June 2011 - Commencement Issue

To the friends of the Graduate School of Education

 

So many wonderful things have happened in the Graduate School of Education since our last newsletter. This year we have celebrated the tenure and promotion of Dr. Alisa Bates, Associate Professor, and many professional accomplishments of other faculty such as the acquisition of a major FIPSE grant (Funding for the Improvement of Post Secondary Programs) by Dr. Steve Rhine, the successful sabbatical and a book contract for Dr. Linda Tamura, and my own recently published book. Other faculty are writing and working on myriad projects and tasks that will move the GSE forward in our new status as an independent graduate school. Seven GSE faculty presented recent scholarship at a Faculty Colloquium on May 9th.

Full time MAT candidates for 2010-2011 and the second year Aspire part-time candidates are finishing their graduation requirements and will soon be seeking, and finding, job opportunities in Oregon and beyond. Four already have secured jobs—two of them abroad.

In response to the current market demands and challenges, the GSE has developed easier access to specialty programs in teaching English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Reading, and Special Education—all identified in a recent market study as areas of demand in Oregon schools. The ESOL and Reading programs are available in a combined on-line and on-the-ground format to respond to the schedules of professionals and to reach out to the needs of rural teachers in the state where geographic boundaries inhibit access to coursework. We have increased the presence of both ESOL and SPED programs significantly and have advertised via the web and other venues extensively. We have also begun (January 2011) a highly successful MAT on-line program that includes access to a specialty endorsement.

Our website has been updated and completely revamped to be more user friendly to the general public and to help our candidates find information quickly and efficiently. Heather Daniels has worked diligently in collaboration with faculty and University staff to bring our website into the 21^st century! Heather’s work has undoubtedly strongly influenced our enrollment projections which are up significantly despite economic and hiring woes.

Our administrative support staff have been hard at work making sure that new data management systems are evolving and working as we move into our next national and state accreditation cycles. Kristen, Lindsay, Sue, and Sandy are remarkably talented staff who dedicate their days to making sure candidates are well cared for and the faculty are fully supported. We all extend our deep appreciation to these wonderful super women.

Administrator license programs are alive and well in the GSE. Curriculum for these programs have been realigned with national and state standards and our advanced programs and specialty endorsements look forward to continued record enrollments as teachers come back to the GSE, many MAT alums, to earn additional credentials that will make them more competitive in the current market.

It’s been a very good year for us and it is my last year as Interim Dean. I move forward into the position of professor among my faculty colleagues in anticipation of many exciting professional experiences to come. I thank all of you for the opportunity to serve as Associate Dean and Interim Dean of such a fine Graduate School of Education.

I will miss the incredible leadership responsibilities and gratifying experiences the GSE has allowed me in my tenure of service to you.

Enjoy a restful and renewing summer,

Rita Moore, Ph.D.
Interim Dean
Graduate School of Education
Willamette University