Education Department ENewsletter

Message from Michael A. Dieter

Michael A. DieterAs we wrap up the end of the academic year, I couldn’t possibly be prouder of the ways in which our department has collaborated internally and externally to support our K-12 partners. While it may not always seem like it as you move through the semester completing assignments, studying for tests and working to gather your field hours, you individually and our college as a whole play an important role in supporting the wider educational community. Over the course of this year we accomplished many things including:

  • Hosting 8 virtual professional developments attended by a total of more than 80 K-12 professionals.
  • Welcoming more than 200 8th grade students from Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School for a campus visit.
  • Providing thousands of hours of fieldwork in which you supported students’ personal and academic growth in the classroom and through extracurricular activities.
  • Collaborating with departments across campus to foster student engagement in Math and Literature through the annual Math Triathlon and Young Authors Festival.
I believe one of the strengths of our department is in the ways in which we collaborate with our partners, and I am looking forward to seeing what the next year will bring us after a well-deserved break. Best wishes for a great summer and congratulations to the Class of 2023.
Education Graduates

Congratulations Class of 2023!!

The Department of Education would like to extend our congratulations to all program completers from December 2022 and May 2023. In particular, we want to acknowledge our future teachers and leaders for all their hard work and achievements.
  • 33 Undergraduates
  • 11 Graduates

We would like to also congratulate our 22 Licensure candidates from December 2022 and May 2023 on their achievement!

Education Graduates 3
Education Graduates 4
Education Graduates 2
Serve Excellent Education

Education Commissioning & Celebration

On Monday, May 1st, the Education Unit hosted the Education Commissioning & Celebration to honor our most recent program completers. Education faculty, student supervisors, cooperating teachers, and many family members came together to celebrate the accomplishments of each our education program completers in a special ceremony and celebration.

We are so proud of these students and look forward to learning about the impact they will have within their school districts, communities, and the students they will serve. Congratulations to all on behalf of the Education unit.

Young Authors

The Young Authors Reception & Festival welcomes 270+ students!

The Education Department was delighted to host the Young Authors Reception & Festival on April 25 & 26. We were thrilled to bring author Laura Martin to campus. She is our very first young author participant who became an adult author! Laura delivered multiple workshops to the students, and graciously signed books for the Trinity community. The event welcomed school partners, students, families, and volunteers to Trinity campus. Over the course of 2 days, we were honored to collaborate with:

  • 14 schools (Illinois & Indiana)
  • 270+ elementary students
  • 36 AMAZING Trinity student leaders
  • 1 high school student leader
  • 34 adult helpers
  • 7 committee members

And through these collaborations, we hope to inspire the next era of Trinity students and future authors.

Young Authors 2
Young Authors 3
Young Authors 4
Celebrate Faculty

Faculty Accomplishments

Dr. Scholma and Dr. Boerman-Cornell recently had the article, “Disability in Children’s Literature: Eight Books You Should Have in Your Classroom Library.” published in the Christian Educators Journal.
To read the article, please see https://t.e2ma.net/click/0kmbfn/ce9llu5/gxy1qjk
Congrats and well done, Dr. Scholma and Dr. Boerman-Cornell!

Adjunct Accomplishments

Golden AppleEducation adjunct faculty member, Pamela Peters has been selected as one of the finalists in the state of Illinois for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence and Leadership. The Golden Apple Foundation is the leading Illinois nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring and supporting educators who advance educational opportunities for students.
Pam said “To be nominated by my students and a fellow English teacher is the best accolade as it reminds me that my behind the scene efforts have been meaningful for my students and my peers. Being recognized for making an impact and for something that I love to do at any level is such an honor, and I really just love teaching and helping students learn.” Pam has been teaching in the Education department at Trinity since Spring of 2022. We are thrilled for Pam and honored to have her serving on our team.
Congrats, Pam!
Pamela Peters Golden Apple Award

Full-time opportunities

Work OpportunitiesAre you looking for a Full-time, Part-time, Internship, Volunteer, or Summer Job? Take a look at our systems linked below for access to job opportunities!
Summer Camps
Additional part-time, full-time, internship and volunteer education related opportunities can be found on your Brightspace – Education Unit Home Site – Job Board.
Full-time Teaching and Education related positions, as well as recruiting events, can be found on the Handshake system.
Stay Connected
If you have a story to tell or an opportunity to share, please email education@trnty.edu.
We’d love to hear from you.

Save-the-Dates

Upcoming Events
Fall 2023
Aug 21: Fall Student Teacher Orientation
Oct 25: Connections Education Event
Dec 11: Education Commissioning & Celebration
Education Department
708-293-4513 │ Vander Velde 110 │ education@trnty.edu
Education Department ENewsletter

Sara Baillie GormanOctober here on campus is all about advising and looking toward the next step in education for our students. Our current students are picking their schedules for spring term and getting ready for registration. I want to take a moment to use this “advising” month to encourage you to think about your future and classes too!

Our Education Unit has always strived to encourage our students to become lifelong learners. It’s been wonderful to see this in practice! I have been able to see past students at conferences- both as participants and as speakers. However, my favorite way to engage with students again is as a graduate student. I love having past students in graduate courses – getting to see how far they have come and where they are going.

With that, I’d love to encourage you- our alum, our partners, and our friends- to consider joining us next fall for our graduate program. We have a graduate program that leads to a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a sequence that leads to an English Language Learners (ESL) and/or Bilingual endorsement on your license.

The masters degree delves into cultural competence, communication and collaboration, technology, literacy in a multicultural context, children’s literature, behavior and the environment, diverse students, and a research project. It is 30 credit hours.

The ESL endorsement is 6 courses, 18 credits total. It can also be combined with some of the course classes of the graduate program to earn a degree (note the degree might require 2x per week).

Both of these programs can be completed in one year, only one night per week. If you want to learn more, reach out to the admissions representative at cynthia.coffey@trnty.edu

I really hope to have the privilege of seeing you continue in your learning.

Sara Baillie Gorman, EdD, BCBA
Professor of Education| Director of Education Operations

Thrive Open House Event

Meet The Education

The Education office will be hosting an Open House! Come and meet us for a chance to win some great prizes!

