Education

The Department of Education works with other Arts and Sciences Departments in the College to provide breadth and depth of content and pedagogical knowledge in our teacher education programs. The mission of our teacher education programs is to produce intentional teachers who:

• are able to research, analyze and synthesize new information/points of view and
• practice and acquire new skills and
• are able to use that knowledge and those skills to teach and
• to reflect on and improve their own practice for the benefit of K-12 students.

The core teaching beliefs of the Department of Education faculty – for ourselves, our students and their K-12 students are that:

• High expectations drive achievement.
• Each individual possesses unique talents that must be developed.
• Teaching is a profession that demands specific knowledge, skills and dispositions.
• Learning is an active, life-long process.
• Instruction must be student-centered, challenging, and tied to assessment.
• Assessment must be used to improve instruction and foster individual growth.
• Teachers must advance equity and justice.

With these beliefs as a foundation the Department of Education faculty, in collaboration with our arts and sciences colleagues have build teacher education programs at William Jewell College that seek to assist the student in the development of personal characteristics for responsible citizenship, a Christian life style, and effective professional teaching competence.

Degree programs offered:

• Bachelor of Arts:
  - Elementary Education
  - Secondary Education (dependant upon second, content major)
  
  
• Bachelor of Science:
  - Elementary Education
  - Secondary Education (dependant upon second, content major)

Distinctives:

The Education Department at Jewell is designed to give students “hands-on” experiences early in their college careers. Students begin clinical field experiences in classrooms early, in either their first or second year. With downtown Kansas City only twenty minutes away, field experiences are in diverse urban, rural, and suburban settings, giving future teachers a broad spectrum of experiences.

Future educators will not only be well prepared to teach, they will be prepared to address the needs of a field that is ever-changing. Other educational distinctives are:

• The opportunity for teacher education students to study and teach abroad through the British Teacher Education program.
• William Jewell College has been certifying teachers for the State of Missouri since 1914 and has held membership in the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education since 1959.
• Use of the Teacher Work Sample by WJC student teachers to demonstrate that they have produced learning gains in their students.
• Teachers prepared at WJC quickly assume leadership roles in schools. Many go on to become school administrators or master teachers. Several have achieved the prestigious National Board for Professional Teaching Certification or have become Missouri STARR teachers.
• William Jewell teacher education programs have been approved by the Missouri State Board of Education in the following fields:
  
  • Elementary education 1-6
  • Biology 9-12
  • Art K-12
  • Chemistry 9-12
  • French K-12
  • Physics 9-12
  • Spanish K-12
  • English **5-9, 9-12
  • Instrumental Music K-12
  • Mathematics **5-9, 9-12
  • Vocal Music K-12
  • Science **5-9, 9-12
  • Social Studies **5-9, 9-12
  • Physical Education 9-12
  • Speech and Theatre 9-12

Successful completion of any of these programs of study leads to Missouri teacher certification in that field/grade level. Middle school certification (grades 5-9**) is available only as a second field of certification which must be added to a full teacher education program; also, required middle school courses are offered during even summers only.

Are you ready to put your lesson plans into action? Drop us an email, schedule a visit, or call us toll free (1-888-2-JEWELL).

Education Faculty:

Donna M. Gardner, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education and Chair 
Dr. Gardner joined the Jewell faculty in 2003 after having worked in teacher education for fourteen years at Washington University in St. Louis. She received a Ph.D. in Education from Saint Louis University and an M.A. and B.S.Ed. in History and a B.A. in Political Science from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman University). Prepared as a secondary social studies teacher, Dr. Gardner teaches in the social/political/historical foundations of education and in educational psychology. Her research interests include education law and public policy. Dr. Gardner is also active in trying to shape public policy about K-12 schools, teaching and teacher education through work and service in organizations such as the Missouri Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (of which she is past-president) and the Missouri Advisory Council for the Certification of Educators.

Cynthia A. Green, Ed.D.
Professor of Education 
Dr. Green received an Ed.D. from Baylor University in 1977, an M.S. from Pittsburg State University in Reading Specialist in 1975, an M.Ed. from Abilene Christian University in school administration in 1986, a B.S.and A.A. from Missouri Southern State College. She has done post-doctoral study at Texas Women's University in early childhood education and Hardin-Simmons University in school administration. Dr. Green holds ten certificates, including: superintendent, mid-management administration, supervision, principalship, reading specialist, educational diagnostician, elementary-biology, elementary, kindergarten, and early childhood education-handicapped child. Prior to joining the Jewell faculty she has held positions as associate academic dean of a college, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, professor, chair of Elementary and Secondary Education, reading specialist, educational diagnostician for a rehabilitation center, administrator of a kindergarten, administrator or a reading clinic, and teacher. She is Coordinator of the Secondary and All-Level Education Program. She teaches courses in elementary education, secondary education, and reading-communication arts, and supervises secondary and all-level (K-12) student teachers. Her research interests include literacy instruction for students with atypical learning needs. Dr. Green will be on sabbatical leave Spring 2006 researching possible links between sensory integration disorders and literacy learning.

