Bishop's Blog

My husband, Brian, caught this 5 foot shark today. 

I am reminded of the importance of rest and relaxation. Spending time with family (and the crane) at the beach is just what I needed. God's creation is awesome! I hope that all of you are finding ways to rest and relax this holiday season. 

Last Friday Memo of 2014 I know this phrase is often overused, but it is hard to believe how fast time flies. First semester 2014 has come to a close and now the glorious Christmas season is upon us. As we reflect on all of the good work and forward progress we have made, it is exciting to look forward to 2015 and all that the new year has to bring to our division and MBU. This past week we worked on the following: Mary Ann Conaway and I discussed the counseling program. Our school counselor students will be participating in the pilot state performance assessment for counselors. Jan Speck has attended statewide meetings to learn more about the pilot. Our office will assist in the organization and tracking of the pilot program. Erica Bumpers, Angela McGowan, Kathleen Wendt, Tom Knuckles, and I led the student teaching orientation on Tuesday. Thanks to all of the MBU university supervisors who attended the orientation to meet this spring's student teachers. This event is one

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but this has been a REALLY LONG week for me. First of all, thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and kind words regarding my friend who was rushed to the hospital Monday night for what the doctors thought was an aneurysm. They have determined that he did not have an aneurysm, but they are continuing to run tests to determine the cause of the bleeding in the brain. Randy has been moved from ICU to a regular room, and he may be able to go home Sunday. Praise God! Doctoral Dissertation Defense - This week I had the pleasure of attending two different dissertation defenses. Steve Weinhold presented his study about standards based grading. Patrick Schwalbe defended his study about the effects of a high school advisory program. I always enjoy the opportunity to attend a defense. I always come away learning something I didn't know! Teaching in a Diverse Society - This semester is the first time we have offered this class as a requirement for

The Education Division and others at MBU are working together to bless those in need in Ferguson. Click for more information  MBU Blessing Ferguson Community this Christmas

All, Wow, what a busy week! My guess is that you have also had a lot going on as we all wrap up the fall semester and get ready for finals. Before I review the activities of the week, I want to simply share some of my thoughts during this interesting time to be in the teacher preparation business. I apologize in advance for the length of this post - it is a LONG one!!! Community Blessing - We have an opportunity to bless some Ferguson families that are registered with the United Way. The Education Division and the Health and Sports Sciences Department are collecting gift cards and items for families in need. We will be working with the Serve On Committee. You will receive an email shortly regarding this opportunity. Sorry for the short notice, but we will be collecting gift cards next week.   Mobile Learning and Special Education - The more I think about mobile learning the more excited I get.  I was at a meeting in Columbia this week with other educators from around the