November 22, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Free UMW Course Turns COVID-19 Inside Out

by

Political leaders and health experts who communicate the impact of COVID-19 to the public are just like anyone else. Some hit the mark. Some don’t. Understandable terms, relatable ideas and the confident presentation of useful information are key to delivering a successful message, said UMW Professor of Communication Anand Rao. And competent public discourse during […]

UMW Professors Find Creative Ways to Teach Through COVID-19

by

Teaching at Mary Washington looks a bit different lately. Andi Smith films YouTube videos with her children to demonstrate architectural principles. Zach Whalen uses cartoons to teach a digital studies lesson. Smita Jain Oxford holds Zoom office hours for business majors on her daily jog. When the University moved to virtual classes last month due […]

UMW Professor’s Online Initiative Attracts Tens of Thousands

by

The University of Mary Washington is among countless educational institutions worldwide that have switched to virtual classes due to the coronavirus threat, or COVID-19. Suddenly, students are at home, and so are their teachers. The transition has been daunting for many professors, especially those who have never taught online. But one UMW faculty member saw […]

Professor Wins Grant to Pen Open Education Textbook

by

It’s a dilemma faced by many students on financial aid. Funds often don’t hit accounts until a few weeks into the semester, so students can’t purchase textbooks, and they risk falling behind. Melissa Wells, an assistant professor in UMW’s College of Education (COE), knows this scenario all too well. That’s why she’s designing an Open […]

Teachers: Finding Their Voices, Saving the Republic

by

Princess Moss flashed on the screen a 36-year-old photo that depicted her as a first-year teacher standing in the classroom next to a boy named Chris. “I love teaching!” she exclaimed to the room full of educators and would-be teachers as she explained she was imparting a concept to Chris. “I’m thrilled seeing students excel…seeing […]

‘Relentless Principal’ Urges Educators to Break Rules

by

Pop quiz: What kind of educator blasts music, dances on chairs and encourages students to skip class. Answer: Hamish Brewer, a.k.a. “The Relentless Principal” “I’m about breaking rules in a good sense,” said Brewer, whose unorthodox leadership approach earned him the commanding title, along with national recognition as an “educational disruptor” who transforms struggling schools. […]

McCall, Hydorn and Clayton Receive Grant

by

Dr. Venitta McCall, professor of the College of Education, Dr. Debra Hydorn, professor of mathematics and Dr. Courtney Clayton, assistant professor of the College of Education have received a $35,600 grant from the Virginia Department of Education. The purpose of the grant is to train 30 teachers from critical teacher shortage areas in Spotsylvania County, Stafford County and Fredericskburg City to become Clinical Faculty members for the College of Education.

Selected teachers will be trained in effective mentoring practices, in best practices for instructing English Language Learners and in using learning analytics – the appropriate collection, use and analysis of data to facilitate instructional improvement. Research has shown that having highly skilled Clinical Faculty is a key component in enhancing teacher retention.