Exploring Education
UMW grad student gives community families hands-on science education.
Educator-in-Residence Talks Leadership with Graduates
Martha Abbott ’72 believes that teachers are leaders who make an impact in the world.
“[Leaders] take people to a place where they couldn’t have gone without them…and that’s exactly what teachers do,” said Abbott, executive director for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. She spoke at the fourth annual Educator-in-Residence event at the University of Mary Washington on Saturday, April 26.
Abbott earned her B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Latin from the University of Mary Washington and spent 32 years in education before joining the nonprofit sector. She also holds a master’s degree in Spanish linguistics from Georgetown University and was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2004 by UMW.
She gave graduates advice on impacting student’s lives and how to find success in a teaching career.
“You need to have the fundamental attitude that all kids can learn,” said Abbott. “They have to feel that you think that they can learn.”
She also urged graduates to be open to new and innovative ways to teach in the classroom and to stay out of the teacher’s lounge.
“Teacher impact: it’s what we do,” said Abbott. “When someone asks, ‘what do you do?’ You can say, ‘I make a difference: I teach.’”
The daylong event at the Stafford campus also featured graduate presentations that included such topics as using virtual zoo webcams to teach science, employing cameras to teach English language learners and utilizing visual arts to bolster story recall and comprehension.
The day ended with a number of College of Education awards. Students Anne Roberts and Merilee Grubb received the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Virginia Scholars Awards; Laura Gomez received the Barbara Bishop Mann Award; and Olivia Costello received the Outstanding Master of Education Student Award.
Abbott earned her B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Latin from the University of Mary Washington and spent 32 years in education before joining the nonprofit sector. She also holds a master’s degree in Spanish linguistics from Georgetown University and was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2004 by UMW.
She gave graduates advice on impacting student’s lives and how to find success in a teaching career.
“You need to have the fundamental attitude that all kids can learn,” said Abbott. “They have to feel that you think that they can learn.”
She also urged graduates to be open to new and innovative ways to teach in the classroom and to stay out of the teacher’s lounge.
“Teacher impact: it’s what we do,” said Abbott. “When someone asks, ‘what do you do?’ You can say, ‘I make a difference: I teach.’”
The daylong event at the Stafford campus also featured graduate presentations that included such topics as using virtual zoo webcams to teach science, employing cameras to teach English language learners and utilizing visual arts to bolster story recall and comprehension.
The day ended with a number of College of Education awards. Students Anne Roberts and Merilee Grubb received the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Virginia Scholars Awards; Laura Gomez received the Barbara Bishop Mann Award; and Olivia Costello received the Outstanding Master of Education Student Award.Education Students Share Research and Hear from Expert, April 26
Marty Abbott ‘72, executive director for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), will serve as the keynote speaker at the University of Mary Washington’s fourth annual Educator-In-Residence event on Saturday, April 26. Abbott will speak at 12:45 p.m. at the north building of UMW’s Stafford campus.
Prior to the lecture, graduating students from the College of Education will present their research projects from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Abbott’s speech will be followed by recognition of the College of Education graduates at 1:20 p.m. The lecture and presentations are free and open to the public.
The recipient of UMW’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2004, Abbott began her career in Fairfax County Public Schools as a language teacher, foreign language coordinator and director of high school instruction. She currently leads ACTFL’s national public awareness campaign, “Lead with Languages!” which will launch in 2014.
Abbott has held many roles in national organizations, including president of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, chair of the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and President of the Foreign Language Association of Virginia. Her work helped develop student standards, beginning teacher standards and performance assessments in foreign languages.
Abbott received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in Latin from Mary Washington and a master’s degree in Spanish linguistics from Georgetown University.
For a full list of student presentations, visit http://www.umw.edu/news/files/2014/04/ResearchPresSchedule14.pdf.
Prior to the lecture, graduating students from the College of Education will present their research projects from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Abbott’s speech will be followed by recognition of the College of Education graduates at 1:20 p.m. The lecture and presentations are free and open to the public.
The recipient of UMW’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2004, Abbott began her career in Fairfax County Public Schools as a language teacher, foreign language coordinator and director of high school instruction. She currently leads ACTFL’s national public awareness campaign, “Lead with Languages!” which will launch in 2014.
