Faculty

Which classes do you teach online?

ELAD 6003: School Community Relations; ELAD 6103: Ethical Leadership; ELAD 7033: Contemporary Issues in American Education; ELAD 6033: Administration & Supervision of Sped; ELA 7023: School Bus Mgt.; ELAD 7103: School District Administration

What do you want students to learn in your classes?

I want to make sure the educators in the courses continue to be successful in their careers by building on the knowledge they have. The learners will be able to take the project-based learning activities and go out in the field and apply the skills in a productive manner. The candidates will also consider current research, along with the professional judgment and experience of educators.

What advice would you give to those considering this program?

When considering our program at Arkansas State University, think about what type of learner you are. This is a totally online program, with 30-36 hours of coursework, depending on the program you are in. Within this coursework are multi-internship activities you will complete. When completing these activities, you will need to work closely with a mentor within your school district (principal or superintendent). Make sure this individual is willing to commit to the time to spend with you during this program.

What qualities make someone particularly successful in the area in which you teach?

• Having a vision
• Communication skills
• Community relations
• Continuous learner
• Organizational skills
• Be a problem solver
• Good character/moral behavior

What do you think are the biggest challenges that educational leaders face today?

• Provide certainty for students, parents and all educators
• Adequately and equitably invest in our children's education
• School choice programs
• Recruit and retain the best and brightest teachers and principals
• Educational technology

Why did you start teaching?

My 3rd grade teacher, Carolyn Stone. I remember her meeting us at the classroom door each day with a smile on her face as if seeing each one of us made her the happiest person in the world. She also made learning fun. We were always up moving around doing a class project or experiment. We were always learning and really didn't know it.

What book(s) do you think everyone should read?

1. Learning by Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work by Richard DuFour, Rebecca DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Thomas W. Many, and Mike Mattos
2. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

Tell us something your students may not know about you.

My family has a King Charles Cavalier named Paisley McGraw after Brad Paisley and Tim McGraw, two of my favorite country singers. We also have a cat we rescued named Bentley Nail after Dierks Bentley and David Nail.