a coveted spot playing field hockey on the team that will represent the U.S. in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The Nittany Lion standout moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in pursuit of those dreams.

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Photos provided by Sophia Gladieux

RESEARCH

By Stephanie Koons

As the Penn State College of Education moves into its next century, a new generation of faculty is working to improve the equity and inclusivity of U.S. education systems. Two of those rising stars, Wilson Okello and Kelly Rosinger, are tackling the issues of centering Black voices in education and making college admissions more equitable, respectively.

Okello, assistant professor of education (higher education) and research associate in the Center for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE), identifies as an artist and interdisciplinary scholar who draws on Black critical theories to advance research on knowledge production and human development theory.

Rosinger’s research examines the barriers students face going to and through college and how educational policies can be designed to promote racial and economic equity.

Photo of Wilson Okello provided; photo of Kelly Rosinger from Penn State College of Education files

FROM THE ALUMNI SOCIETY BOARD PRESIDENT

Happy 100th Birthday, Penn State College of Education!

Yes, that’s correct. We continue to celebrate 100 years of cultivating some of the best graduates in the world. In fact, our college has more than 52,000 alumni. Now, that’s something to cheer for!

As we move into the spring and summer, I hope everyone has the chance to return home, visit University Park, and wish the college a happy birthday! In fact, our board continues to work with the deans and the Development and Alumni Relations Office to continue reflecting on how we can provide support for the future. Whether through our time, philanthropy, or volunteering, there are numerous ways and opportunities you can continue the celebration to ensure another incredible 100 years. Numerous events, including We Are Weekend, homecoming, and our tailgate, are being polished to provide an even bigger celebration of this incredible milestone!

At our most recent meeting, Roger Williams, former Executive Director of the Penn State Alumni Association and College of Education alumnus, shared some incredible facts about the college’s history that I just had to ensure were shared with you.

Did you know…

…That the College of Education, when founded was housed in the old Beta Theta Pi fraternity house on Burrowes?

…That by 1938, The School of Education ranked second in size on campus?

…That in 1953, The Penn State College became The Pennsylvania State University and The College of Education took on its new name?

Our college’s strategic plan is written to lead into the future by pushing boundaries and advocating for change as change agents. There has never been a better time to support the college’s

future than now. I encour age you to reach out and join one of our board committees, meet with our Alumni office to see how you can support current students from anywhere in the world, and come back to campus to visit Chambers and learn about the numerous plans to keep our programs growing!

Birthday gifts come in all sizes, but sometimes the best ones are the smiles when our alumni reach out and connect! Please watch for emails from Dr. Kaela Fuentes-Packnick, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, at knf115@psu.edu, and join us for an incredible celebration this 2024!

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the College as President of our alumni board for the past two years. Our team has accomplished many goals from our strategic plan and has the energy and excitement to keep pushing forward! I look forward to working with Dr. Cathy Tomon, your president-elect, during this summer transition.

I would also be remiss not to acknowledge our current past president, Dr. Joe Clapper, and secretary, Mrs. Sherry Yontosh, for their years of service on the board, as their terms end in June 2024. Joe and Sherry, you’ve become incredible friends and mentors, and I couldn’t thank you enough for the passion and time you have provided to this College. Thank you!

For the glory, Jonathan

Klingeman, Ed.D. ’08 President

ALUMNI NEWS College of Education alumni updates

Alumni updates celebrates career achievements by Penn State College of Education alumni.

Doug L. Allen, who received a doctor of education in educational administration from Penn State in 1984, has served as a Pennsylvania public school teacher, principal and superintendent in Pennsylvania for 40 years and is currently the CEO of the Tidioute Community Charter School in Warren County. In addition, he has served as an adjunct university instructor for writing courses and for school administration courses at Gannon University and the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College.

PRA Group, was recognized by Inside Business at its Women in Business Achievement Awards. She also recently was recognized by Hispanic Executive among its 2023 Leading Latinas.

