Dean’s Desk June 8, 2020 School of Education & Psychology Weekly e-News for Students, Faculty, Staff, and Community
The Finish Line
Spring quarter is coming to an end this week and you have shown a tremendous amount of grace. Our world and the way we do school has changed dramatically over the past few months and will likely be written about in the history books. To say we miss seeing you in person is an understatement. However, I commend each student, professor, and staff for the flexibility and professionalism shown during this time. As we come down to the finish line for the 2019-2020 school year I am once again reminded of God's grace in seeing us through and have great hope for the future.
~ Debbie Muthersbaugh, Dean
My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. ~ Acts 20:24, NIV
Calendar of Events
June 8-10 Spring Quarter Final Exams
12 Psychology Recognition, Friday, 1:00 pm PST, Zoom link https://llu.zoom.us/j/6944139142
14 Graduation, 10:00 am PST, Zoom link TBD
14 Teacher Dedication Service, 12:30 pm, Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/5737589362
21 Father's Day
22 Summer Courses Begin, online
23 Last Day to Request Grades of S/NC, 5:00 pm, PST July 4 Independence Day Holiday, No Classes August 30 Graduate Hooding, WWU, 2 pm
Graduates 2020
Dear Graduates,
We are extremely proud of each one of you graduates! You have come a long way and we are excited to commemorate you and your accomplishments. Celebrations will be held virtually, and we do have some special things planned. More information on all graduation events can be found at https://wallawallaugrad.squarespace.com/#schedule. We hope you will plan to participate.
Psychology Recognition- Friday, June 12, 1:00 pm PST. This event highlights the journey each senior has taken and is going to take in the future. Please wear your graduation cap to celebrate. And invite your family to link in! Zoom Link: https://llu.zoom.us/j/6944139142
Graduation Ceremony- Sunday, June 14, 10:00 am PST. The WWU administration, faculty, and guests will guide us through the conferring of degrees.
Teacher Dedication Service– Sunday, June 14, 12:30 pm PST following graduation exercises. This event celebrates the completion of the teacher preparation program. Please wear your graduation cap and bring your box of goodies to open Invite your family and mentor teachers to join! Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/5737589362
Despite the challenges we have faced at the end of this academic year, you have shown the strength that comes from completing a challenging course of study; you exhibited a spirit of generosity seen in the way you serve and care for those around you; and now you take with you hope in the promise that God has a plan for your future, “plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for” (Jeremiah 29:11, MSG). May the enclosed book, Steps to Christ, show you the way to the most rewarding life possible by following Christ.
Along with our dedicated faculty and staff, it has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve you as Dean of the School of Education and Psychology at Walla Walla University. Please keep in touch in the coming years. We can’t wait to hear about your journey.
~ Debbie Muthersbaugh, dean, School of Education and Psychology
Education and Psychology
Debbie Smart to Retire Summer 2020 After many years of faithful service to the students, staff, and faculty of the School of Education and Psychology (SEP), Administrative Assistant and Certification Officer Debbie Smart will retire July 2020. We will miss so many things about you - your ready smile, caring heart, and for showing us Jesus every day. We asked her to share some thoughts with us. Q. How long have you been in the SEP?
God called me to serve our Education and Psychology WWU undergraduate and graduate students 18 years ago and I have loved every minute of the ups and downs along the way. I have had the privilege of serving under multiple deans starting with Dr. Mark Haynal, then for half a school year an Interim Dean, followed by Dr. Julian Melgosa, then Dr. Denise Dunzweiler, and currently Dr. Debbie Muthersbaugh. Q. What have been the favorite parts of your job?
One favorite part has been our incredible faculty and staff teams - we are a family unit, that is for sure. Then there are the students - I claim each and every student that has come through my doors as my own. They have blessed my life tremendously and I thank my Heavenly Father for giving me the opportunity to be a part of helping them reach the life goals He placed upon their hearts. They are truly His servants and I am so proud of each one of them. Q. Do you have any parting thoughts?
I also want to thank the faculty and staff of WWU, outside the School of Education and Psychology, that have been such an amazing help and inspiration to me. There are too many to list, but the dedication to helping our students through thick and thin is what makes WWU such a special place to work. My prayer is that we each one will continue to be a blessing to those the Lord puts in our paths and that they will see Jesus through us.
Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship
This program is designed to provide financial aid to encourage persons to become teachers and to retain these teachers in shortage areas. The program provides funding of up to $8,000 per year for up to four years, toward earning a Washington Residency Teacher Certificate. Award amounts may vary depending upon financial need and funds available. In order to qualify, applicants must:
All candidates who meet these minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply by June 19. The application is open and available on our website: https://wsac.wa.gov/teachers. ~ Nicole (Coco) Witty | Program Manager, Educator Workforce Programs | Washington Student Achievement Council | 360-753-7845 | www.wsac.wa.gov
Spring 2020 Grading Options Recently it was voted to give WWU students the option of choosing an “S” or “NC” grade for one week after grades have been posted. In order to receive the "S" grade, the final course grade must be a “C” or higher. There must be an indication that the academic advisor has been consulted. A student with any grade may elect to have a grade of “NC” recorded. (Deadline for making S/NC selection is 5:00 pm on Tuesday June 23). some important things to remember as you are considering this option are:
Keeping standard grades is probably preferred in most instances since they calculate into the GPA and give the admission committees a more complete database for decision-making.
