Baylor C&I Graduate

It's "What's Up" Wednesday where we spotlight the activities and work of those in our department. Earlier this month Philly was flooded with Baylor Bears! The American Educational Research Association held its annual meeting in Philadelphia, PA with the theme "Dismantling Racial Injustice and Constructing Educational Possibilities: A Call to Action". Our graduate students and faculty represented the university well! Check out some of their highlights!

- Laura McNeice received the Constructivist Theory Research and Practice sig graduate student travel award.
- Dr. Ogodo was honored at the Constructivist Theory Research and Practice SIG business meeting for her years of service as chair.
- Allie Thrall presented at a roundtable with Drs. Nichols and Magill.
- Kelsey Roach presented in a paper session with Dr. Magill, ""I Wish I Knew About This in School": An Inquiry Framework for Decolonizing the Mind"
- Dr. Ogodo, Laura McNeice, Jess McKaime, and Maggie Bryant presented in a symposium entitled "But What the Heck is a Theoretical and Conceptual Framework" session pictures. They had 50 people in attendance! They also co-received SIG 25 Constructivist Theory Research and Practices's Outstanding Conference Submission
- Alexis D. Ho**er presented a roundtable with Dr. Lakia Scott (Yale University), "Using Documentary Films to Prepare Preservice Teachers: Exploring and Navigating Religion and Religious Identities in the Classroom"
- Dr. Jess Smith, Dr. Ashleigh Maldonado, & Maggie Bryant presented a poster "Teachers’ Preparedness to Teach Contested Texts: A Multiple Case Study. Research in Reading and Literacy"
- Dr. Kelly Johnston, Camille Talbert, Maggie Bryant, & Kelsey Roach presented a roundtable, "Centering Children’s and Youths’ Well-Being Through Literacy Engagement in a Community-Based Space"
- Dr. Tony Talbert, Kelsey Roach, and Jess McKamie presented, "In Defense of Grounded Theory: Unraveling Resistance Phenomena Through an Exploratory Multiple-Case Study"
- Dr. Tony Talbert and Kelsey Roach presented, "An Emergent Epistemic Framework for Insurgent Educators: A Grounded Theory to Decolonize Texas Humanities Curricula"

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BearGrad Allie Thrall and Professor Phil Nichols teamed up again, this time with Ezekiel Dixon-Román (Teachers College) and Julian Quiros (University of Pennsylvania), to publish a new article in Reading Research Quarterly. In it, they argue that the speculative currents that undergird literacy education and platform technologies make the former particularly susceptible to being co-opted by the logics of the latter, in a process they term "speculative capture".

Check out the open-access article here:
https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/rrq.535

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

Today is Monday so that means "Bear Grad Spotlight" where we shout out one of our graduate students!

Our 2nd-year doctoral student Maggie Bryant and senior secondary ELAR intern Kari Pakarinen presented their session titled “Literature Circles: Creating Reading Engagement and Literate Identities” at the Texas Association of Literacy Education conference on March 2nd. 🐻💛💚

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

It's "What's Up" Wednesday where we spotlight the activities and work of those in our department.

Congratulations are in order for Dr. Neil Shanks! He's been promoted to Clinical Associate Professor! 🐻💛💚

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

Today is Monday so that means "Bear Grad Spotlight" where we shout out one of our graduate students!

Dr. Kelly Johnston and three doctoral students (Raquel Aguilar Murillo, Maggie Bryant, and Kelsey Roach) presented at the 2024 National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research conference at the University of Texas – Austin on February 25th. Their presentation was titled “Literacy for Wellbeing: Interrelated Approaches for Empowering Children and Youths’ Literacy Engagement” and is grounded in the semester-long community literacy partnership the team led last semester.

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

Today is Diadeloso! This Baylor beloved tradition began in 1932 as a way to "bring smiles to the faces of students" by giving them a break from classes!

To all of our C&I students, faculty, and staff, enjoy today!

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

It's "What's Up" Wednesday where we spotlight the activities and work of those in our department.

Dr. Kelly Johnston, Camille Talbert, and Maggie Bryant organized and hosted the TALE 2024 conference at Baylor University on March 1st-2nd where over 175 attendees participated in workshops, breakout sessions, keynotes, and other professional learning opportunities for K-20 literacy educators and researchers.