Lydia Holt, a Penn State College of Education alumna who teaches at Jeff Tech in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, is the subject of a recent article in Courier Express. Holt has been trying to find different ways for students to use the concepts and ideas they study in her geometry class in their other shops as much as possible.

William B. McIlwaine, who graduated from the College of Education in 2021, received the Science Teacher Award from the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association (PSTA). The award was created by the PSTA to acknowledge dedication and excellence in science teaching for new teachers.

Sarah Nathel Douglas, associate professor of human development and family studies at Michigan State University, received the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) Research Award at its 2024 conference in Hawaii. Douglas obtained a doctorate in special education from Penn State in 2011 with an emphasis on augmentative and alternative communication. She remained as a faculty member at Penn State from 2012 until 2014 where she taught courses on inclusive special education, severe disabilities, English language learners with special needs, assistive technology and autism.

Giovanna Genard, a 2010 master of education in higher education graduate and current vice president of global communication and external affairs for

Raquel Muniz Castro, a 2019 education policy studies doctoral graduate, was selected as one of nine finalists for the William T. Grant Scholars Class of 2029. Castro is currently a faculty member at Boston College.

Venancio Ybarra Jr., who holds a master’s in instructional systems – education technology from Penn State, has been named Austin Community College’s new Computer Science & Information Technology (CSIT) dean. Ybarra has served as a Penn State World Campus Alumni Ambassador since graduating from the University in 2012.

Did you get a new job, celebrate a career milestone, get a promotion or award, recently retire, or have other career-related news to share? If so, we want to hear from you. Email us at edrelations@psu.edu with your name, information about your achievement, and the degree(s) you earned and year(s) of graduation from the Penn State College of Education.

Dorothy ‘Dot’ Shemick passes away at age 95

Dorothy Ann Dreher Shemick, of Foxdale Village, State College, died on Saturday, April 6, 2024, surrounded by family. She was 95 years old.

Known as Dot, she was the daughter of Maud Marks Dreher and Arthur Lincoln Dreher and was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 6, 1928. Dot was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband, John M. Shemick, of Penn State’s College of Education, and by her brother, Robert Arthur Dreher of Lancaster, Virginia.

Dot was an independent thinker. She was incensed by racism and prejudice and supported peace, equity and justice. She became a Unitarian Universalist as an adult.

Dot was a life-long learner. During her Fort Hamilton High School years, she learned photography techniques from her father and brother and became the school yearbook photographer. Dot was determined to attend college despite her father and grandfather’s opposition. At Penn Hall Junior College, while waiting for a post-World War II opening at a four-year school, she honed her photographic skills. At Michigan State College, as the only woman in the school’s Photography Club, she used her Speedgraphic camera to shoot sports photos for the college newspaper and yearbook. Dot received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1950 and married John later that year.

In 1976 she received a master’s equivalency degree and teaching certificate to become a high school teacher. Dot designed and

taught a Human Services curriculum at the Centre County VoTech School, and for twelve years inspired many students to pursue careers in childcare, elder care, and related fields. Some of Dot’s students found positions at Foxdale Village, using what they learned to care for its residents and later, for her.

Dot was a fierce advocate for universal childcare and early childhood education. As an entrepreneur she founded and operated Children’s World, a childcare center, in 1989. She conducted market research, investigated zoning ordinances, and arranged financing. The business was a continuation of her teaching career, as she mentored employees in early childhood education and promoted their professional development. Dot owned and operated the center for ten years, after which she retired to pursue photography, traveling and gardening.

Dot is survived by her daughters, Nancy Shemick (Tom Charron), of Alameda, California, and Laura Shemick (Rima Cameron), of Steelton, Pennsylvania, in addition to many nieces and nephews. Known for her sense of humor, Dot was loved by all whose lives she touched. A life well-lived.

After her husband’s death, she established endowments in the College of Education at Penn State. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the John M. Shemick Scholarship fund (raise.psu.edu/ShemickScholarship). A Celebration of Life will be held on June 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Foxdale Village Auditorium.