Wed, Oct 18th
10:30am – 11:30am
Vander Velde Hall

Thrive Open House Event

Advising DayAdvising Day *New Format*
October 25th
You will complete the Advising Module (linked below) prior to your 1:1 Advising Day meeting with your advisor. Please see all details below. Note: Advising Day is required for all undergraduate students.
Advising Day Requirements:
  • Prior to your 1:1 Advising Day meeting, complete the module, specific to you, linked below. Be sure to complete the Quiz at the end. Advising Module
  • Meet 1:1 with your Advisor, on our around Advising Day, as their appointment schedules permit. (Bring your course of study document and your proposed schedule for the spring semester to the meeting.)
  • Drop in session for Cross-Advising and Q&A (8am – 10am in Education Conference Room) (optional) – Come prepared with any questions you may have regarding your Education program.
  • Attend (1-hour) of the Connections Event (details below)

Connections Event

The Connections Event is Wednesday, October 25 from 1pm – 4pm. As Student Teachers, you are being given priority access to the following Mock Interview schedule (linked below). Be sure to sign up right away! The schedule will be sent to all other education majors tomorrow afternoon. I’ve also included a list of employers attending Connections. The attached pdf has hyperlinks to each employer’s website.

Event Schedule:

  • 1:00 – 2:00 pm: Open Hours with Employers
  • 2:00 – 3:00 pm: Mock Interviews and Open Hours with Employers
  • 3:00 – 4:00 pm: Mock Interviews and Open Hours with Employers

Mock Interview

Reminder: all (Traditional) Junior and Senior education students are required to complete (2) 20-minute mock interviews. Adult undergraduate Junior and Senior students are highly encouraged to attend and sign up for mock interviews. Please be sure to schedule your Mock Interview by Monday, October 23rd at 5pm.

Connections Event

Faculty Accomplishments

Dr. Boerman-Cornell Publishing
Book Celebrations
Congratulations to Dr. Boerman-Cornell, who recently published the following books:
Using Graphic Novels in the English Language Arts Classroom (Bloomsbury Academic, 2020), Bill Boerman-Cornell and Jung Kim
 and
Young Adult Literature and Spirituality (Rowman and Littlefield, 2022), Bill Boerman-Cornell et. al.

Adjunct Professor Spotlight

Ellyn Mcllamara
Kevin Barron
Learn more about the Grant and Project https://t.e2ma.net/click/gxqrtn/ce9llu5/sqxhhkk
Education Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Barron ’13 https://t.e2ma.net/click/gxqrtn/ce9llu5/8iyhhkk
FREE Professional Membership for Student Teachers
Current Student Teachers!!
Take advantage of this opportunity to receive resources bi-weekly to support you in your semester long student teaching. CEC will provide you with the tools you need to succeed this semester!
You Will Receive:
  • Complimentary CEC Pre-Service Student Membership thru 12/31/2023
  • Access to bi-weekly resources to support you in student teaching
  • An online community where you can share questions and gain feedback from your peers
  • Opportunity for your cooperating teacher and university faculty member to be provided the same resources, as well as talking points to discuss the resource with the student teacher
  • Membership includes $1 Million Student Educator Professional Liability Insurance Policy

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Cap
Knowles Teaching Fellows Program
The Knowles Teacher Initiative is a nonprofit organization that supports a national network of mathematics and science teachers who are collaborative, innovative leaders improving education for all students in the United States. We strive to create an educational system that is led by teachers who are equipped to solve difficult problems and respond to local challenges in order to serve all of our nation’s students.
Valued at up to $150,000 and renewable for up to five years, the Knowles Teaching Fellows Program is awarded to America’s best and brightest new teachers of high school mathematics and science. Fellowship benefits are extensive and encompass financial resources, professional and leadership development, teaching tools and materials, and access to a coast-to-coast network of like-minded colleagues. Applicants must be entering their first, second or third year as teacher of record during the next academic year from now. Fellowship awardees will be announced in May 2024.
Deadline to Apply: January 8, 2024

Illinois Association of Teacher Education Fall 2023 Conference

Attend A Conference
IATE is extending a special invitation to ALL educators (e.g. college faculty & administrators, classroom teachers, school administrators, undergraduate/graduate students) and business leaders to attend the Fall IATE Conference on Friday, November 3, 2023 at Bradley University. Reduced rate of only $40.00 for students.

Volunteers Needed

Voulunteers Needed
Fall Fest Volunteer
Fall Fest is looking for education students to help with the very popular, KidZone area. If you are interested in volunteering, sign up at KidZone Sign Up.
Christmastide Volunteer
Are you interested in helping with pre-concert activities at Christmastide? If so, please contact Toni Esker at Toni.Esker@trnty.edu
Work Opportunities
Are you looking for a Full-time or Part-time job? Schools and organizations are looking to fill a variety of positions, such as teachers, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, classroom aides, translators, afterschool, program leaders, academic tutors, and more. Click on the following links below to learn more.
To view additional opportunities, visit Handshake and Brightspace (linked below).
Full-time Teaching and Education related positions can be found on the Handshake system.
Part-time, full-time, internship and volunteer education related opportunities can be found on your Brightspace – Education Unit Home Site – Job Board.
We’d love to hear about your experience(s).
Upcoming Events

Fall 2023

  • Oct 18: Thrive Department Open House Event
  • Oct 25: Advising Day/Fall 2023 Connections Event
  • Dec 11: Fall Education Commissioning & Celebration
  • Spring 2024
  • Jan 3: Adult Program Orientation
  • Jan 8: Spring Student Teacher Orientation
  • Mar 13: Advising Day
  • Apr 23: Young Authors Reception
  • Apr 24: Young Authors Festival
  • April 29: Spring Education Commissioning & Celebration
Education Department ENewsletter

Message from Paige Rogers

Staff: Paige RogersMy name is Paige Rogers, and I am the Coordinator of Clinical Placements and Partnerships here in Trinity’s Education Department. I oversee all clinical experiences within our department, starting with students first observations in a classroom, through student teaching. I also work with local school districts, partnering to find creative ways to get our education students quality experience while benefitting our community.

Starting in the fall of 2021, we revised our education program regarding field experience. We now have several courses that have syllabi which are designed to blend theory and practice as our students prepare for the education field – in practice, fieldwork that is designed around coursework. This is an important change to our program and our student outcomes. It gets students a wider variety of experience – different grade levels, subjects, and focuses – as well as support from their peers and professors to walk through their observations and learnings.

This year alone, we have:

• Made around 250 field experience placements
• Placed around 70 student teachers at over 50 different schools
• Partnered with over 30 private and public schools for field experience placements, including districts in Palos Heights, Tinley Park, Bolingbrook, Worth, Harvey, Oak Lawn, Cicero, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Chicago, and more!