Abbott has held many roles in national organizations, including president of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, chair of the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and President of the Foreign Language Association of Virginia. Her work helped develop student standards, beginning teacher standards and performance assessments in foreign languages.
Abbott received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in Latin from Mary Washington and a master’s degree in Spanish linguistics from Georgetown University.
For a full list of student presentations, visit http://www.umw.edu/news/files/2014/04/ResearchPresSchedule14.pdf.UMW to Host STEM Events, March 29
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics will be in full swing at the University of Mary Washington on Saturday, March 29 with the following events:
SeaPerch Competition
Local high school and middle school students come together to compete with SeaPerch robots or underwater remotely operated vehicles at the Anderson Center pool from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out www.seaperch.org for more information.
STEM Summit 16
UMW will host the third annual FredTech STEM 16 Summit showcasing the achievements of the region’s students, educators and businesses in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the Anderson Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information available at http://members.fredericksburgchamber.org/events/details/3rd-annual-stem-summit-3205
Calculus Tournament
Six teams from regional high schools come together to compete in a tournament sponsored by the Department of Mathematics in Monroe Hall from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call or email (540) 654-1332
(540) 654-1332 or llehman@umw.edu for more information.
Myers and COE Students Attend Teachers of Promise
Pictured from left to right are Nicole Myers, Ciara Norquist, Kathleen Wallace, Karissa Herrick, Mariela DeMaio and Gabrielle Kuhn.
This weekend, Dr. Nicole Myers and five UMW students from the College of Education: Gabrielle Kuhn, Ciara Norquist, Kathleen Wallace, Karissa Herrick, and Mariela DeMaio attended the Teachers of Promise (TOP) Institute in Richmond. These students were chosen by the COE faculty as exemplary teacher candidates. The TOP Institute celebrates the decision to teach, elevates the teaching profession to the status we believe it deserves, and activates all of us to make a difference in public school education. UMW students participated in a variety of activities, including an evening Gala where they participated in a pinning ceremony, attending workshops and presentations, and connecting with mentor teachers. Three UMW students won prizes at the events which included gift cards and teaching resources. At the Gala, each Teacher of Promise connected with their mentor and received a card from a public school student providing them with advice and encouragement as they begin their upcoming first year of teaching.
EdTech Brings Regional Educators to UMW
Educators from across the region came together March 14 for the Fourth Annual EdTech Conference at the University of Mary Washington to talk about ways to change learning in the digital age.
Sponsored by the College of Education, the day began with a keynote presentation by Director of Teaching and Learning at UMW Jim Groom who spoke about publishing and archiving student work, UMW blogs, digital storytelling and why K-12 educators should incorporate those tools in the classroom.
“What we do as educators – what we do in higher ed and K-12 – is share a hope. It’s a hope that what we’re doing is framing a whole world of possibility and connections. And the Web is the single greatest tool ever invented to help us build on what we do,” said Groom. “It’s a remarkable world that we live in.”
The conference also included a variety of sessions from “Animoto Movies in Your Class!” to “Expanding Your Web 2.0 Toolkit.” One session, “Frames and Share, You Can Do It!,” featured presentations from J.W. Alvey Elementary School students who created short movies and presentations.
In the afternoon, Margaret Stout, a teacher at Antietam Elementary, introduced participants to Google Glass and demonstrated how she’s using the new technology in her classroom to teach students with autism. The conference ended with a panel discussion about current issues and challenges.
Teresa Coffman, associate professor in the College of Education, and Tami Pratt-Fartro, assistant professor in the College of Education, helped to create the annual conference four years ago with the goal of forming a regional network of educators who come together to share great teaching practices. That goal has remained intact.
“I want people to build connections and community. I want them to think about their pedagogy in new and different ways and to use technology to foster learning in the classroom to engage their students to think critically and creatively,” said Coffman. “I want people to explore professional development in new and exciting ways.”
Sponsored by the College of Education, the day began with a keynote presentation by Director of Teaching and Learning at UMW Jim Groom who spoke about publishing and archiving student work, UMW blogs, digital storytelling and why K-12 educators should incorporate those tools in the classroom.
