Department of Education Monday Minutes

Here are your Monday Minutes for October 26-30, 2020. 

From the Department Head

Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty, 

Tuesday, November 3 is Election Day and a university holiday (no classes, offices closed).

From President Cruzado: Election Day is next week and, as leaders, we are called to exercise our right to vote. You can still register to vote and receive a printed ballot at the county's mobile Elections Satellite Office, which will be on campus in the west lobby of the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse from Tuesday, Oct. 27 until Friday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also still deliver your voter registration card in person to the Gallatin County Elections Office at 311 W. Main St., Room 210, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day itself). If you were mailed your ballot, you may drop it off at the courthouse or at one of the 14 drop-off locations -- including the ASMSU office in the Strand Union Building. Do not put your ballot in the mail on election day as it will not be counted. If you will be voting in person, you may do so at the Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 W. Main St. Everyone in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

We commit to making each other proud by the way in which we express our opinion and the respect we show for others to do the same. To understand your rights -- and the rights of others, including those we disagree with -- please visit our new website with information about this vital part of the Constitution at montana.edu/freespeech.

Take good care,

 Ann Dutton Ewbank's signature 

Dr. Ann Ewbank

News and Announcements

  • Please contact Ann Ewbank if you would like to serve on the Scholarship Committee. We only have two members and many hands make for light work! This short-term service commitment is a way for you to learn more about our amazing students’ accomplishments!
  • MSU Commencement will be held on Sunday, November 22 with EHHD in the afternoon. Please RSVP by 11/13. No ticket, no entry, no exceptions!
  • Provost Mokwa sent a message asking for spring 2021 course delivery details last week. If you teach blended courses, please submit your delivery plan. If you are teaching a face to face or online course, you do not need to submit. If your name is not yet attached to the course you are teaching, please check on Friday 10/30 as Ann is wrapping up staffing this week.
  • Our final department meeting is on Tuesday, November 10, 3:10-4:30 in Ann Ewbank’s WebEx room. As is our department tradition, we will reflect upon and celebrate our #EdGoals.
    • Join by phone
    • +1-855-797-9485 US Toll free
    • +1-415-655-0002 US Toll
    • Access code: 920 310 123 

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

  • Congratulations to Kristi Borge, the 2021 Montana Teacher of the Year and TEP Induction and Student Teacher Send-Off keynote speaker! Learn more about her amazing accomplishments and plan to attend our virtual ceremony on 11/9 @ 6:15pm. 
  • Our department’s success is determined by our collective accomplishments. Share your own accomplishments with pride! Or if you hear of a colleague or student’s accomplishment, please share. Please send accomplishments and kudos to ann.ewbank@montana.edu.

Professional Development & Engagement Opportunities

  • The next Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Education Tech Monday Session is November 2nd 12-1pm. The topic is Flipgrid for Student Engagement. No registration is needed to attend this ZOOM session.
  • M A A. A M C. American Mathematics Competitions logoThe Science Math Resource Center will host a virtual mathematics competition for middle schoolers on Thursday, Nov. 12. The contest is free and provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop positive attitudes toward analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. Students apply classroom skills to unique problem-solving challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment. If you work with middle school teachers or students, please encourage them to visit the SMRC Website for more info or to register.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources

  • Please join us for the next library media webinar on Tuesday, November 3rd at 6pm MST: Essential Understandings to Promote Educational Justice. Judy McKenna, Library Media Instructor, will introduce resources that address culturally responsive teaching strategies. Registration is required. All registered participants will receive a recording of the webinar and any relevant resources. Contact deborah.rinio@montana.edu with questions. 
  • Do you have a resource to share? Please email Ann Ewbank.

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

Monday Minutes footer