Also, four doctoral students (Raquel Aguilar Murillo, Camille Talbert, Kristen Davis, and Maggie Bryant) presented their session titled “Exploring literacy engagement beyond a skills-first focus: Considering literacy for wellbeing” at the Texas Association of Literacy Education conference. 🐻💛💚

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

We're ending our "Meet the First Years" series as a part of our Monday "Bear Grad Spotlight".

Meet Heather Walker! She hails from El Paso, Texas but currently lives in Grandbury, TX. She's been teaching mathematics for 18 years. She taught for 4 years at Pecos High School before going to Godley High School. Upon completion of her master's degree from Tarleton State University, she became an adjunct instructor for Hill College where she's been teaching Statistics and Contemporary Mathematics for 5 years now.

Heather shared the following when asked about her research interests - "My current research interests include the incorporation of meaningful lesson introductory thinking tasks which allow all students to enter a lesson at the ground floor conceptually, specifically in high school mathematics classes."

Her hopes for the future are that God allows her to assist current high school mathematics teachers in incorporating thinking tasks in their classrooms. She stated that there are teachers who feel like she did for many years, in an endless cycle of "I do, we do, you do" with no contextual understanding or relevance. Mathematics is so much more than solving for x. Mathematics promotes problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, and lessons should provide opportunities for students to communicate their mathematical ideas.

Regarding her favorite Baylor/Waco memory so far she stated "Every two-hour commute to and from campus creates fond memories with my classmates who carpool with me! Unfortunately, I have not been able to spend much time exploring the campus or Waco, but I will never forget the one afternoon that I did have about an hour to wander aimlessly around the campus and just be in awe and grateful for this experience that God and Baylor have afforded me."🐻💛💚

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

"May the glad dawn of Easter morn bring joy to thee. May the calm eve of Easter leave a peace divine with thee. May Easter night on thine hear write, O Christ, I live for thee!" - Anonymous

Happy Easter to all and enjoy the break!🐰🥚🍬

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

It's "What's Up" Wednesday where we spotlight the activities and work of those in our department.

Today we're shouting congratulations from the rooftops to Dr. Kelly Johnston for being awarded tenure! 🐻💛💚

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

We're continuing our "Meet the First Years" series as a part of our Monday "Bear Grad Spotlight".

Meet Andrea Martinez! She's native to Robinson, TX (right outside Waco). For six years she taught kindergarten. For ten years she was in Chilton ISD and has experience in a range of areas from 2nd grade to reading intervention and Pre-K3. She also has experience with obtaining a technology grant to implement 1:1 at her campus.

Andrea's current research interests are in early numeracy experiences and how they shape student learning.

Her hopes for the future are to make a difference in the experiences students have in their learning process by equipping others to make learning experiences memorable.

When asked about her favorite Baylor/Waco memory, she shared, "I won't forget Dr. Nesmith telling me at MELA during the summer to "Be Bold," I think of it often. I have found the small moments of encouragement through this experience most beneficial."💚💛🐻

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

It's "What's Up" Wednesday where we spotlight the activities and work of those in our department.

Though it's not Monday, doesn't mean we can spotlight a graduate student's accomplishment!

Alexis D. Ho**er has her first publication checked off the graduate student to-do list. She published her first academic article, co-authored with Camille S. Talbert, titled, COVID, Church, & Cuts: A Single Narrative Case Study of Pandemic Impacts on a Bi-vocational Pastor & Barber. In it, they looked at the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic from the perspective of an assistant pastor.

You can access their article using the following link: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/jfec/vol6/iss1/3

If you'd like a PDF copy of the article, do not hesitate to reach out to the authors! ✏️📃📜

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

We're continuing our "Meet the First Years" series as a part of our Monday "Bear Grad Spotlight".

Meet Joshua Michael Jonas! He hails from Antigua and Barbuda. With 14 years of teaching grades 9-12, Joshua has taught subjects of Religion, History, Speech and Physical Education, and Geography

Joshua shared the following when asked about his research interests - "My research interest focuses on the intersection of educational technology and student learning outcomes, with a focus on exploring innovative ways to enhance teaching practices, foster deeper learning experiences, and promote greater student engagement. I hope to investigate various technologies, such as game-based learning, online learning platforms, and metacognitive development and adaptive learning systems. In my research, I will seek to examine the complex interplay between pedagogy and technology, and how that affects student learning processes. Hopefully, this will inform educational policy and empower educators with evidence-based strategies for integrating technology effectively."

