Department of Education Monday Minutes

Here are your Monday Minutes for the week of September 14-18, 2020. 

From the Department Head

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Montana census 2020. Make it count.

Everyone Counts! The 2020 US Census deadline is approaching, and I encourage you to complete your Census questionnaire today if you have not already. Census data is used to determine the number of Montana Congressional seats, the amount of federal funding that Montana receives, and generates valuable data for researchers to study state and national issues. Every Montanan counted provides the state $20,000 in federal funding over the ten-year period. Funding is used for a variety of programs such as medical assistance, educational programs, need-based support, infrastructure, highway planning and over 300 other programs. The form has nine questions, takes ten minutes, and is safe and secure.

Take good care,

 Ann Dutton Ewbank's signature 

Dr. Ann Ewbank

News and Announcements

  • Face to face instructors: Richard Rudnicki, Planning Manager at Campus Planning, Design and Construction, is eager to hear from faculty about what is and isn’t working in the current classroom situation, e.g., a room that has become disorganized or where the “Don’t Sit Here” stickers have disappeared. We can request that a room be reorganized or replace the stickers. Please email Richard if you need assistance. 
  • Be on the lookout for phishing scams. If you receive an email from Ann Ewbank asking for your cell phone number, or to purchase gift cards, or asking whether you are available, please check the email address- if it is not Ann’s official MSU email address, send the email to phishing@montana.edu. 
  • The Fall 2020 Teacher Education Program Induction and Student Teaching Send-Off Ceremony is a virtual event. We scheduled tentatively for 11/3 which is Election Day. We will send a new date when finalized. Additionally, please submit names of outstanding Initial Licensure students to John Melick, so the Student Support Team can recognize the students at the event.  When sending names please provide a brief write up of the reasons the student is outstanding.
  • The Early Alert system should be used when students fall behind, do not regularly check D2L, or are incommunicado. Please utilize the Document a Conversation and Student Consultation forms when issues arise. This is our internal tracking mechanism and the forms go no further and are “shredded” upon graduation. The Student Support Team can assist with crucial conversations coaching and/or as a neutral third party for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

  • Congratulations to Troops to Teachers, including Robert Carson, Le Gaub, and Beverly Harrison. This important program provides a path to PK-12 teaching for military veterans. Work in the ten-state region generated 93 new inquiries about the program, 24 program registrations, and TEN new teachers hired: two in Alaska, one in Idaho, one in Minnesota, two in Washington, and four in Wisconsin! 
  • Congratulations to Joe Hicks for his tireless efforts in coordinating the department’s After-School Initiative, which kicked off last week. In conjunction with community partners, the After-School Initiative provides our students a vital early field experience. This year includes a variety of experiences, both virtual and in-person, and is beneficial for our community partners, ensuring that children have excellent after-school educational programming. 

Professional Development & Engagement Opportunities

  • Please review MSU’s Service Excellence principles. The Department of Education is committed to upholding these principles. Think about how your work is informed by the Service Excellence principles- both what you are doing well and what you may need to enhance.

Service Excellence. We enrich lives by building a supportive environment that inspires excellence in everything we do. Safety. Maintain a safe and clean environment. Report concerns in a timely manner. Respect diversity. Protect private and institutional data. Review, update, and follow Standard Operating Procedures. Maintain high ethical standards. Courtesy. Be helpful to others. Be approachable. Be responsive. Treat others with respect. Exhibit empathy. Demonstrate active listening. Reliability. Do what you say you are going to do. Do it on time and do it well. Be available. Be honest and trustworthy. Competence. Be an expert in what you do. Have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to execute responsibilities. Demonstrate accuracy and efficiency. Be resourceful and self-directed.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources

  • Don’t forget to register to vote for the upcoming general election! Election Day is a university holiday. Civic participation is the foundation of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • MSU Diversity Commons sponsors Gathering All Together Honoring Every Race (GATHER), a network for faculty and staff from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups that provides opportunities to develop a sense of community, access mentoring and professional development, intentionally build support, and exchange ideas. There is a form on the website to sign up for the GATHER email list.  

A Special Request from Field Placement & Licensure

Teacher Education Program instructors: As we head into the fall term, we have over 80 student teachers.  This is a healthy enrollment and we are looking forward to supporting each student during their semester.  I would like to ask you each to review the list of students, which is attached, and encourage you to reach out to former students.  During this time of uncertainty and potential fear of what lies ahead, I believe they would appreciate hearing from a friendly face.  I think they would each appreciate the support and connection, perhaps now more than ever.
Thanks in advance!    - John Melick 

Please see the attached PDF for the list of students. PDF: Student Teachers – Fall 2020

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