Furman University Education Department

Some highlights from the recent May Experience program to Finland and Italy: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZFhpHQFfOf/?img_index=1

As our trip comes to an end, here’s a snapshot of what we learned in Reggio Emilia, Italy: On day one, we visited the Loris Malaguzzi Center where we spoke to Susanna Stagnini, a pedagogista, who informed us of the crucial components of the Reggio Emilia early childhood approach. After that, we toured the exhibits (Pictures 1 & 2). On day two, we took the train to Bologna, Italy to learn about the historical relevance of the city, aspects of Italy’s social policy, and enjoyed some good food (3). On day three, we went to The Remida Project which is a center where companies donate materials that they can’t use so that teachers can have access to the materials for free (4 & 5). We also went to Nido d’Infanzia L’Arca where we could see what some of the concepts that we had learned about looked like in practice (6, 7 & 8). On day four, we traveled to Unimore (the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) to engage in a collaborative discussion where we shared a variety of perspectives with PhD students specializing in the Reggio Children’s Approach (9). On day five, our cultural day, we took a tour of the Parmigiano Reggiano production facility and were able to taste differently aged cheeses while learning about the process from cow to table (10). Lastly, we participated in a pasta making class (11)!

See the attached letter for important updates on our enhanced Educational Studies program.

The department (along with members from Furman University Graduate Studies in Education) celebrated Dr. Harris Heath, who will retire from Furman this summer after a distinguished career at the university. We wish him well in future endeavors!

Way to go Kate!

Excited about Abigail's internship!

We’re excited to welcome Abigail Crane to the PEP family as our Community Engagement and Advocacy Intern this fall! Abigail is a sophomore majoring in Educational Studies at Furman University and is passionate about education policy and advocacy.

She traveled to New Zealand and Australia as part of Furman’s “International Perspectives on Public Education” May Experience course this spring. The class visited a variety of public and private schools and colleges throughout the two countries during their three-week visit.

Abigail is a native of Lebanon, N.H., and loves reading, hiking, camping, and baking sugar cookies. After completing her studies at Furman, she hopes to go onto graduate school to pursue a degree in educational administration or education policy.

Congratulations to Dr. Thomas for publishing this important article in today's Washington Post!

Opinion | There is no reading crisis in the U.S. Here’s what’s really happening. Politicians and journalists are misinterpreting the results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Scott Henderson for receiving this year's Jim Smart Award. https://www.furman.edu/news/scott-hendersons-heart-for-students-earns-him-the-jim-smart-award/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJdCypleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHr0ZbEOkPHsnvixRiT1uvEEVxpwo2U95pfQZKqM_9JHRLfcuYPo5kTPGkJ8Q_aem_Qf-W9cL3AB40v5PbXp2_sw

Scott Henderson’s heart for students earns him the Jim Smart Award Education professor Scott Henderson’s students said he encourages every student to find their passion and enrich their lives.

Looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend at Homecoming! Find us in a tent on the rugby pitch between 11:30 and 2.

Dr. Lipscomb and Ms. Moore represented the Education Department at the iTeach Conference for Future Educators at Roper Mountain Science Center. Over 400 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across the Upstate attended.