“What we do as educators – what we do in higher ed and K-12 – is share a hope. It’s a hope that what we’re doing is framing a whole world of possibility and connections. And the Web is the single greatest tool ever invented to help us build on what we do,” said Groom. “It’s a remarkable world that we live in.”
The conference also included a variety of sessions from “Animoto Movies in Your Class!” to “Expanding Your Web 2.0 Toolkit.” One session, “Frames and Share, You Can Do It!,” featured presentations from J.W. Alvey Elementary School students who created short movies and presentations.
In the afternoon, Margaret Stout, a teacher at Antietam Elementary, introduced participants to Google Glass and demonstrated how she’s using the new technology in her classroom to teach students with autism. The conference ended with a panel discussion about current issues and challenges.
Teresa Coffman, associate professor in the College of Education, and Tami Pratt-Fartro, assistant professor in the College of Education, helped to create the annual conference four years ago with the goal of forming a regional network of educators who come together to share great teaching practices. That goal has remained intact.
“I want people to build connections and community. I want them to think about their pedagogy in new and different ways and to use technology to foster learning in the classroom to engage their students to think critically and creatively,” said Coffman. “I want people to explore professional development in new and exciting ways.”Teaching Tactics
Lauren Puglia applies lessons learned in her classroom.
UMW Hosts Fourth Annual EdTech Conference, March 14
The University of Mary Washington will host the fourth annual EdTech Conference, supported by the College of Education, on Friday, March 14 at UMW’s Stafford campus.
This year’s conference theme is “Changing the Face of Learning in the Digital Age,” featuring keynote speaker Jim Groom, executive director of teaching and learning technologies at UMW and guest speakers such as Margaret Stout, self-contained autism classroom teacher (K-3). The conference offers educators, education leaders and anyone interested in education the opportunity to learn more about how technology impacts teaching and learning.
Conference attendees will work alongside colleagues and educational leaders to explore innovative teaching methods, familiarize themselves with emerging technologies for learning, work with digital literacies in the classroom and offer discourse about the shifting role of educators in the profession.
All interested K-12 teachers, pre-service teachers, administrators, university educators and technology specialists and parents, are welcome to attend the event.
The event begins at 9 a.m. in the North Building of UMW’s Stafford campus, and ends at 4 p.m. Registration for the event is $50 and includes the choice of concurrent sessions, workshops, the keynote session, guest speakers, exhibitor presentations and a catered lunch. All participants must preregister, including presenters.
Proposals for presentations and showcase exhibits are due by March 3, and general registration closes March 10.
For more information or to register, visit http://2014umwedtechconference.umwblogs.org/ or contact education faculty members Teresa Coffman or Tamie Pratt-Fartro.
This year’s conference theme is “Changing the Face of Learning in the Digital Age,” featuring keynote speaker Jim Groom, executive director of teaching and learning technologies at UMW and guest speakers such as Margaret Stout, self-contained autism classroom teacher (K-3). The conference offers educators, education leaders and anyone interested in education the opportunity to learn more about how technology impacts teaching and learning.
Conference attendees will work alongside colleagues and educational leaders to explore innovative teaching methods, familiarize themselves with emerging technologies for learning, work with digital literacies in the classroom and offer discourse about the shifting role of educators in the profession.
All interested K-12 teachers, pre-service teachers, administrators, university educators and technology specialists and parents, are welcome to attend the event.
The event begins at 9 a.m. in the North Building of UMW’s Stafford campus, and ends at 4 p.m. Registration for the event is $50 and includes the choice of concurrent sessions, workshops, the keynote session, guest speakers, exhibitor presentations and a catered lunch. All participants must preregister, including presenters.
Proposals for presentations and showcase exhibits are due by March 3, and general registration closes March 10.
For more information or to register, visit http://2014umwedtechconference.umwblogs.org/ or contact education faculty members Teresa Coffman or Tamie Pratt-Fartro.Literacy Symposium Attracts Participants Statewide
Nearly 150 literacy leaders came together Oct. 10 for the fourth Annual Literacy Leadership Symposium at the University of Mary Washington Stafford campus.