Faculty Accomplishments

christine scholma profile

Christine Scholma, Associate Professor of Special Education, was invited to develop a pre-conference workshop based on her recent dissertation research for the 24th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, and Developmental Disabilities on January 18, 2023. Alongside Dr. Deborah Schadler from Gwynedd Mercy University, Scholma’s presentation, “You Belong Here! Sense of Belonging for Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Postsecondary Education,” engaged participants in thinking about what it means to belong through interactive and discussion based activities. Then, Scholma and Schadler presented an emergent model for belonging that focuses on a campus culture of inclusion and a broad range of supports to help students with ID experience belonging through friendships, involvement, and pursuit of life goals.

Additionally, on January 20, in her role as the Presentation Chair for the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award, Scholma joined the Dolly Gray Chair, Tina Taylor from Brigham Young University, to present on using discernment when choosing texts depicting ability based diversity. Their presentation, “Beyond Banning Books: What to Respect and What to Reject” shared research from the 2020-2022 Dolly Gray Award period and outlined a process for reviewing literature containing characters with disabilities. Participants had the opportunity to use the rating scale to evaluate picture books including characters with disabilities to determine if the book would be a good choice to use with students.

Well done, Dr. Scholma!

Connections and Recruitment Event

Advising Day and our Spring 2023 Connections Event are both held on Wednesday, March 15th.

Education students will be expected to attend the following:

  • Your Specific Group Advising Session
  • Your advisor meeting with your Advisor

Registration:  https://www.trnty.edu/event/advising-day-connections-2023/

Young Authors Festival

Laura Martin-Newsletter

Laura Martin grew up on the border of Indiana and Illinois and attended Highland Christian School for both elementary and middle school. She won the Young Authors competition in the third grade and attended the Young Authors Festival at Trinity Christian College. The event was the first time she ever realized that she could make writing a career. She is the first Young Authors attendee to return as a published author.

Laura believes in chasing her dreams and she brought that philosophy to her classroom for six years as a seventh grade English teacher. Edge of Extinction – The Ark Plan is Laura’s first novel – and a dream come true. She has written and published four children’s novels since then. When she isn’t writing stories, she can be found in the Indianapolis area with her dashing husband, Josh, her four adorable kids and an opinionated bulldog.

Laura Martin Books-Newsletter

Service Opportunity with FTA

FTA is partnering up with STAC and the Serve Team to bring students to Feed My Starving Children on Wednesday, February 15th from 11:30am – 1:15pm. Transportation is provided, but limited. This is another opportunity for EDUC 215 students to get service hours. Be sure to sign-up with the link below or in the bio of futureteacherassociation on Instagram.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e1gwJ1-K5TyAb-e5UUlN6j5Z2EGjRT96OuWl5ODSANc/edit?usp=sharing

This is an amazing opportunity so take advantage of it!

For future events follow  https://www.instagram.com/futureteacherassociation/ on Instagram.

Work Opportunities

Are you looking for a Full-time, Part-time, Internship, Volunteer, or Summer Job?  Take a look at our systems linked below for access to job opportunities!

Full-time Teaching and Education related positions can be found on the Handshake system.

Part-time, full-time, internship and volunteer education related opportunities can be found on your Brightspace – Education Unit Home Site – Job Board.

Summer Camp Opportunities: 

– SWSRA Paid Summer Camp Counselors ($14/hr) – check Brightspace

Girl Scouts Summer Camp Counselor (Palos Park)

Summer Camp Counselor – Argonne

Summer Day Camp Counselor (Oak Lawn)

The Quarry Camp Counselor (Lemont)

HIRING NOW

– Tinley Park Campus is looking for someone to coach their middle school boys volleyball team. It is only a four week season February 20, and goes through March 18. Generally practices are 3:20-5:00 Monday -Thursday.

Email Paige.rogers@trnty.edu if you are interested

Upcoming Events

Spring 2023

Mar 15: Advising Day/Spring 2023 Connections Education Event

Apr 25: Young Authors Reception

Apr 26: Young Authors Festival

May 1: Student Teacher Commissioning Reception

Young Authors Festival 2023

The Education department is excited to host our 2023 Young Authors Reception on April 25 and the Festival on April 26th in the Ozinga Chapel.  The festival brings together a children’s author, over 250 elementary school students, thirty or so Education students, and celebrates writing for and by kids.

We are thrilled to announce this year’s author,  Laura Martin. She has several upper elementary adventure novels published by HarperCollins including the Edge of Extinction series, Float, Hoax for Hire, Glitch, Float, The Monster Missions, and Vanishing Act. Her most recent book, Glitch, was shortlisted for the Bluestem award.

But what is most exciting about Laura Martin is that when she was a young elementary school child, she came to Trinity Young Authors Festival. She is our first young author who grew up into an adult author!

We welcome the college community, friends and families to join us at the Young Authors Reception (April 25th at 6:30p) for a wonderful evening, as our author gives a short talk about how to write stories, and then the Trinprov team will turn some of the stories by kids into short hilarious skits.  Reception to follow.

Martin’s books will be available for purchase and to be signed at the reception.

Please contact the Education department with any questions at education@trnty.edu.

Education Department ENewsletter

Message From the Education Unit

Message from the Education Unit

Welcome back, Education students. We hope you enjoyed your winter break. The Education Unit has an exciting semester planned and we’re happy to have you back. Please be sure to review all information below and add the important dates to your planners.

We wish you much success this semester and throughout 2023!

-The Education Unit

Student Teaching Orientation

Student Teaching Orientation
Student Teaching Orientation 2022

The Education Unit kicked-off the Spring 2023 semester with the Student Teacher Orientation on Monday, January 9, 2023. We  welcomed over 30 student teachers to campus for their Orientation, as well as 11 college supervisors.  The students were also able to connect with their college supervisors for a brief meet and greet.

We are excited to hear about our students’ experiences this semester and we’re confident that they will make a tremendous impact in the classrooms this Spring. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.

Adivising Day/Fall 2023 Connections Education Event

Advising Day Fall 2022

Mark Your Calendars

Advising Day and our Spring 2023 Connections Education Event are both held on Wednesday, March 15th.

Education students will be expected to attend the following:

  • Your Specific Group Advising Session
  • Your advisor meeting with your Advisor
  • The Connections Education Event
Connections Fall 2022

Mark your Calendars…

And be sure to attend the Connections Event on March 15th from 1 – 4pm in the DeVos Gymnasium and meet with schools/organizations looking to hire teachers, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, classroom aides, translators, afterschool program leaders, academic tutors, peer buddies, and more.

You will find great opportunities to gain “Trinity Wednesday” experience(s) with these organizations.  

Scholarship Opportunity

Professional Development Fall 2022 Series

The 240 Tutoring Gives Back scholarship will award $1,000 to one teacher candidate. All current Education students can apply.

