UMSL: College of Education

Congrats, OIPE Class of 2026!

College of Education Faculty and Staff had a great time at our end of the year picnic last Wednesday. We want to thank everyone for their dedication, and give a special shout out to Dr. April Regester, taking over as Associate Dean; Dr. Shea Kerkhoff, taking over as Department Chair of ESPP; and Dr. Phil Waalkes, who is ending his time in the UMSL COE, but will be greatly missed!

Join us for the Leadership and Learning Summer Institute hosted by UMSL Education Fellows! ✨

📚 Two days of inspiring leadership and instructional sessions focused on:
• Teacher retention strategies
• Data-driven decision making
• Improving writing instruction
• Mathematics best practices
• Project-based learning
• And so much more!

🗓 May 28–29, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 UMSL ED Collabitat, Ward E. Barnes Building

✅ FREE to attend
🍽 Lunch provided

This is a great opportunity for educators, future teachers, and leaders to connect, learn, and grow together this summer. Don’t miss it!

📩 RSVP by May 21: [email protected]

Umsl and their pets!!!!

Education plants the seed.
Confidence helps it grow.
Hope lets it bloom into peace.

Because when we invest in learning, we shape a future filled with courage, possibility, and harmony.

COE Annual Celebration & Retirement Event

As the semester comes to a close, we gathered not just to celebrate achievements, but to honor the journeys behind them. From well-earned promotions to heartfelt retirements, this event was a beautiful reminder that every ending carries the promise of a new beginning.

It was inspiring to see everyone who has been part of COE come together—sharing laughter, stories, and moments that made this year unforgettable. One of the most special highlights was hearing everyone reflect on their favorite memory of the year so far—each one unique, yet all connected by the same sense of growth and community.

From COE, we sincerely appreciate your dedication, efforts, and service. Your contributions have shaped our community and made a lasting impact.

Now we turn it over to you—what’s been your best memory this year?

Ready to launch your teaching career? Join the UMSL College of Education for our free Virtual Info Nights on Alternative Certification.
Whether you already have a degree or are finishing your college credits, we offer multiple pathways to get you into the classroom, including Teach in Residency, Teach in 12, the Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC), and our Finish Line program. Many of these options allow you to earn your Missouri teaching certification while working full-time or even working toward your master’s degree.
When: April 21 at 6 p.m. Where: Online via Zoom