Because the “S” and “NC” grades do not impact GPA, they may be a good choice for students who are working hard on their GPA in order to retain scholarships and work towards achieving honors at graduation.
In some cases, students who have grades below a “C” may be better off keeping the letter grades since low grades in general studies and some cognate courses will still count.
Because of these complex issues, it is important to work with your advisor when making the decision of which grading systems is best for you and your future.
Fall Quarter 2020
President John McVay announced last week that Walla Walla University is "taking steps to welcome students back to our campuses for the 2020-2021 academic school year, and we are working diligently on plans that prioritize safety and quality education, in concert with guidance from community health leaders and state guidelines." He has appointed a Taskforce whose work is guided by: Academic strength and integrity; Attention from faculty and staff ; Community; Responsibility; and Hope. The president also says that he will "provide updates every other week for the foreseeable future, and details will also be posted at wallawalla.edu/coronavirus as they emerge."
Discovery Preschool
Preschool Year-End Drive-By Celebration
Discovery Preschool students love their teacher graduates!
Two Loma Linda University medical students, Samantha Harris and Devon Scott, have started a series of free downloadable books for children. Their first title, Why We Stay Home, is about Coronavirus. Big sister Millie explains the topic to little Suzie. The book first went online April 23 and has already been downloaded over 40,000 times. It is available in five different languages. What Happens When You Break a Bone? is scheduled to come out later this month. Other topics being planned are muscles, heart, lungs, and different kinds of doctors.
International Children's Digital Library http://en.childrenslibrary.org/ has over 4600 books in 59 languages. Its mission includes providing literature to schools in the United States that have children who speak other languages; providing immigrants to our country with texts they can read to their children to keep their language and culture alive; providing literature to rural schools in other countries; and encouraging all children to appreciate the literature from other cultures. Books may be sorted by three age levels, fiction or non-fiction, length, picture book or chapter book, characters, colors of the cover, and of course language. There are also more standard searches and author and illustrator lists. This site may also be of interest to people learning another language and looking for easy-to-read books.
Other News
Task Force Position
Upper Columbia Academy Elementary in Spangle, WA, is seeking the right person for a taskforce position for the 2020-2021 school year to join the head teacher to create a dynamic teaching team. Duties will include instruction, supervision and guidance of students 1st-8th grade. Candidates must be a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with a servant leader disposition. Training and experience may include, but is not limited to: differentiated instruction, implementation of classroom learning centers, effective classroom management skills, effective student supervision skills and most importantly, providing spiritual leadership throughout the building. Educational emphasis in science and math is appreciated. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply to gain résumé-building experience. An NAD elementary teaching certification is helpful but not required. If interested contact head teacher Kristy Plata (509) 245-3629 or kristy.plata@ucaes.org
Teaching Position Open
A position has become available in a 5-8 classroom in the Dakota Conference. If interested in this position contact Mark R. Weir, Vice President for Administration & Education Superintendent, Dakota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists at 253-797-7808.
To learn more about teaching positions at Yongsan International School of Seoul contact JamesRogers@nics.org.
Part-Time Teacher Needed
Are you looking to work part time next year or are taking a gap year and are wanting to work on a task force basis? Principal Judelle Johnson says, "Poulsbo Adventist School [PAS] in Kitsap County, WA is a one-room school and we are looking to hire a part-time teacher for next school year to teach either the lower or upper elementary grades, depending on the applicant's experience." For more information contact Principal Johnson at 360.779.6290 or email principal@poulsboadventistschool.com. PAS Mission Statement: "To grow in a safe school community committed to Jesus, learning, relationships, and physical health."
History, Bible, and Science Teacher Position
Rogue Valley Adventist School has an opening for grades 7-10 history, biology, earth science, and Bible teacher for the 2020-2021 school year. The principal there states that Medford, where the school is located, is a great place to live if you like the outdoors. If you or someone you know might be interested in this teaching position, contact Principal Ann Campbell at acampbel@rvas.org.
Elementary Teacher Needed Next Year in Iowa
The Muscatine Seventh-day Adventist Church has a small school and is looking for a teacher to begin teaching in the 20/21 school year. If you are interested in finding out more about this position, you can Dwayne Paul at 563-506-3065.
Special Education Master's Degrees Fully Online
Do you want to help students in your classroom through the challenges they face? If you are a practicing certified elementary or secondary teacher, you can earn your master’s degree in special education (M.Ed. or M.A.T.) at Walla Walla University. Teachers who enroll in our SPED program:
• Enjoy the flexibility of a fully online format.
• Complete the program in one or two years, or in a flexible part-time plan.
• May be eligible to receive a discounted graduate tuition rate.
Visit with our master's program advisor today by emailing debbie.smart@wallawalla.edu or calling 509-527-2211. Learn more and apply today at wallawalla.edu/sped. We would love to help you reach your goals!
Walla Walla University
School of Education and Psychology
204 S. College Avenue, Smith Hall
College Place, WA 99324
Contact
Emily Appel, Administrative Staff 509.527.2210
Debbie Smart, Executive Secretary 509.527.2211
Dr. Debbie Muthersbaugh, Dean 509.527.2212