Candidates should apply at https://r1gr.scholarship.app.

You will need to provide:

-If they have taken their certification exams, we want to know how they prepared for the exams. (Essay)

-If they have not taken the exams, we want to know how they intend to prepare. (Essay)

-Proof of enrollment in the field of Education.

To learn more about 240 Tutoring, please visit https://www.240tutoring.com/about/. You can also access their free student resources at https://www.240tutoring.com/resources/.

Young Authors 2023 - Save the Date

April 25, 2023:  Young Authors Reception (6:30 PM)

April 26, 2023: Young Authors Festival (8:30 AM – 1 PM)

Volunteers Needed: 

Young Authors needs your help! We are looking for Student Leaders, to guide our young YA participants (grades 1st – 6th) through an action-packed morning of workshops and activities. It’s a one-day (4-hour commitment) that will look incredible on a resume.  If interested in becoming a Student Leader, please email Jodi Martin at  jodi.martin@trnty.edu.   Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Young Authors Reception 2023
Work Opportunities

Are you looking for a Full-time, Part-time, Internship, Volunteer, or Summer Job? Take a look at our systems linked below for access to job opportunities!

Full-time Teaching and Education related positions can be found on the Handshake system.

Part-time, full-time, internship and volunteer education related opportunities can be found on your Brightspace – Education Unit Home Site – Job Board.

Bethsham Association seeks Trinity Students!

Bethsham is offering opportunities to volunteer, intern, and/or work during the Spring semester. Bethshan’s staff, interns, and volunteers provide support to people who have disabilities and come alongside them in ways that help them lead full and meaningful lives.

Stay Connected

If you have a story to tell or an opportunity to share, please email education@trnty.edu.

We’d love to hear from you.

Upcoming Events

Spring 2023

Mar 15: Advising Day/Spring 2023 Connections Education Event

Apr 25: Young Authors Reception

Apr 26: Young Authors Festival

May 1: Student Teacher Commissioning Reception

Education Department ENewsletter

Message from Dr. O'Connor

Dr. Karen O'Connor headshot

As an associate professor in Trinity’s Education Unit, I have the wonderful opportunity to work with students across our undergraduate, adult, and graduate programs. One of my favorite activities is to guide our education graduate students as they engage in research.

Throughout the fall semester, our current master’s students have been working diligently on their thesis research projects. Within the thesis process, students develop a research question that they are interested in exploring, plan the research methodology, and complete the study with the support of faculty advisors. In Spring 2023, students will collect data on their topics, analyze the results, and present their thesis projects. On April 20th, 2023 the graduate students will be presenting their research as a part of our campus-wide OPUS Celebration of Scholarship: https://www.trnty.edu/opus/

This year we have the following projects to share with you!

Britta Slager (master’s student in our Curriculum and Instruction: General program) is interested in exploring educator perceptions of grading practices with a focus on how educators approach missing and incomplete work in the grade book. She will be recruiting participants to complete her brief survey or to engage in an interview on this topic this spring. Look out for a link to participate in an upcoming newsletter.

Nicole Carella (master’s student in our Behavior Intervention Specialist program) is conducting a study to examine the efficacy of a staff training model called Behavior Skills Training to teach paraprofessionals how to accurately take data in the classroom setting.

Katherine Johnson (master’s student in our Behavior Intervention Specialist program) is examining the impact of a group contingency intervention for elementary students to address student noise levels in the cafeteria.

Alexis Kelley (master’s student in our Behavior Intervention Specialist program) is seeking to extend the current research base on the behavioral intervention, the Good Behavior Game, by implementing this in a high school setting.

Sara Saleh (master’s student in our Behavior Intervention Specialist program) is addressing the topic of college study skills as she examines the efficacy of a modified version of an intervention to improve terminology fluency entitled: Say All Fast one Minute Each Day Shuffle (SAFMEDS).

Karen O’Connor, PhD, BCBA

Associate Professor of Education

Faculty Accomplishments

Celebrate Faculty
Lyudmyla Ivanyuk
Professor Brandon Perez and alum Alexa Nakvosas presented Promoting Confidence in Data Collection at the Proficio Conference 2022

Lyudmyla Ivanyuk, Assistant Professor of Education, participated in the 2022 Annual Literacy Research Association Conference during the week of November 29th. The conference theme this year was Crossing boundaries and borders: In pursuit of equity, solidarity, and social justice.  On December 2, Dr. Ivanyuk,  presented “Teachers and Bi/Multilinguals or Teachers as Bi/Multilinguals” at the LRA Conference with colleagues from three different universities.

She also presented “Online Inquiries Across Disciplines”, a collaborative study with five colleagues from five different universities in the US on December 2nd.

“It was a great honor and privilege to attend and present at the 2022 Literacy Research Association conference. I was able to network with people who had the same interests, to expand my knowledge, and to get insights into the latest trends.  I am also grateful for the support of Trinity Christian College.”  Dr. Ivanyuk

Professor Brandon Perez and alum, Alexa Nakvosas presented “Promoting Confidence in Data Collection” at the Proficio Conference 2022.

“The Proficio conference was great! We had about 20-25 people (a combination of teachers, administrators, behavior support staff, and behavior analysts) in attendance for our presentation. I first discussed the importance of data collection and choosing different data collection methods for the classroom and one of our recent Trinity graduates (Alexa Nakvosas) presented on her thesis, demonstrating an excellent applied example of data collection and data-based decision making in the classroom.”                                             – Dr. Brandon Perez

Way to go, Dr. Ivanyuk and Dr. Perez! 

Professional Development Series

Professional Development Fall 2022 Series

The Education Unit wrapped up our final two professional development sessions of the Fall semester:

Tired Teachers in Trying Times: Ways to Address Exhaustion presented by Dr. Latonia Winston, Director of Learning & Teaching Success on November 16th
and
Creating a Collaborative Relationship with Families presented by Dr. Lyudmyla Ivanyuk, Assistant Professor of Education on December 7th.

These sessions were well received by education professionals and alumni from a variety of partnering school districts.  Please stay tuned as we announce our Spring Professional Development Series session dates.

Education Commissioning & Celebration

Education Commissioning and Celebration

On Friday, December 9th, the Education Unit hosted the Education Commissioning & Celebration to honor our most recent program completers.  Education faculty, student supervisors, cooperating teachers, and many family members came together to celebrate the accomplishments of each our education program completers in a special ceremony and celebration.
We are so proud of these students and look forward to learning about the impact they will have within their school districts, communities, and the students they will serve. Congratulations to all on behalf of the Education unit.

