Faculty

Which classes do you teach online?

• ELAD 7043: Management of Operational Systems for Learning
• ELAD 7013: School Personnel Administration
• ELFN 7583: Evaluation of Educational Programs and Systems
• ELAD 7493: Supervised Internship – District Level
• ELAD 7033: Contemporary Issues in American Education

Why did you start teaching?

My first teaching experience was in a small rural school in Arkansas. Teachers were highly respected and honored, and I wanted to be a part of a profession that was so highly regarded. I believed I could make a difference in the lives of the children who were entrusted to my care.

What’s the best advice that you ever received?

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!

What’s the best advice that you could give to your students?

Students need to be organized, take care of business and avoid procrastination! Students will have the opportunity to learn more than is needed to make a good grade in the course. Most courses make additional resources available to students who want to learn more; take advantage of those resources and learn more than you are required to know.

Students should establish a good working relationship with the site mentor in their building or district. They should take advantage of every opportunity to discuss course assignments with the mentor and learn the ins and outs of school leadership as they complete assignments in the courses.

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

Just one? Here are a few that had an impact on my life.

The Gospels in the New Testament have been very instrumental in helping me learn how to treat others and live a flourishing life.

A book written by Clifton Taulbert, “Eight Habits of the Heart for Educators,” is a guide to building strong school communities through timeless values.

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

Leaders must be intentional about cultivating and practicing good character and virtues. The actions of the leader influence and permeate through the school. Essential qualities for educational leaders include highly developed organizational skills, communication skills and the ability to adapt to changing communities.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that people in the profession face today?

It is a challenge for leaders to keep current with the changes in the local, state and national expectations and to stay current with the rapid changes in technology and communication channels.

Tell us something your students may not know about you.

I enjoy reading, gardening and traveling. I have been involved in educational exchanges with educators in Germany, Japan and England.