O N T H E M O V E : V C U S c h o o l o f E d u c a t i o n i s a t o p 3 0 p r o g r a m a m o n g A m e r i c a ’s B e s t G r a d u a t e S c h o o l s
VCU Alumni – that’s you! What’s your relationship to your alma mater? We hope you are as fully engaged as you care to be and supporting the VCU School of Education! VCU Alumni is the umbrella organization over an alliance of alumni constituent organizations including the SOE Alumni Council. VCU Alumni allows graduates to become more closely engaged by choosing primary affiliations such as the SOE Alumni Council and/or additional affiliations. Here’s how to customize your VCU Alumni membership if you are a current member*:
1. Visit https://www.vcualumni.org 2. If you are not a registered user, select “Register/Log in” to create a website username and password. If you are a registered user, log in. 3. Click the “Select your affiliations” button. 4. Select the VCU School of Education’s Alumni Council “Education Alumni Council” as your primary affiliation. 5. Select as many additional affiliations as you would like.
“When I visited the website, I just continued to select the VCU School of Education all the way through,” said Cheryl C. Magill (M.Ed. ‘81, Ph.D. ‘99), a member of the SOE Alumni Council, “because my VCU allegiance is entirely with the School of Education.” Dr. Magill recognized that by designating the SOE Alumni Council as the primary affiliation, a portion of the VCU Alumni membership is designated to that organization. The SOE Alumni Council uses these funds to sponsor student events and activities designed to enrich the experience of students, faculty and staff.
There are many ways in which our alumni may “reach back” in support of today’s students and faculty. You may:
s Select the VCU School of Education’s Alumni Council
“We are grateful to our Alumni Council for all they do to support our students, especially through their fundraising efforts. The Council’s scholarships are especially important because more than half of our students rely on financial assistance,” said Dean Chriss Walther-Thomas.
“Education Alumni Council” as your primary affiliation if you are a dues paying member or life member of VCU Alumni.
s Answer the telephone when you are called by one of our VCU Gold Line student workers and make a pledge during our phone-a-thon.
s Join the SOE Alumni Council and participate in their many activities. SOE Alumni Council members (left to right): Lyndsay Durham, M.Ed. ’11; Pam Toliver, M.Ed. ’09; Eleanor Sharp, M.Ed. ’12; Peter Glessman, Post Master’s Cert. ’01 and Mary Allen, B.S. ’80.
*If you are not a current, active dues-paying member, select “Join or renew” to activate your membership. If you are a VCU Alumni “Life Member” you should follow the steps listed above and select the VCU School of Education Alumni Council as your primary affiliation.
From our SOE family to yours we say, “Thank you for all you do to represent and support the VCU School of Education.” The School of Education was well represented at the September 2013 Broad Street Mile event. Students, staff and volunteers including (left to right) Kelly Vasell, Donna Sharits, Michelle Schmitt, Kayla Watts, Stephanie Holt and Chris Crowley made sure the SOE tent was the most fun! Past President of the SOE Alumni Council, Dale Kalkofen, M.A.E. ’76 pictured at the July VCU Alumni “Talking on the Terrace” social with her son, Hans Kalkofen B.A. ’12 (left) and Howard Ostergren A.S. ’69 (right).
1972 VCU Yearbook “Cobblestone” Vintage photo courtesy of VCU Libraries Special Collections and Archives
Photo courtesy of Jea
n-Philippe Cyprès.
From the SOE Chronicles
VCU Alumni staff with 2011 Teacher of the Year, LaTonya Waller, M.T. ’01, Post Master’s Cert. ’06. Pictured with Ms. Waller are (left to right) Regina Phinizey, B.S. ’82; Larry Powell, B.S. ’85; LaTonya Waller and Clissa England.
Heads up! The VCU School of Education will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2014 - 2015. In anticipation of anniversary events, we are asking our alumni to share historical photos, stories or other items of interest that will help in planning our celebration. For more details on how you can help, please contact Donna Stewart Sharits (B.G.S. ’96/H&S) at (804) 828-4770 or dssharits@vcu.edu.