The event, hosted by the UMW College of Education in partnership with Stafford County Public Schools, focused on the theme Reaching All Learners and featured a variety of speakers, including a presentation by Michael McKenna, Thomas G. Jewell Professor of Reading at the University of Virginia.
“Building background before they read can improve their ability to comprehend,” said McKenna, who spoke about fostering lifelong readers and gave some basic tips and tricks to engage students.
The daylong conference also featured a variety of breakout sessions taught by K-12 literacy leaders from across the state discussing topics from the English Standards of Learning to blogging in the literacy classroom to building vocabulary.
“We want to provide a venue for collaboration and professional learning for literacy leaders across the state. To give time for conversation and time to learn together within a professional environment,” said Nancy Guth, supervisor of literacy and humanities for Stafford County Public Schools.
Attendees included teachers, administrators and reading specialists from Virginia Beach to Staunton, Va.
“We are so pleased to be able to collaborate with Stafford County Public Schools to support the professional learning of literacy leaders,” said Tamie Pratt-Fartro, assistant professor in the UMW College of Education.
Other notable speakers included Richard Long, director of government relations for the International Reading Association, Elizabeth Sturtevant, professor of literacy at George Mason University, and Tracy Fair Robertson, English coordinator for the Virginia Department of Education.
The event, hosted by the UMW College of Education in partnership with Stafford County Public Schools, focused on the theme Reaching All Learners and featured a variety of speakers, including a presentation by Michael McKenna, Thomas G. Jewell Professor of Reading at the University of Virginia.
“Building background before they read can improve their ability to comprehend,” said McKenna, who spoke about fostering lifelong readers and gave some basic tips and tricks to engage students.
The daylong conference also featured a variety of breakout sessions taught by K-12 literacy leaders from across the state discussing topics from the English Standards of Learning to blogging in the literacy classroom to building vocabulary.
“We want to provide a venue for collaboration and professional learning for literacy leaders across the state. To give time for conversation and time to learn together within a professional environment,” said Nancy Guth, supervisor of literacy and humanities for Stafford County Public Schools.
Attendees included teachers, administrators and reading specialists from Virginia Beach to Staunton, Va.
“We are so pleased to be able to collaborate with Stafford County Public Schools to support the professional learning of literacy leaders,” said Tamie Pratt-Fartro, assistant professor in the UMW College of Education.
Other notable speakers included Richard Long, director of government relations for the International Reading Association, Elizabeth Sturtevant, professor of literacy at George Mason University, and Tracy Fair Robertson, English coordinator for the Virginia Department of Education.UMW Hosts Annual Literacy Symposium, Oct. 10
The University of Mary Washington College of Education and Stafford County Public Schools will co-host the fourth annual Literacy Leadership Symposium: Reaching All Learners on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event will be held at UMW’s Stafford campus in University Hall.
The symposium will focus on professional development through topics such as literacy leadership in K-12 schools, classroom strategies, networking, and Standard of Learning (SOL) updates.
Featured speakers at the event will include: Michael McKenna, the Thomas G. Jewell Professor of Reading at the University of Virginia; Richard Long, director of government relations for the International Reading Association; Tracy Fair Robertson, English coordinator for the Virginia Department of Education; and Elizabeth Sturtevant, a professor in the literacy program area at George Mason University.
Registration for the symposium is $50, which includes all materials, a continental breakfast and a buffet lunch. To register, please visit https://sites.google.com/site/umwliteracysymposium2013/ before Friday, Oct. 4.
The symposium will focus on professional development through topics such as literacy leadership in K-12 schools, classroom strategies, networking, and Standard of Learning (SOL) updates.
Featured speakers at the event will include: Michael McKenna, the Thomas G. Jewell Professor of Reading at the University of Virginia; Richard Long, director of government relations for the International Reading Association; Tracy Fair Robertson, English coordinator for the Virginia Department of Education; and Elizabeth Sturtevant, a professor in the literacy program area at George Mason University.
Registration for the symposium is $50, which includes all materials, a continental breakfast and a buffet lunch. To register, please visit https://sites.google.com/site/umwliteracysymposium2013/ before Friday, Oct. 4.