February/March 2019

Video
Last month we had a professional development meeting with Shenekia Weeks from EdPlus who presented Trauma Informed Primer, Part 2. She showed this video. It is very powerful and emotional but explains what some children are dealing with when they come into the classroom.

MMEA Conference
Twelve MBU music students, along with Professors Cox, Williams, and Faszold, attended the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference at the end of January. Eight students were invited to sing in the 2019 MO All-Collegiate Honor Choir.

Music Education majors included: Rachel Harrah, Courtney Hammers, Marnise Taggert, Jonah Scott, Gabe Murphy, Ali Patton, Emma Bushery, Jesse Davlin, Rachel Juhlin, Carter Kennedy, and Spencer Toft.

Directors' Meeting
On Tuesday, January 29 the directors met to talk about data, enrollment, syllabi and folio updates and visited with Bryce Chapman, VP for Enrollment, Marketing & University Communications.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Clay Pulsipher recently completed his masters in education with teacher certification at MBU this summer. Read about his upcoming adventure HERE.

President's Chapel - February 14, 2019
Dr. Ross gave an inspiring talk about how Jesus is in your life: personally, privately, permanently, and powerfully! We were also led with music by the Chapel band and singing by the Chorale. Watching and worshiping with Jordan Cox is such a treat! His musical gifts and talents are extraordinary.

3rd Annual School of Education Commissioning Service
We've already been making plans for our 3rd annual Commissioning Service. It will be Sunday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel. This is such a lovely event for the students and their families. We are planning some great things, so put the date on your calendar and plan to attend. More information will be coming soon.

Educational Job Fair

MBU held an Educational Job Fair on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, which was very well attended. We had 18 school districts attend and many students and alumni had opportunities to interview with many potential employers. Thanks to Brian Knapp and Susan Hladky for their efforts!

School of Education Professional Development Meeting

On Tuesday, February 26, Shelly Parks, Missouri Teacher of the Year presented The Ripple Effect to our faculty. It was a great presentation on the influence teachers can have on their students.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/jmattmiller/status/1039874821587394560

Traveling Apple Award

During the February 26 Faculty meeting, Tammy Cox was awarded the Traveling Apple for her outstanding work in the classroom according to the comments from her student evaluations. Good job Dr. Cox! Read a few comments from students below on their end-of-course evaluations:

• Dr. Cox is one of my favorite teachers because she is very knowledgeable in this subject and was very attentive and gave good constructive criticism when needed.
• Fantastic instructor! Dr. Cox is a dedicated professor who has a passion for supporting students. She tells you like it is, but will do anything to help you succeed. Her knowledge of the education program at MBU and the Missouri teacher certification process is top notch. I am looking forward to taking more classes with her in the future. Not because I believe they will be easy, but because she challenges students to improve their skills.
• Dr. Cox is the best teacher I have EVER had. MOBAP is so blessed to have her and so are the students she serves. She strives to meet all students needs and she teaches so well!
• Dr. Cox is a fantastic teacher. She took the time to help each student when they had questions. She also understood how we felt during the class given the workload we were given.

Missouri Baptist University School of Education

Upcoming Meetings

March 25-27: MACTE
April 17: Teacher Education Advisory Council
April 28: 3rd Annual School of Education Commissioning Service at 7 p.m. in the Chapel

Closing Thoughts
Some of you may have had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Marcus "Goodie" Goodloe speak in chapel this past fall. His words were so inspiring to me that I reflect on his message often. I will share his six steps to the art of influence over the next 6 blogs. May you find these words as a source of inspiration as we begin to take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some downtime during spring break.

Image Source: https://www.greatblackspeakers.com/author/marcusgoodloe/

Dr. Goodloe used the letters of the word "HABITS" to describe the steps that fuel leaders from mediocrity to greatness.
The "H" in HABITS is used by Dr. Goodloe to remind us to HAVE FUN! Are you a happy person? Are you a grateful person? Goodie suggests that we stop and smell the roses. Be in the moment, be present and reset your perspective so that you "notice the gifts that are all around you." He also encouraged us to be more like the millennial generation noting that they have more fun than other generations. On page 43 of his book Six Steps to the Art of Influence, he stated that Millenials work hard to "advance their dreams while having fun in their offices or dens. A large part of this generation is determined to forge new ground, to bring creative, innovative ideas into reality."
He noted that this generation has built a culture of having fun while working. One of the things I love about working at MBU is that we have fun. We laugh together. We take our jobs seriously but we don't take ourselves too seriously. Have fun with your students. Have fun with your colleagues!
The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes that we should enjoy work and enjoy life.

Ecclesiastes 2:22 There is nothing better for people to do than to eat, drink, and find satisfaction in their work.
Ecclesiastes 8:15 For there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life.

Have fun over spring break and come back refreshed and ready to have fun with each other and your students!