Austin Peay Eriksson College of Education

We are excited to be leading the way to support technology in rural schools with this grant from
Google!

The Austin Peay State University Foundation has received a $50,000 contribution from Google to support the Collaborative STEM Education Initiative for Middle TN K-12 Students.

"Google is committed to investing in communities where we operate, and supporting STEM education is a critical part of that commitment," said Drake Mayo, community & workforce development manager at Google. "This continued partnership with Austin Peay State University will help ensure that students in rural Middle Tennessee have access to the technology tools and educational opportunities they need to succeed in our increasingly digital world. By bridging the digital divide, we're not just investing in students today—we're investing in the workforce and innovators of tomorrow."

Read more: https://bit.ly/4uzg9O9

| Austin Peay State University | Austin Peay Eriksson College of Education

Recently graduated and still figuring out your next move? You're not alone — and there's a path worth knowing about. Austin Peay State University's TESOL program was built for people exactly like you.

No education degree required. No teaching experience needed. Just your existing degree — from any major — and a desire to do meaningful work. Plus, there are Graduate Teaching Assistant positions available on campus where you will get hands-on experience teaching English language learners.

Here's the deal:
🎓 TESOL Certificate: 4 courses | ~6 months | fully online available
🎓 TESOL Master's Degree: 10 courses | complete in as little as 1 year
📅 Start any semester — Fall, Spring, or Summer
🌍 Graduates are now teaching in Tennessee, Texas, Hawaii, Florida, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, England, Egypt, and beyond

Our graduates don't just find jobs. They build careers that actually matter in classrooms and communities around the world.

Curious? Reach out to Dr. Ling Wang at [email protected] or call 931-221-1249.

Learn more at apsu.edu/education/programs-of-study/graduate

Got a question this summer? We’ve got you. ☀️📚 Whether you’re mapping out fall classes, exploring our programs, or need help connecting with someone on campus, we are ready to assist.

General contact:
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (931) 221-7696

Bookmark these helpful links for later:
• University Student Success: apsu.edu/student-success/
• Book advising (all students): apsu.campus.eab.com/
• Eriksson College of Education: apsu.edu/education/
• Events and updates: govsconnect.apsu.edu/coe/events/

We’re celebrating the more than 160 Eriksson College of Education students named to the Spring 2026 Dean’s List! Your hard work and academic excellence set the bar for future educators across our region. 🎉📚

View the full Dean’s List: bit.ly/3PUirJz

Our people make the Eriksson College of Education what it is. 🎉

This week, three members of our team were honored at the APSU Staff Service and Excellence Awards Ceremony, and we want to scream from the rooftops about how great they are!

Governors Excellence Award, Academic Affairs: Amber Button

Amber serves as Coordinator of Academics - Teacher Residencies — a role that puts her at the intersection of students, school districts, the TN Department of Education, and our campus community. She brings calm, clarity, and genuine care to her work, which directly shapes the success of future educators. From tracking requirements to conducting trainings to simply being the steady presence residents can count on, Amber leads with both competence and heart. We're grateful for her.

Service Awards:
🏆 Kevin Fee — 5 years
🏆 Ana Ortega — 20 years

Thank you, Amber, Kevin, and Ana, for everything you do.

"I didn't always feel like I belonged in the role. I second-guessed myself sometimes and kind of was waiting for someone to tell me I had it figured out."

In our newest episode of the Govs Teach Unplugged podcast, Dr. Christi Maldonado gets real about the doubt that comes with stepping into school leadership.

Maldonado spent more than 20 years in Tennessee public schools, including 15 as an assistant principal. Now she helps prepare the next generation of administrators through Austin Peay's Aspiring Administrator Preparation Network (AAPN), a one-year, fully online master's program designed for working educators.

🟢 Spotify | https://bit.ly/3REQxld
🍎 Apple Podcasts | https://apple.co/3RD2oAi
🖤 iHeart Radio | https://ihr.fm/44HXiGY
🎵 Amazon Music | https://amzn.to/4dEf3vn

Dr. Zack Barnes, associate professor of literacy, was tapped by Publishers Weekly to interview James Patterson about his $10 million pledge to create a new literacy institute at Vanderbilt University.

The institute will focus on improving students' reading in grades 4–8, an area in which Barnes is well-versed.

Check out the article 📰

James Patterson Pledges $10 Million to Launch Literacy Institute author James Patterson has committed $10 million to create the Patterson Institute of Early Adolescent Literacy at Vanderbilt University.

As summer begins and we pause to honor those who gave everything in service to our country, the Eriksson College of Education remembers the profound connection between sacrifice and the freedoms we cherish, including the freedom to learn, teach, and shape future generations.

To all who have served, and all who carry the memories of the fallen forward: thank you.

Wishing our APSU community a meaningful Memorial Day. ☀️🇺🇸

Hey, Govs! Two exciting updates:

📸 May graduation photos are HERE, and they're FREE!
→ Go to apsuedu.canto.com/v/commencement
→ Search your full name to find your pics

🏆 Want to see who was honored at our College Awards & Celebration? Check out the full list of honorees here: https://www.apsu.edu/news/news-images/apsu-eriksson-college-awards-ceremony-achievements.php

Congrats to all our grads and award winners! 👏