Steve Harris, J.D., M.Ed.
Assistant Professor of Education
Mr. Harris received a J.D. from the University of California-Berkley in 1992, an M.Ed. in mathematics education from New York University in 1999, and a B.A. in mathematics and computer science from William Jewell College in 1987. He has practiced law, administrated a social relief organization, owned a private business, taught mathematics at Hunter College Academy for Gifted and Talented Students in NYC, and taught mathematics in an alternative academy in Springfield, MO. Mr. Harris teaches for the Department of Education and the General Education Program. His courses include, secondary methods courses, information technology for educators, U.S. Pluralism, and supervision of secondary and all-level (K-12) student teachers.

Jeanine L. Haistings, M.S., ABD
Assistant Professor of Education
Assistant Professor Jeanine Haistings joined the Jewell faculty full time in 2006 after teaching as an adjunct instructor for six years. While working on her doctorate in Elementary Mathematics Education, she was also a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Kansas for six years. After graduating with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Middle School Mathematics from William Jewell College in 1992 Professor Haistings taught for a number of years during which she also earned her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Elementary Mathematics Education and Educational Technology from the University of Memphis. Jeanine Haistings currently teaches Content and Methods of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, Information Technology for Teachers, and Methods of Teaching Integrated Curriculum. Her research interests include virtual mathematics manipulatives, and variety techniques of teaching. Professor Haistings is a member of and an active public speaker with organizations such as National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Alison D. Wenhart, M.A.E., ABD
Assistant Professor of Education
Assistant Professor Alison Wenhart joins the William Jewell College faculty in the fall of 2006 after having taught for five years at the Polytechnic campus at Arizona State University. She served in the Teacher Education Department as a Lecturer and Evening Program Coordinator. She is currently completing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Study, where her academic focus is Teacher Education. Her B.A.E in Elementary Education was received from Arizona State University Tempe in 1996 and her M.A.E, in the same field, was received from Northern Arizona University in 2000. Prepared as a public school teacher, Professor Wenhart specializes in teaching Science and Social Studies methodology. Her research interests focus on preparing pre-service teachers to be highly effective when working with culturally diverse populations of students. Professor Wenhart is an active member of the National Science Teacher’s Association (NSTA), and The Association of Teacher Education (ATE), where she has attended and presented at several national conferences.

Mary Ellen Bleakley, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Education
Dr. Bleakley received a Ph.D. and an M.A. at the University of Colorado and a B.A.from the University of Michigan. She did post-doctoral study at Oakland University and Fort Hays State University. Prior to coming to Jewell, she was an elementary teacher. Dr. Bleakley joined the William Jewell faculty in 1977. She teaches elementary methods courses in children's literature, reading and communication arts. Dr. Bleakley was a co-founder of the British Teacher Education program and has sponsored groups of students to England to study in British classrooms.

Ronilue Beery Garrison, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Education
Dr. Garrison calls Jewell her alma mater. She received a Ph.D. in Education and Ed.S. from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, an M.S. from the University of Kansas, and a B.A. from William Jewell College. Prior to joining the Jewell faculty, she was an elementary classroom teacher and a teacher for children with hearing impairments. Dr. Garrison teaches elementary methods courses in mathematics, science, and integrated curriculum, and child exceptionalities. She is active as a consultant for area elementary schools. Dr. Garrison was a co-founder of the British Teacher Education program and has sponsored groups of students to England to study in British classrooms.

Faye E. Moore, Ed.D.
Emeritus Professor of Education
Dr. Moore received an Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University, an M.Ed. from Northeastern Illinois University, a B.A. from Bethany Nazarene College, and a Diploma from The Montessori Training School for Teachers, Lee's Summit, Missouri. Dr. Moore was Chair of the WJC Department of Education from 1996-1999. She taught methods courses in elementary and early childhood and supervised early childhood and elementary student teachers. Dr. Moore was a co-founder of the British Teacher Education program and sponsored groups of students to England to study in British classrooms.

M.J. Stockton, Ed.D.
Emeritus Professor of Education
Dr. Stockton received an Ed.D. from Baylor University in 1984, an M.S. from Sam Houston State University, and a B.A. in Vocal Music Education from Baylor University. He taught high school choirs before joining the Jewell faculty. He was Chair of the WJC Department of Education in the 1980s. He taught courses in educational psychology, instructional media, and informational technology for educators. His research interest are focused in computer technology.