CIU College of Education

La Shonna Bookert (MAT 2015) is a busy wife, mother, teacher, and author. Besides teaching third grade at Costner Elementary School in Dallas, NC, La Shonna has recently authored a book, Dear Daughter: God’s Love Letter to Women. Congratulations and blessings, La Shonna, as you continue to serve our Lord!

On Thursday, April 25th Miranda Fulmer, MAT student in the College of Education, was recognized for her academic accomplishments along with other students from different colleges and programs. Miranda Fulmer has demonstrated excellent character in the classroom, in student life, and on the softball field. She has blessed teammates, classmates, and faculty with her patience, perseverance, and encouragement. Thank you, Miranda, for demonstrating Christian character through your scholarship and athletics. Dr. Mark McCann, director of the MAT program, was there to award Miranda this prestigious recognition.

On Thursday, April 25th faculty and students joined together to celebrate the accomplishments of our completing Student Teachers and to recognize students that will be advancing to the MAT program and student teaching in the fall of 2024. The Commissioning Ceremony was highlighted by our seven completers, now teachers, presenting on their time in the field throughout the spring semester. The ceremony concluded with a special lunch and time with students. We are so proud of all our students and for the opportunity to celebrate their many accomplishments throughout the year.

A few times each semester, students and faculty join together for Advisor/Advisee Chapels. These are encouraging times together as we take time to pray, hear from a guest speaker or resident faculty during devotional time, receive updates on upcoming events, and partake in sweet treats and even sweeter fellowship. COE’s most recent Advisor/Advisee Chapel was on Wednesday, April 3rd. During this time, students and faculty were blessed by a devotion by Dr. Michael Johnson, Dean of the College of Education. Additionally, students enjoyed getting to know one another through various mixers and activities.

Students in Dr. Craft’s Foundation of Education course recently discussed social issues affecting students in the classroom. Among many important topics, the class focused on the importance of addressing bullying and how intentionally teaching character education can shape a child’s heart to love others and choose not to bully. To showcase what they learned, the students constructed posters that could be displayed in a class or school addressing the topic of bullying. Everyone in the class learned a lot from the lesson and enjoyed constructing and sharing their posters.

Dr. Johnson and Mrs. Murdaugh attended the Richland 2 Partner Summit on April 9th. The summit provided opportunities to meet and connect with professionals dedicated to addressing student needs. Pictured below are some of the Richland 2 school board members with Maria Owens, Director of Strategic Partnerships.

In honor of World Book Day, the College of Education wanted to highlight a few of the many accomplishments of our Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) students. Throughout the semester, the MAT students have written and presented lessons highlighting meaningful read alouds and ELA lessons. Pictured below are three of our MAT students. The first is P.J. Garrett teaching fact and opinion to students at Nursery Road Elementary. Second, Sierra Brownell explains facts and opinions in kindergarten at Nursery Road Elementary using M&M candy and literature. Last, but not least, is Cilla Connor presenting a read aloud to kindergarten students at Leaphart Elementary. We are so proud of all our students and what they have accomplished this semester in the field.

Happy Earth Day from the College of Education at CIU. In the College of Education students receive training in Project Wild and Project Learning Tree. Their training leads to a certificate and a greater appreciation of God’s creation and how it can be used to educate others. The students also love being outside, and the hands-on activities involved in both programs.

Did you know the College of Education at Columbia International University partners with Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Outdoor Nature Preschool? Riverbanks’ nature-based, developmentally appropriate preschool provides a unique learning experience for 3- to 5-year-olds. The emergent curriculum focuses on exploration and discovery in nature each day, promotes learning, and prepares children for kindergarten as they develop an appreciation for the natural world (riverbanks.org). This semester, MATs P.J. Garrett and Lizzie Bono were assigned to this program as part of the practicum studies. Both P.J. and Lizzie have enjoyed their time at Riverbanks Nature Preschool.

Dr. Michael Johnson, dean of the College of Education at Columbia International University, shared an incredible testimony with Awaken Churches Trail Life group in February. Trail Life is a Christian discipleship organization for dads and their sons. Along with his testimony, Dr. Johnson shared pictures of his time in Alaska and brought smoked salmon for the group to try. Everyone enjoyed the salmon and listening to Dr. Johnson.

The College of Education at Columbia International University is proud to partner with Ben Lippen Schools. During the spring semester, lower school principal Dr. Kelli Larsen and middle school principal Mr. Corey Thompson, both graduates of CIU, visited the Foundation of Education class to talk about classroom observations and the value of the educator in making a positive impact in children's lives. The students appreciated the time with both principals and being given a tour of Ben Lippen School.

Dr. Joyce Park, graduate of the PhD program from the College of Education at Columbia International University, serves as a leader in Korean Christian Schools and is an author of many children's books. She recently published her third children's book. A link to Dr. Parks bio from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has been included. Congratulations to Dr. Park for her many accomplishments and continued work in Christian education. https://www.mbts.edu/about/faculty/joyce-young-ju-park/