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We’re shaping the future of education, add and helping the field reach its full potenti the classroom of tomorrow, and we’re
on Alumni ti a c u d E f o l o o h c S U VC t Now Making It Real - Righ . ’13), assistant Edwin Achola (Ph.D State University professor, California , Long Beach, College of Education California ), assistant Dana Bost (Ph.D. ’09 ton Independent us Ho superintendent, ton, Texas School District, Hous ’91), director and Kevin Bruny (M.Ed. Chesterfield chief learning officer, ganizational County Center for Or ld, Virginia fie Excellence, Chester . ‘11), director Boo Corrigan (M.Ed ry Academy of athletics, U.S. Milita w York Ne , int Po t Athletics, Wes
), named as John Hunter (B.S. ’77 for Teaching te titu the first Martin Ins ating “The cre for low Excellence fel gifted resource World Peace Game,” unty Public teacher, Albemarle Co e, Virginia vill es Schools, Charlott
), vice president, Laura Lay (M.Ed. ’99 Social Studies, the Virginia Council for Virginia Chesterfield County, . ’07), associate Richard Mohn (Ph.D t of Educational en rtm pa professor, De h, The University Studies and Researc i, Hattiesburg, ipp of Southern Mississ Mississippi
.Ed.’02, Ph.D.’07), S. Dallas Dance (M ore County ltim Ba superintendent, , Maryland on ws To , ols Public Scho . ‘02), named by Allyson Drake (M.Ed 12 Top 40 Under Style Weekly as a 20 d executive 40 leader; founder an a grief resource , director of Full Circle ia gin Vir d, on center, Richm ormick (Ph.D. Michael Gamel-McC ation policy uc ed d ’95), disability an alth, Education, He te na Se S. analyst, U. ittee, mm Co Labor and Pensions wark, Ne , are University of Delaw Delaware
.D. ’13), assistant Kerry Robinson (Ph of Tennessee ty rsi professor, Unive , Health, and Human College of Education Tennessee Sciences, Knoxville, . ’12), secretary of Javaid Siddiqi (Ph.D wealth of Virginia, education, Common Richmond, Virginia .Ed/MBA ’13), Benjamin Snyder (M velopment for de director of corporate e Games, Fir d an the World Police Fairfax, Virginia ’01), 2011 Virginia LaTonya Waller (MT president, VCU Teacher of the Year; mni Council; earth African American Alu cille Brown Middle Lu at sciences teacher ginia School, Richmond, Vir . ’84), Virginia Patricia Wright (M.Ed c instruction, bli pu of superintendent Richmond, Virginia
dressing clear gaps ial. We’re creating e making it real.
VCU School of Education Values Statement The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education is dedicated to the preparation of professional educators and clinicians, the ideals of academic scholarship and the worthiness of service. Through our work in these areas, we recognize our responsibilities to students, university colleagues, the community at large and professional organizations. While all of us share common values, the statements below intentionally allow for a variety of interpretations that may be influenced by our assignments, our experiences and other philosophical principles within programs and across our school. We demonstrate our belief in the value of high quality programs by: Attracting high quality students Being responsive to the external standards of accrediting and professional organizations s Providing meaningful clinical placements s Continually evaluating, assessing, and improving programs and services s s
We demonstrate our belief in the value of high quality teaching by: s Creating an environment that supports student success s Demonstrating a variety of effective teaching strategies including technology integration, universal design for learning and studentcentered instruction s Fostering curriculum development that ensures familiarity with best practice across all disciplines We demonstrate our belief in the value of diversity by: s Preparing students to work in culturally and linguistically diverse settings s Accommodating students with special learning needs s Promoting a diverse student and faculty community s Supporting intellectual curiosity s Modeling and promoting social justice We demonstrate our belief in the value of high quality scholarship and, in particular, the value of a research culture by: s Conducting relevant, high quality research that is responsive to the metropolitan community and contributes to the disciplines s Encouraging collaborative research with colleagues, practitioners and students s Supporting the creation, interpretation and dissemination of knowledge s Integrating current research into teaching We demonstrate our belief in the value of collaboration and partnerships by: s Serving as a resource for the development of policy, curriculum, instructional practice and professional standards s Providing leadership and professional outreach to organizations, the university and the community at large s Maintaining partnerships and shared responsibility for professional preparation We demonstrate our belief in the value of critical reflection by: s Observing ethical practices and professional honesty s Encouraging students to exhibit dispositions consistent with accepted professional practice s Fostering a trusting, safe community of scholars s Engaging in ongoing professional development s Examining professional practices
Ways to give Mail (check made payable to VCU Foundation) VCU School of Education, Office of External Relations and Development, P.O. Box 842020, Richmond, VA 23284 Donate online www.support.vcu.edu/give/education Securities A gift of stock generally entitles a donor to a charitable deduction for the full current market value and avoidance of capital gains tax.
