Byrd highlighted a number of undergraduate research projects that are in process in the special education program. Leesman and Miller discussed their research work investigating preservice teachers’ perspectives on diversity and special education.

Byrd also presented a paper on “Fathers’ Perspectives on Disability, Special Education, and Information.” His presentation focused on his research interviewing families about their views of disability, special education and especially their need for information. 

The North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children is part of The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). It is an international organization representing various stakeholders who are committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

黑料不打烊’s Department of Education offers a dual licensure program in elementary and special education, as well as secondary programs and special education.

Check out the CEC website:

The event featured seven sessions in which participants learned about the various facets that make up a healthy and mindful lifestyle. 

Burt Jenkins, a North Carolina Department of Public Instruction consultant in health/physical education/athletics, kicked off the event by demonstrating the benefits that physical movement and overall health conscientiousness can have on academic performance. He later led a session that taught participants how to incorporate movement into subject matter within the classroom in order to promote healthy living.

On behalf of the Department of Exercise Science and Campus Recreation, Samantha Drury provided a session on personal fitness training that featured a 15-minute total body workout and tips on how to stay physically fit while juggling a busy schedule. 

The Department of Health and Human Performance led three sessions on mindfulness, movement in the classroom and nutrition. Faculty members Resa Walch and Lynda Butler-Storsved revealed calming mindfulness practices that aid educators and their students with stress management. Alec French and Bryan Hendrick had participants up and moving with a demonstration on how to stay active throughout the school day.

Faculty member Liz Bailey and 黑料不打烊 student Olivia Orr of the Eat Well Organization discussed healthy eating habits and how to use food as fuel in and out of the classroom.

The Department of Physical Therapy Education was represented by senior Adam Carter, who conducted a session on health and wellness. SPARKS Peer Educators also led a session at event that informed students on the best ways to stay sexually healthy and manage risk. 

The night concluded with a light and healthy dinner outside East Gym and served as a time for students to reflect and converse about the helpful tips they had learned.

Participants were given tank tops, water bottles and health-conscious snacks to promote and encourage healthy living in the future. 

Organizers from the School of Education and 黑料不打烊 Teaching Fellows expressed gratitude to participating departments and guests for making the event a success.

Moderated by Connor McDade, junior Teaching Fellow, and Elayne Monjar, senior Teaching Fellow, the panelists were asked questions previously submitted by the Teaching Fellows. Questions ranged from what the panelists found most surprising about their first year of teaching to more specific inquiries about their individual placements in the school system.

Casey Collins discussed the surprises she has encountered as a Music Education teacher at Eastlawn Elementary. Before working at Eastlawn, Collins never expected to be teaching anything besides music, but the unique structure of her school has her teaching literacy and math for a small portion of the day. She admitted that there are both positive and negative aspects to this system, but overall she believes it works for the kids. Ms. Collins has learned to be flexible within her school and open to new experiences because of this.

Walt Yates, a mathematics teacher at GTCC Middle School, expressed that flexibility is the beauty of teaching. If a lesson doesn’t go as planned, tomorrow is a new day. If a student misbehaves, there is always tomorrow to start fresh.

Meghan Cathey, third grade teacher at Virginia Cross Elementary, agreed with Mr. Yates’ point. She encounters many students who bring the troubles of their home life into the classroom. She finds it important to address these issues rather than ignore them. “You have to be real,” Cathey insisted, “your kids will be able to tell if you are not”.

Freedom of instruction and discipline methods include some of the other topics that were also addressed by the panelists. Jordan McNeill, a Special Education teacher at South Graham Elementary, noted how different her discipline methods have to be due to working in a self-contained classroom. McNeill expressed that it can be difficult when those observing her do not fully understand her strategies, but nevertheless she is constantly evolving her ways to create the safest environment for her children.

Sara Riek and Katie Puckett enlightened the audience on the freedoms they receive by teaching at a Montessori and Charter school, respectively. Riek enjoys the added responsibility of teaching her children moral values and community building, some of the core ideals of a Montessori education.

The informative panel concluded with a brief reception and the opportunity to speak with the alumni individually. The Teaching Fellows were greatly appreciative of the useful insight and advice provided by the panelists.
 

Submitted by Shannon Major ’15 Teaching Fellow

Email PNO for more information: pno.elon@gmail.com

Advisor: Jennifer Fish, jfish5@elon.edu

Student Director: Gwen Hambright, ghambright@elon.edu

For any questions or further information, please contact Jennifer Fish, PNO Advisor, at 336-278-5888 or jfish5@elon.edu.