Education Alumni Spotlight

Moira Garvey

Meet class of 2021 Trinity Education alum, Moira Garvey. Moira has spent the last year and a half employed at Lincoln-Way East High School as a Special Services teacher. This year she has had the opportunity of teaching a vocational class to a small self-contained group of students. Part of her curriculum is getting out and exploring the community. With that, she decided to take her students on a trip to Trinity to see what options they can pursue after they graduate high school. Leah Wideman, Assistant Director of Alumni and Family Engagement, and fellow ’21 alumnus, provided Moira and her class an amazing tour and her students enjoyed and benefitted from the experience!

“To current and future education students at Trinity, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try new things. Get as creative as you can with your lessons and seek all opportunities to provide your students with real world experiences.”               – Moira Garvey

Making Connections Outside the Classroom

Making Connections Outside the Classroom

Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) hosted a small group of Trinity Education students from Special Education 332: Assistive Technology on Thursday, December 1st.  Students attended an adaptive switch making class and were provided a tour of their new Demonstration Center. This was a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

Chicago Semester

Chicago Semester Graphic

Student Teaching with Chicago Semester

Will you be student teaching in fall 2023 or spring 2024?  Have you considered student teaching in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) like Healy Elementary or Senn High school, or a private Christian school like Daystar Academy?

These options and many more are available through Trinity’s Chicago Semester program.  If you choose to student teach in CPS you will automatically be invited to participate in professional development opportunities, attend job fairs, and be updated about job openings in the district. As a Chicago Semester student you will live in an apartment in the Gold Coast neighborhood, student teach in the city, and enjoy the experiential city learning and arts events that Chicago Semester is known for. You might even qualify to receive a City Fellows stipend!

For fall 2023 or spring 2024 student teachers, you must first complete the Trinity Application for Off-Campus Study which is due by February 1.  Return it to Maria Hodapp, Director of Off-Campus Programs: maria.hodapp@trnty.edu

If you have another year or two before student teaching, just tuck this idea away for now, and keep in touch with Maria Hodapp next year, or with any questions that you have in the meantime.

To learn more, visit Chicago Semester.

Work Opportunities

Are you looking for a Full-time, Part-time, Internship, Volunteer, or Summer Job? Take a look at our systems linked below for access to job opportunities!

Mokena Junior High School – Long-Term Substitute Teacher 6th Grade ELA

Mokena Junior High has an immediate opening for a 6th grade teacher, with ELA endorsement.

If interested in learning more or applying, please visit: https://mokena159.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=387

Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School – Temporary teaching position (Math)

Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School has an immediate opening for a temporary (Math) teaching position.

To learn more or to apply, please send your resume to Sean McNichols at smcnichols@d123.org.

Fox Lake D114 – Special Education

Fox Lake D114 is looking for a December grad to start in January.  It would be for a self contained classroom with 4-6 kiddos and a full time para. Most, if not all, of the students have Autism with lower functional and communication needs.

To apply, please email resume to Richard Medina at rmedina@elced.org.

Restoration Ministries –  Afterschool program

Restoration Ministries is looking for education majors, who might be interested in being a lead teacher or teachers assistant in the After-school program.  Some of the daily expectations are creating weekly lesson plans, leading bible lesson, creating gym activities, and engaging in extracurricular activities outside the classroom.

If interested, please submit resumes to Pam Banks at  pam@restorationministries.net.

Oak Lawn Children’s Museum – Part-time Play Coordinator

Play coordinators do a lot of things at the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn.  Not only do you reset exhibits, but you may have the opportunity to help implement a variety of programs from Storytime to STEM.

Must be able to work weekends and weekdays, plus some evenings. Must be able to pick up exhibit pieces and reset exhibits.

To learn more, please visit their website. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to info@cmoaklawn.org.

Calvin Christian School – Extended Care (After School) help needed  

Calvin Christian School is looking for additional help in their Extended Care program.  The hours would be afterschool anytime between the hours of 3-6pm, Monday-Friday (actually 2-6pm on Wednesdays).  They are open to any hours and any combination of days.  Pay rate would range from $12.82 – $16.82/hour depending on experience.

If interested, please contact Susan Reese at sreese@calvinschool.org.

Additional work opportunities may be found on the systems listed below.

Full-time Teaching and Education related positions can be found on the Handshake system.

Part-time, full-time, internship and volunteer education related opportunities can be found on your Brightspace – Education Unit Home Site – Job Board.

Stay Connected

If you have a story to tell or an opportunity to share, please email education@trnty.edu.

We’d love to hear from you.

Upcoming Events

Jan 4: Adult Program Orientation

Jan 9: Spring 2023 Student Teaching Orientation

Mar 15: Advising Day/Spring 2022 Connections Education Event

Apr 25: Young Authors Reception

Apr 26: Young Authors Festival

May 1: Education Commissioning & Celebration (new date)

Education Department ENewsletter

Message from Dr. Boerman-Cornell, Professor of Education

bill boerman cornell profile

For Young Authors’ Festival this year, our featured guest is writer Laura Martin. Laura is an amazing story teller who has had nearly ten books published so far. Imagine a future world in which civilization has collapsed and humans survive underground, hiding from the dinosaurs that roam the surface world. Or imagine a mandatory government camp where kids are trying to manage superpowers like the ability to turn invisible, or the ability to float above the ground. Or a world where two kids (who don’t like each other very much) must travel through time to fix glitches in history. Or imagine a family that makes its living by pulling off hoaxes – making people believe that Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other mythological creatures are real. Laura Martin has written abut all of these situations in chapter books for upper elementary and middle grades that will have students reading on the edge of their seats some of the time, and at other times, will have them laughing out loud.

And even more amazing, Laura is the first guest author or illustrator at Young Authors who was once a Trinity Young Author herself. When she was in elementary school her story was selected and she came to Trinity for the festival.

As usual, the festival will also feature Trinity education students leading small groups in writing workshops as well as the TrinProv Team turning children’s stories into small plays. And, of course, the students will enjoy learning from Laura Martin what it takes to become an author.

Young Authors takes place on the evening of April 25 when all children are invited to hear Laura speak and enjoy some improv as well. On April 26 the students whose work has been selected by the teachers will enjoy a morning of writing activities just for them – which will also give Trinity students a chance to interact with the budding writers. Don’t miss it!

Dr. William Boerman-Cornell
Professor of Education

Young Authors 2023 - Save the Date

April 25, 2023:  Young Authors Reception (6:30 PM)

April 26, 2023: Young Authors Festival (8:30 AM – 1 PM)

We are thrilled to announce our guest author is Laura Martin . She is the first Young Authors attendee to return as a published author. Read more below.