www.soe.vcu.edu
Phone Call (804) 828-4770 to speak with Donna Stewart Sharits, director of annual giving and alumni engagement.
Non-profit Organization US Postage PAID Richmond, VA Permit #869
Return Service Requested P.O. Box 842020 Richmond, VA 23284-2020
We are one of “America’s Best Graduate Schools”
and on the move! U.S. News & World Report has released its 2014 Best Graduate Schools rankings, and the VCU School of Education ranks 28th in the nation among graduate schools of education. - - - - - M O M E N T U M FA L L 2 0 1 3 - - - - Editor: Donna Stewart Sharits, B.G.S. ’96, (804) 828-4770, dssharits@vcu.edu Contributor: Michael D. Frontiero Art Director: Holly Delano, B.F.A. ’88,
O N T H E M O V E : V C U S c h o o l o f E d u c a t i o n i s a t o p 3 0 p r o g r a m a m o n g A m e r i c a ’s B e s t G r a d u a t e S c h o o l s
DELANO Creative
Photography: Courtesy of VCU Creative Services
unless otherwise noted -----------------------------------
VCU School of Education’s 2013 Alumni Star
SOE ALUMNI COUNCIL MEMBERS
S. Dallas Dance, superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools Five years ago, S. Dallas Dance (Ph.D. ’07, M.Ed. ‘02) received his Doctor of Philosophy from the VCU School of Education. Five years prior, he earned his Master of Education from VCU. Today, this 31-year-old alumnus is the superintendent of the 26th largest school system in the country – Baltimore County Public Schools in Baltimore, Maryland. He is indeed a rising star and on that note, Dr. Dance was recently honored with a VCU Alumni Star Award.
As superintendent, Dr. Dance works closely with those around him to improve Baltimore County schools. In fact, it was his collaborative nature that landed him the job after only completing two of the required three years of teaching. Dr. Dance had to
S O E A L U M N I S TA R S
S. Dallas Dance 2013 Dale C. Kalkofen 2011 Patricia Wright 2008 Stephanie L. Holt 2005 Donna M. Dalton 2003 Jo Lynne DeMary 2001 Jane Moncure 2000 Susan T. Noble 1999 Jay F. Fitzgerald 1998 Edward B. Barber 1997 M. Kenneth Magill 1995 Sydney Sherrod 1994 Richard W. Leatherman 1993 James Bynum 1992 Sandra Wiltshire 1991 Deborah D’Allesandro 1990 William C. Bosher, Jr. 1989
Peter R. Glessman, Post Master’s Cert. ’01, President Cheryl C. Magill, M.Ed. ’81, Ph.D. ’99, Vice President Susan F. Younce, M.S. ’91, Treasurer Lyndsay S. Durham, M.Ed. ’11, Co-Secretary Eleanor S. Sharp, M.Ed. ’12, Co-Secretary Shannon D. Jones, M.Ed. ’12, Officer at Large
County Public Schools.
