UPIKE - Patton College of Education

The MAT Program starts this fall! Start your next chapter!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CidKZVWrX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Thinking about a career change? If you hold a bachelor’s degree and want to move into education, UPIKE’s Master of Arts in Teaching was built for that transition.
Start your next chapter at upike.edu/MAT

On Thursday, April 23, the Patton College of Education proudly celebrated our teacher education program graduates at a special reception honoring their hard work and dedication.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Dr. Coletta Parsley, PCOE Dean, followed by a beautiful performance of “Good for the Soul” by Zoe Howard. UPIKE President, Dr. Burton Webb. and Dr. Lori Werth, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, shared opening remarks. Kentucky Education Association -Aspiring Educators (KEA-AE) President Alyson Wright and Vice President Kierra Akers also shared background information about the KEA-AE organization for students as well as the history of the reception honoring our teacher education program graduates.
A highlight of the evening was the Candidate Pinning ceremony, where UPIKE faculty, Dr. Michael King, Dr. Johnny Fleming, Dr. Jill Maynard, Ms. Theresa Dawahare, and Mr. David Slone recognized our graduates for reaching this important milestone. Ms. Theresa Dawahare led the Educator’s Pledge, as graduates read along in unison and expressed commitment to their future profession.
We are proud to recognize this year’s award recipients:
🏆Scarlett Anderson was awarded the Rediford Damron Teaching Excellence Award in Elementary Education, and Alayna Coleman was awarded the Rediford Damron Teaching Excellence Award in Secondary Education.
🏆Sarah Justice received the Patton College of Education Award for Most Professional Growth
Graduates received special gifts, and they presented appreciation gifts to their cooperating teachers, celebrating the partnerships that helped shape their journey. The evening concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Marisa Greer and a final charge to graduates from Dr. Parsley.

Today marked the final day of the Spring 2026 semester for my EDU 320 students! They wrapped things up by taking their final exam, showcasing all they’ve learned and accomplished this semester. 📝
I truly think the world 🌏 of these precious students, what an incredible group of future educators! Their growth in literacy pedagogy and their understanding of evidence-based instructional strategies has been amazing to watch. I am beyond proud of them! 🥹
To celebrate, I surprised them with a little sweet treat 🍰 just a small way to say enjoy your summer 🌻 and keep shining bright, Sunshines! 🌟🌟🌟
Praying 🙏 for safe travels home and wishing each of you a wonderful, relaxing, and safe summer. Love you all so much!!
🧡🖤🐻🧡🖤🐻🧡🖤🐻🧡🖤🐻🧡🖤🐻

EDU 320 students finished presenting their Literacy Case Studies! Those students included Miss Emma, Miss Madelyn, Miss Reilly, and Miss Haley.
📚✨ 📚
Throughout this in-depth project, students conducted an extensive case study examining a learner’s overall literacy development across all foundational components. They explored key theoretical frameworks and made meaningful connections between theory and classroom practice.
Students then assessed and analyzed data to design targeted instructional plans that support both reading and writing growth through a holistic approach to literacy instruction. To conclude, they reflected on the entire process and considered the implications for their future classrooms.
These presentations showcase not only their knowledge, but their commitment to meeting the diverse needs of every learner. 💡 Preparing today’s students with the skills, insight, and heart to become tomorrow’s impactful literacy educators.

EDU 320 students are continuing to present their Literacy Case Studies! Those students included Miss Anna, Miss Chloe, Miss Virginia, Mr. Andy, and Miss Brianna.
📚✨ 📚
Throughout this in-depth project, students conducted an extensive case study examining a learner’s overall literacy development across all foundational components. They explored key theoretical frameworks and made meaningful connections between theory and classroom practice.
Students then assessed and analyzed data to design targeted instructional plans that support both reading and writing growth through a holistic approach to literacy instruction. To conclude, they reflected on the entire process and considered the implications for their future classrooms.
These presentations showcase not only their knowledge, but their commitment to meeting the diverse needs of every learner. 💡 Preparing today’s students with the skills, insight, and heart to become tomorrow’s impactful literacy educators.

EDU 320 students are continuing to present their Literacy Case Studies! Those students included Miss Carly, Miss Kierra, Miss Megan, and Miss Rachel.
📚✨ 📚
Throughout this in-depth project, students conducted an extensive case study examining a learner’s overall literacy development across all foundational components. They explored key theoretical frameworks and made meaningful connections between theory and classroom practice.
Students then assessed and analyzed data to design targeted instructional plans that support both reading and writing growth through a holistic approach to literacy instruction. To conclude, they reflected on the entire process and considered the implications for their future classrooms.
These presentations showcase not only their knowledge, but their commitment to meeting the diverse needs of every learner. 💡 Preparing today’s students with the skills, insight, and heart to become tomorrow’s impactful literacy educators.

EDU 314 students dove into a study of America’s role in World War II! 🇺🇸
Throughout the lesson, students identified the reasons for U.S. involvement, explored major military events and key issues of the war, and analyzed its impact on both the economy and the home front. To strengthen their understanding, they built critical vocabulary essential to studying this pivotal time in history. 🍎🇺🇸🍎
Students then brought the content to life through a fun and engaging “Popcorning Info” activity, sharing their knowledge and insights with one another.
Learning about history doesn’t have to be dull, when engagement meets content, even the most significant moments in history come alive in meaningful and memorable ways! 📚📓📚📗📚

Nothing beats a beautiful spring day at the ballpark! ☀️ Dr. Fleming was thrilled to be out at the diamond to cheer on Maddie and Bre as they closed out an incredible regular season.
Beyond being stars on the field, Maddie and Bre are also standout students in the Patton College of Education (PCOE). We love seeing our future educators excelling in every arena! 🎓👏
Good luck to Maddie, Bre, and the rest of the Lady Bears Softball team as they head into the AAC Tournament! Let’s keep that momentum rolling! 🐻💪