Young Authors Reception 2023

Faculty Accomplishments

Celebrate Faculty
Young Adult Literature and Spirituality by Dr. William Boerman-Cornell

Professor Boerman-Cornell and Friends Publish Book about How to Lead Discussions about Literature

At the end of October, Rowman and Littlefield (a small academic press) released Young Adult Literature and Spirituality: How to Unlock Deeper Understanding with Class Discussion. This book (written by Dr. B-C and some colleagues from a research group: Dr. Deb VanDuinen from Hope College, Dr. Kris Gritter from Seattle Pacific University, and Dr. Xu Bian, also from SPU.

The book considers thinking of young adult literature not as a story wrapped around a theme, but rather to think of the book as a type of prayer. The book considers the young adult book Internment as a prayer of lament, The Hate U Give as a prayer of yearning, Speak as a prayer of anger, Goodbye Days as confession, The War that Saved my Life as a prayer of thankfulness, Orbiting Jupiter as a prayer of obedience and so on.

The book also looks at ways to help teachers find ways for students to focus on the literature. Using discussion techniques drawn from ancient, medieval, and modern practices for scholars considering sacred texts, the book provides innovated approaches for teaching discussion about literature. These approaches were field tested in undergraduate and graduate classes at Trinity and in high schools and middle schools across the country. Boerman-Cornell says the teachers who used these approaches found them very helpful.

The book is available through Amazon or you can ask your local bookstore to order a copy.

Professional Development Series

Professional Development Fall 2022 Series
Dr. Syreetha Yokley

As our Professional Development Series continues, we were excited to welcome 20 alumni and educator professionals, who attended our second workshop of the Fall 2022 Series.

Dr. Syreetha Yokley, Assistant Professor of Special Education, presented Minding Your Mental Work: Strategies for Destressing While You Teach (1 hour session)

“I was excited to offer my Professional Development session for helping teachers to de-stress while teaching.  As a former secondary education teacher, I have experienced the day-to-day stressors that we often ignore because we do not want to acknowledge when we are mentally or physically fatigued or don’t want others to notice that our mental health might be suffering.  I believe that presenting some simple strategies for alleviating teaching stress was well-received and hope that those who attended will find those strategies useful in their everyday teaching practice..” – Dr. Yokley

Next session: Nov 16 │3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Workshop III: Tired Teachers in Trying Times: Ways to Address Exhaustion presented by Dr. Latonia Winston, Director of Learning & Teaching Success

Fall 2022 Connections Event

Fall Connections 2022
Connections Fall 2022

On October 26th, the Education Unit was pleased to welcome nearly 60 schools, school districts and organizations to campus. Employers came from the Midwest and Internationally to meet with Trinity students.

Students came well prepared to network with the employers and learn about their current and upcoming openings. They even had the chance to learn about teaching abroad. Junior and Senior level students participated in Mock Interviews, which will prepare them for future interviews and career success.

We look forward to connecting students and employers at our Spring Connections event! Please Save-the-Date: March 15, 2023.

Career Opportunites

Ridge Lawn is currently looking for to fill several positions.

– FMLA Kindergarten Teacher – through March 2023  (*potential to start as early as November or could be a December/January start)

– Elementary Special Education Teacher

– Substitute teachers

– Paraprofessionals

To apply, please visit:

Chicago Ridge School District 127.5

Ridge Lawn is currently looking for to fill several positions.

– FMLA Kindergarten Teacher – through March 2023  (*potential to start as early as November or could be a December/January start)

– Elementary Special Education Teacher

– Substitute teachers

– Paraprofessionals

To apply, please visit:

Chicago Ridge School District 127.5

Alliance Academy International (AAI) is seeking a kindergarten teacher.

Starting January 2023, at their
location in Quito, Ecuador. AAI seeks to recruit and retain professionals who are passionate and
committed equally to:
• Maturing in their spiritual ministry,
• Continually developing in their professional proficiency,
• Fostering their community role,
All in the context of a Christian international school serving a highly-diverse constituency.

To learn more:
Please contact Recruitment and Alumni
Relations Coordinator Ellen Evans at eevans@alliance.k12.ec. Serious applicants should please send a
prepared resume to Ms. Evens.

Middle School Writing Mentor

Calvin Christian School in South Holland is looking for a middle grades or English Education major to mentor their middle school student NANOWRIMO group.  NANWRIMO stands for National Novel Writing Month.  Students will be trying to write an entire novel in a month. (though there is some flexibility there).

Contact:
Principal Randy Moes at rmoes@calvinschool.org with any questions or to apply.

Work Opportunities

Are you looking for a Full-time, Part-time, Internship, Volunteer, or Summer Job? Take a look at our systems linked below for access to job opportunities!

Full-time Teaching and Education related positions can be found on the Handshake system.

Part-time, full-time, internship and volunteer education related opportunities can be found on your Brightspace – Education Unit Home Site – Job Board.

Stay Connected

If you have a story to tell or an opportunity to share, please email education@trnty.edu.

We’d love to hear from you.

Upcoming Events

2022 – 2023

Dec 9: Student Teacher Commissioning Reception

Jan 4: Adult Program Orientation

Jan 9: Spring 2023 Student Teaching Orientation

Mar 15: Advising Day/Spring 2022 Connections Education Event

Apr 25: Young Authors Reception

Apr 26: Young Authors Festival

April 28: Student Teacher Commissioning Reception

Education Department ENewsletter

Message From Assistant Professor

Dr. Sara Baillie

The pandemic made many of us realize human connection is vital to our success and to our life overall.  We need connections.  During the pandemic I often heard people ask, “when can we return to normal?”  I never wanted ‘normal.’   I wanted an improvement. I hoped the pandemic would help all humans see the blessings and gifts of the world in a new way.  I was ready for a new phase.  The pandemic gave us the gift of time away for us to focus and prioritize what is important- to re-connect with ourselves.

As Trinity revitalizes into our next phase, we are also focused on connections as well. We have a new schedule for our traditional students that allows space on Wednesdays for connections. Some students are connecting to their faith. Some students are connecting to their body and health. Some students are connecting to partners for career growth opportunities. One student in class was telling me about a week ago about her new paid opportunity at a local Special Education Cooperative. She was able to take advantage of a Wednesday Opportunity and was hired as an aide for her Wednesdays. She is able to get to know a new school environment and was talking about how this experience is helping to shape what type of school and job she wants after graduation.

In just a couple of weeks we will host the Connections event. All of our students- traditional, adult, and graduate- are invited to connect with partners in the field, learn about job opportunities, engage in mock interviews, and overall network and connect. I know I can’t wait for the day and to see even more connections happen.

