Here are your Monday Minutes for the week of August 3-7, 2020. 

We hope you are all enjoying the last couple weeks before the semester begins! We look forward to seeing you soon.

From the Department Head

Dear Students,

One week from today, Montana State University will be abuzz with activity! We will welcome you back into campus housing, offer Welcome Week activities, and prepare for what is sure to be a memorable semester. Over the past five months, we have seen a fundamental change in how we teach and learn in a virtual space, conduct research, and provide outreach to our communities.

This summer I have spent a lot of time thinking about tolerance for ambiguity. Dr. Bill Crawford shares that our brain’s limbic system interprets ambiguity as danger and the “fight, flight, or freeze” response kicks in, causing stress, frustration, and anxiety. We are all dealing with significant ambiguity right now, and sometimes the only thing you can do is hold on. However, if we recognize that ambiguity is part of life, we can deal with the situation by retraining our brain to stop seeing ambiguity as a threat. The next time you feel stressed due to ambiguity, you can ask yourself:

  • Have I chosen this way of reacting on purpose? 
  • Is it working well for me?  
  • Do I want to be defined this way (as someone who reacts to ambiguity with ____)?  
  • Would I teach this reaction to someone I loved? 

So, let’s get comfortable with ambiguity. Together, we can support each other through this difficult time and have a great school year, even if the future is uncertain. 

Take good care,  

Ann Dutton Ewbank's signature

Dr. Ann Ewbank

From the Advising Office

  • Spring 2021 Student Teaching Applications are due August 15. Please find the application link on the Field Placement & Licensure Office's website and contact them if you have questions.
  • Please refer to the following [sorry, bad link: awaiting replacement] if you have questions about the delivery of your courses.
  • All Monday Minutes are archived and available for your reference.
  • Every MSU employee and student will receive a Clean ‘Cat Kit. All face-to-face instructors and field supervisors will receive a face shield.
  • Your Field Experience and Licensure Team has been working closely with our school district partners to create field experience opportunities for our pre-service teachers that are aligned with school district plans. We are in a rapidly evolving situation, and our objective is to provide students with robust field experiences while conditions change.
  • Make sure to check the MSU COVID-19 webpage frequently as university and system-wide updates are available all in one place.

Work/Volunteer Opportunities

  • Caregiver Wanted for 3 Toddlers for Fall Semester 2020

    We are looking for an education major to care for three wonderful and fun toddlers (Oskar, 3; Lili, 3, and Cora, 4) every Monday from 7:30am-5:30pm throughout the Fall semester (and possibly beyond).  Will work with this student to create a routine environment for the toddlers for an educational and fun day in our home.  Student must have their own car, non-smoker, be comfortable with pets, and have been and willing to continue to adhere to CDC rules on COVID-19 protection (i.e. Mask wearing in public places, social distancing, etc.). We do not expect you to wear a mask all day with the children. Would prefer education majors that have curriculum completed through the sophomore year. Hourly wage depending on experience and qualifications, and negotiable. Please send cover letter, resume, and 2 references to Liz Greenfield at lgrant@montana.edu.

  • Private tutor wanted to supplement/supervise online learning: We are small group of parents who will not be sending our kids to public school if they are required to wear masks. We’d rather keep them home. But the distance learning experience was boring and uneventful. Person hired will be supervising students working on 3rd grade, 4th grade, 6th grade curriculum given from the Park county public school for passing proficiency tests. We are looking for someone to help with making learning fun and exciting. We would like to have weekly outdoor adventures for science and physical education, teach cooking, music and possibly dance. Someone who’s idea of teaching involves critical thinking and thinking outside the box.  We are open to discuss what’s possible and open to suggestions. Desired working days Monday-Thursday 10am-3pm. Hourly wage $19 hour. Livingston location will likely be parents’ homes or one designated home. Three non- family references required. Contact Salvia Harris at salviaharris@gmail.com or 406-272-5270.
  • Family with two energetic, young boys (2 and 5) looking for a full time, live-in nanny in Wilson, WY.  Teaching experience is preferred, but not required.  Very competitive compensation, beautiful housing, and full benefits, please contact dbalyasny@mac.com.

Scholarship Opportunities

  • The Student Emergency Fund assists Montana State University students by providing limited emergency financial assistance to currently enrolled students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses due to an unexpected emergency. For more information on possible expenses covered by the Student Emergency Fund (SEF), please visit the SEF webpage. Students may complete the Student Emergency Fund application to submit a request or faculty and staff may submit a request on behalf of students.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

 

Take care,

Cyndi Meldahl
Director, Education Advising Center
132 Reid Hall
P.O. Box 172880
Bozeman, MT 59717-2880

cmeldahl@montana.edu
TEL 406-994-1880
FAX 406-994-7260

Click here to schedule an appointment