Members: Mary H. Allen, B.S. ’80; Carol A. Dato, B.S.
Photo courtesy of Baltimore
Dr. Dance, along with the other 2013 VCU Alumni Star Award winners, was recognized by Dr. Michael Rao, president of VCU and the VCU Health System, at a reception held at the Richmond Marriott on Oct. 25. The goal of the event was to celebrate and recognize VCU’s high achieving alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers before a broad university-wide audience.
2013-2015 Officers
obtain a waiver from the Maryland State Department of Education in order to be considered for the position.
known Dr. Dance since Dance’s teaching days and served as the co-chair on his transition team at Baltimore County Public Schools.
“I did work my way up the educational ladder and each position was filled with lifelong learning experiences,” said Dr. Dance. “It was probably due to those experiences and the support I received from great mentors and support staff I’ve had around me. At every level, my supervisors and mentors gave me opportunities to learn more and to be creative. I’ve been extremely fortunate.” This includes his time at VCU. Dr. Dance was very grateful to VCU for helping to provide him with the necessary skill set for educational leadership. “VCU was a network of colleagues. We had our own professional learning community, which was phenomenal,” he said. “I’m still extremely close with many of the individuals I got to know at VCU.” One of those individuals was William C. Bosher, Ed.D., distinguished professor in the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs and a former dean of the School of Education. He has
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“He’s always had a positive impatience,” said Dr. Bosher. “My greatest concern was that he was moving too quickly, and yet I was not going to hold him back as long as the quality of his work was strong, and it always was.” Before joining Baltimore County Public Schools, Dr. Dance was chief middle schools officer for Houston Independent School District in Texas; executive director of school improvement in the Department of Instructional Support in Virginia’s Chesterfield County Public Schools; an English teacher, administrative aide, assistant principal and principal in Virginia’s Henrico County Public Schools and assistant superintendent in Virginia’s Louisa County Public Schools. Since assuming his position with Baltimore County Public Schools in July 2012, Dr. Dance has accelerated activities to prepare for the adoption of the Common Core curriculum in school year 2013-2014.
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’81; Ausha Espiet, M.T. ’12; Lynda V. Gillespie, Ph.D. ’01; Stephanie L. Holt, B.S. ’74; Dale C. Kalkofen, M.A.E. ’76; Kathryn G. Kirk, M.Ed. ’80, Ph.D. ’10; W. Chris Martin, B.S. ’88; Heather A. Shortall, M.T. ’00, Post Master’s Cert. ’12; Pamela A. Toliver, M.Ed. ’09; Carmen Y. Ward, M.Ed. ’01, Ph.D. ’12 and Jacqueline W. Wilson, B.S. ’77, M.Ed. ’83, Ph.D. ’96
VCU Alumni Association Representative
Diane Stout-Brown, Executive Director, VCU Alumni Association S O E A D VA N C E M E N T C O U N C I L M E M B E R S
Robert E. Marchant, M.Ed. ’71, Chairman, Barbaralyn Belcher, Jo Lynne DeMary, M.Ed. ’72, Michael D. Fraizer, Susan L. Genovese, Stewart D. Roberson, Walter S. Robertson III and Brian White Ex-Officio Members
Christine S. Walther-Thomas, Professor and Dean Magnus H. Johnsson, Executive Director of External Relations & Development VCU is an equal opportunity affirmative action university.
Open dialogue with the community – both in person and digitally – and professional development for all staff members are additional hallmarks of his administration. At the school system’s inaugural State of the Schools event held in March 2013, Dr. Dance announced plans to move the school system to a 1:1 digital learning environment and to expand world languages so that every student has equitable access to learning and developing proficiency in a second language. Dean Chriss Walther-Thomas, speaking on behalf of the VCU School of Education faculty, staff and students, said, “Everyone at our school sends a hearty congratulations and thank you to Dr. Dance for all he’s done by taking his VCU School of Education experience into the real world of learning and achievement. We are especially proud of his leadership role with the Baltimore County School System.”
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