A good friend always says that you are never too busy for what is important. Continue making connections- trust me, it’s worth it. I can’t wait to continue to hear about where these opportunities bring our students next.

Dr. Sara Baillie Gorman, EdD, BCBA
Director of Education Operations │ Professor of Education

Faculty Accomplishments

Celebrate Faculty

Dr. William Boerman-Cornell, Professor of Education, provided a virtual presentation of “Using Graphic Novels to Teach in the Academic Disciplines:  Connecting, Bridging,  and Extending” at the Teacher Capacity Building on New Literacy and Media Conference (Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana, Jakarta, Indonesia)  in August 2022.

New Literacies and Media 2022

Bill also presented “How Graphic Novels Help Us Learn” to the Palos Heights Public Library Community in September 2022.

Well done, Dr. Boerman-Cornell!

Professional Development Series

Professional Development Fall 2022 Series
Michael Dieter

The Education Unit is excited to offer our Fall 2022 Professional Development (4 Session) Series.  On Wednesday, Sept 21st we welcomed 16 professionals in K – 12 education (both Christian and Public) to our first session of the semester.

Dr. Michael Dieter, Assistant Professor,  Department of Education, presented Building Relationships With Students Through Asset-Based Language  (BIPs) (1 hour session)

“Through our group discussions participants showed the value they place on building positive relationships with their students.” – Dr. Dieter

Next session: Oct 19 │3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Workshop II: Minding Your Mental Work: Strategies for Destressing While You Teach presented by Dr. Syreetha Yokley, Assistant Professor of Special Education.

Adivising Day/Fall 2022 Connections Education Event

Advising Day Fall 2022
Advising Day 2022 QR Code

RSVP for Group Advising

Advising Day and Connections 
Wednesday, October 26th

This day has been designed to provide you with information regarding your academic program, as well as providing the opportunity to network and make professional connections.  Traditional education majors are expected to attend the following:

Schedule of Events:

8:00 AM – Group Advising Sessions begin (rsvp required)

Throughout the day – 1:1 meeting with your Advisor.

1:00 – 5:00 PM – Connections in the DeVos (Mitchell Gymnasium). Network with employers and practice your interviewing skills.

Connections Event Calendar 2022

Young Authors 2023 - Save the Date

April 25, 2023:  Young Authors Reception (6:30 PM)

April 26, 2023: Young Authors Festival (8:30 AM – 1 PM)

We are thrilled to announce our guest author is Laura Martin . She is the first Young Authors attendee to return as a published author. Read more below.

Young Authors Reception 2023

Trinity Wednesday Experience

Trinity Wednesday Experience

Great opportunity to gain Trinity Wednesday Experience.

Classroom Helper 

Chicago Southwest Christian (Tinley Park) – PAID Math Tutors needed on Wednesdays

Tutors are primarily needed for Math, Pre-Algebra and Algebra.  It would be every other week from 1:15 – 2:30 PM.  This is a paid position.

To apply, please email:

Philip Siemer, (psiemer@swchristian.org)
Principal, Southwest Chicago Christian Schools
Tinley Park Campus   www.swchristian.org

Wednesday Career Day Visits
Join us on a visit to the sites below to learn about their organizations, initiatives, employment opportunities, and to engage with their teachers and students.

Visit Agenda: 
– Welcome presentation from Administration
– Site/Campus Tour
– Classroom Observation or Meet and Greet
– Q&A with teachers and staff

We will be taking the Trinity bus to the Career Visits. Registration is limited.

Nov 2nd (8:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
Career Day Visit (Chicago West Side Christian School)

Nov 9th (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Career Day Visit (Bethshan)

 

Please contact education@trnty.edu with any questions.

Work Opportunities

Are you looking for a Full-time, Part-time, Internship, Volunteer, or Summer Job? Take a look at our systems linked below for access to job opportunities!

Full-time Teaching and Education related positions can be found on the Handshake system.

Part-time, full-time, internship and volunteer education related opportunities can be found on your Brightspace – Education Unit Home Site – Job Board.

Stay Connected

If you have a story to tell or an opportunity to share, please email education@trnty.edu.

We’d love to hear from you.

Upcoming Events

2022 – 2023

Oct 26: Advising Day/Fall 2022 Connections Education Event

Nov 2nd: Career Day Visit (Chicago West Side Christian School)

Nov 9th – Career Day Visit (Bethshan)

Dec 9: Student Teacher Commissioning Reception

Jan 4: Adult Program Orientation

Jan 9: Spring 2023 Student Teaching Orientation

Mar 15: Advising Day/Spring 2022 Connections Education Event

Apr 25: Young Authors Reception

Apr 26: Young Authors Festival

April 28: Student Teacher Commissioning Reception

Education Department ENewsletter

Message From Assistant Professor

Dr. Kelly Lenarz

The start of the school year is such an exciting time! Harry K. Wong, an award-winning teacher, a new teacher advocate, and the co-author of First Days of School has often said, “The most important day of a person’s education is the first day of school, not graduation day.”  I like to think this is true for the first day of school…every year.

To our graduate students, I hope your classes are off to a great start and that you are managing your schedule. Most of you are teaching full time and also enrolled in one of our graduate programs as a student. I know from experience this can be very hard to manage. You’ve got this.

To our undergraduate traditional and adult students, I hope you have had the chance to get into or continue your work at a school to start your field experience hours. Field experience is our signature pedagogy. There is no better way for you to learn about student engagement, assessment, curriculum, differentiation, and so much more than from those that model these things day and in and day out in their teaching practices.

To our student teachers, I hope your experiences in your placements so far have been positive and encouraging. I know you may feel overwhelmed, but enjoy this time and soak it all in. There may not be another time in the trajectory of your career in the field of education where you can learn the art of teaching from someone else so intimately and closely.

To our alumni, thanks for representing Trinity’s teacher education program so well. We are thankful for you and are confident you are serving with excellence in education in your classrooms, schools, districts, offices, or wherever you are.

Have a wonderful school year!

Dr. Kelly Lenarz, Ed.D.
Dean of Education │ Associate Professor

Faculty Accomplishments

Celebrate Faculty

Sara Baillie Gorman, Professor of Education/ Director of Education Operations, was recently interviewed by WORLD (Sound journalism, grounded in facts and Biblical truth) regarding the current shortage of Special Education teachers. Professor Baillie Gorman addressed the impact of the shortage on teachers, as well as the role of Christian teachers in special education.

To learn more, please read the article “Experts warn about teacher shortages in special educationhere or listen to the podcast here.

Well done, Professor Baillie-Gorman!

Student Teaching Orientation

Student Teaching Orientation 1
Student Teaching Orientation 2
Student Teaching Orientation 3
Student Teaching Orientation 4

On Monday, August 22, 2022, we welcomed nearly 30 student teachers to campus for their Fall 2022 Student Teaching Orientation.  The students were also able to connect with their college supervisors for a brief meet and greet.

We are confident that these students will make a tremendous impact in the classrooms this fall and we look forward to celebrating their experiences.

Student Teaching Orientation 2022

Adivising Day/Fall 2022 Connections Education Event

Advising Day Fall 2022

Save-the-Date

Advising Day and our Fall 2022 Connections Education Event are both held on October 26th.

Education students will be expected to attend the following:

  • Your Specific Group Advising Session
  • Your advisor meeting with your Advisor

The Connections Education Event

Connections Fall 2022

Mark your Calendars…

And be sure to attend the Connections Education Event and meet with schools/organizations looking to hire teachers, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, classroom aides, translators, afterschool program leaders, academic tutors, peer buddies, and more.

You will find great opportunities to gain “Trinity Wednesday” experience(s) with these organizations.

Trinity Wednesday Experience

Trinity Wednesday Experience

Great opportunity to gain Trinity Wednesday Experience.

Classroom Helper 

Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education (SWCCCASE) has partnered with Trinity Christian College to offer paid Classroom Helper positions.

This position is part -time, 4 hours (10 am – 2 pm), $15/hr.  Students will choose the day(s) they are able to work.

Apply online at https://bit.ly/3RqSNXV (under Employment- Support Staff/Classroom Helper).

Please email Diane Gallik, Administrator at dgallik@swcccase.org.

Teach

Professional Development Series

Work Opportunities

Are you looking for a Full-time, Part-time, Internship, Volunteer, or Summer Job? Take a look at our systems linked below for access to job opportunities!

Full-time Teaching and Education related positions can be found on the Handshake system.

Part-time, full-time, internship and volunteer education related opportunities can be found on your Brightspace – Education Unit Home Site – Job Board.

Stay Connected

If you have a story to tell or an opportunity to share, please email education@trnty.edu.

We’d love to hear from you.

Upcoming Events

2022 – 2023

Oct 26: Advising Day/Fall 2022 Connections Education Event

Dec 9: Student Teacher Commissioning Reception

Jan 4: Adult Program Orientation

Jan 9: Spring 2023 Student Teaching Orientation

Mar 15: Advising Day/Spring 2022 Connections Education Event

Apr 25: Young Authors Reception

Apr 26: Young Authors Festival

April 28: Student Teacher Commissioning Reception

A small town. A sudden disaster. An immediate need for knowledgeable people across a range of professions to come together, formulate a rapid response, and work quickly and calmly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the townspeople.

In today’s world, these types of situations are unfortunately common. Being prepared to respond is another story. Recently, more than 60 Trinity undergraduate and graduate students across a range of majors, including nursing, social work, education, and psychology, got to have such an experience when a simulated disaster struck the fictional town of Trollsboro.

The students weren’t told ahead of time what the scenario would look like, so they had to immediately start working together to respond to the crisis and then develop a follow up plan to deal with the repercussions of the disaster one month later.

Said nursing major Kate DeKryger ‘22, “It was interesting to see other disciplines at work in front of us and alongside of us. My biggest takeaway from this experience and the challenges that it brought is that no one discipline or group of people, even expertly trained and skilled individuals, can handle crises alone.”

Each group included at least one student majoring in nursing, education, social work, and psychology. The students experienced working together in an interdisciplinary way.  Along with respecting the expertise of others, it was a chance for each one of the student to find their voices and advocate for their own insights and opinions.

For Dr. Deb Majewski, Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling, the simulation fit in perfectly with her graduate-level Counseling 603  Internship II course. “The project offered the students real-world experience in responding to a crisis simulation in conjunction with other disciplines.  They were required to collaborate in respectful and deeply caring ways as they considered the needs of the community,” Majewski said.

Majewski’s students found the exercise to be deeply meaningful for them personally. “It built confidence, awareness of their knowledge and natural empathy.”

Listening to the insights and expertise of others is a valuable skill in today’s world, agreed Professor of Education Bill Boerman-Cornell, Ph.D. “Our society needs more practice in hearing what other people have to say.”

According to Dr. Tina Decker, chair of the nursing department, the exercise also gave the students the opportunity to really think about their professional roles. “Students got to act in the role of their profession. They were acting as nurses, teachers, counselors, and social workers, and not as students.”

It was a “disaster” that took a long time to plan. The idea for the interdisciplinary simulation came from a meeting that Assistant Professor of Social Work and Director of Field Education Lisa Doot Abinoja attended several years ago, where a professor at another local university described a simulation exercise they had done.

“We are familiar with experiential learning here at Trinity, and I quickly recognized that we could do that here,” she said. Abinoja reached out to her Trinity colleagues in several different departments, who were enthusiastic about the idea. During the spring semester of 2020, Abinoja received a Collaborative Initiative Grant through Trinity’s Provost’s Office for the simulation.  “We originally planned to meet first in June 2020 for a Spring 2021 event,” she said. “With COVID, we quickly knew that wouldn’t happen and were able to delay a year.”

During that time, Abinoja, Decker, Majewski, Boerman-Cornell, Dr. Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein, Director of the Online BSW Program and Associate Professor of Social Work, and Dr. Michael Dieter, Assistant Professor of Education, began doing a great deal of prework. That included adding the simulation exercise to each class’s syllabus with a specific learning outcome. “The main outcome was working in an interdisciplinary way and how students embodied their profession,” said Abinoja. Each professor provided equal weight to the assignment, which helped to ensure success. “For example, we did not want this to be extra credit for one class, while it would make up a third of the grade in another class,” she said.

The experience also allowed professors to work closely with each other in an interdisciplinary manner, said Boerman-Cornell. “It was fun to get to know our colleagues in a different way.”

Learning took place in ways the organizers didn’t anticipate, which added to the richness of the experience. “In a classroom setting, there are things that can’t be replicated in an event like this. Even the challenges we experienced were good for learning,” said Abinoja.

The event went so well that the organizers are looking to make it a regular part of the curriculum. Several participants will also be offering a presentation about the simulation at the International Christian Community of Teacher Educators (ICCTE) Conference at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore., in May.  For Boerman-Cornell, the outgoing president of ICCTE, the conference will not only allow Trinity professors to share their experience. They will also have the opportunity to learn how other colleges around the country have conducted similar types of simulations and hear some of those best practices.