His hopes for the future are to empower education in the Caribbean through the development of innovative educational tools and through his EdTech startup. he wants to foster inclusive learning experiences and advance educational outcomes for all.

His favorite Baylor/Waco memory so far was with his first Ph.D. class with Dr. Talbert. It was an enriching and captivating experience, fostering a deeply engaging and intellectually stimulating environment conducive to meaningful learning. 💛💚🐻

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

Hey, hey Bears! Double-check your calendar to be sure you've got us scheduled for lunch! Student and Faculty lunches are the best fellowships around! 11:30 am until 12:30 pm🍎🍞🥪🍟🍕🍔🌭

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

It's "What's Up" Wednesday where we spotlight the activities and work of those in our department.

Though it's not Monday, doesn't mean we can spotlight a graduate student's accomplishment! Allie Thrall has her first publication checked off the graduate student to-do list. She published her first academic article, co-authored with Baylor C&I professors Phil Nichols & Kevin Magill. In it, they explore the question: What can young people's speculative fiction writing about AI tell us about the civic actions they find (un)imaginable for contesting sociotechnical futures?

You can access their article using the following link: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ETPC-08-2023-0095/full/html

If you'd like a PDF copy of the article, do not hesitate to reach out to the authors! ✏️📃📜

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

Did you know that acts of kindness and generosity are linked to increased feelings of well-being? Well, it's true!

Why not treat yourself to some feelings of well-being! Baylor Giving Day is TOMORROW and the School of Education could sure use your help! Support the C&I Department, make your gift (link below), and spread the word to ignite a wave of generosity.!

https://baylor.scalefunder.com/gday/giving-day/79506?utm_source=scalefunder&utm_campaign=amb_share&utm_content=00q3tpckef50pucvol1ezml&utm_medium=plain

We're continuing our "Meet the First Years" series as a part of our Monday "Bear Grad Spotlight".

Meet Zia Pochkhanawala! She hails from Mumbai, India and has prior teaching experience at United World College in India. There she taught IBDP Psychology. She's also taught at the United World College in Bosnia and in Herzegovina. Zia also worked with Bombal International School, India!

Her current research interests focus Teaching Pedagogies within Multicultural Education as she hopes to become a changemaker!

She was asked to share her favorite Baylor memory so far and shared "I have only been here for a semester and a bit, so still building great memories...and like a typical newbie, finding excitement in every moment... but if I had to sum up one thing that I know I will never forget - is just how incredibly helpful people are on an everyday basis from giving me a ride home to volunteers taking us to HEB to helping navigate through the course ....and...and...and...the list is endless! One poignant one is from when I had a nasty fall and how complete strangers offered help (brought a first-aid kit, ice pack, etc.), and how classmates helped me get to places. The whole helping-without-hesitation experience is something I will definitely carry with me always." 🐻💛💚

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

C&I hopes your Spring Break has been one full of rest and excitement. If it hasn't been, no worries, you have two more days to enjoy it! 🐻💛💚

See everyone back on Monday!

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

"We're continuing our "Meet the First Years" series as a part of our Monday "Bear Grad Spotlight".

Meet Allie Thrall! She's from Austin, TX, and has taught most grades between 4th and 12th, in public and private schools, between Texas and California. She mostly taught social studies, but as an elementary teacher taught all core subjects and even taught a section of PE for one year!

Her current research interests focus on how digital technologies mediate civic possibilities and the implications for humanities curriculum and instruction. This includes examining the efficacy of digital activism with 9th-grade ELA students, exploring ways to incorporate teaching and learning at the intersection of technology, gender, and labor into social studies curriculum, and borrowing from feminist history of science and technology studies to question our media literacy practices.

One hope she has for the future is to discover new dimensions for time/space travel, for the uninspiring purpose of finding the time to get all of her doctoral work done.

Her favorite Baylor memory so far was having lively deliberations about the de/merits of assemblage theory over pizza on a steamy patio at the Slow Rise for Dr. Tony Talbert’s Critical Inquiries in Social-Cultural-Humanities Studies class. 🐻💛💚

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

It's "What's Up" Wednesday where we spotlight the activities and work of those in our department.

This Wednesday we're highlighting our beloved monthly faculty and student fellowship! We love a good gathering and it's always a bonus when food is involved. Another successful department fellowship was captured for our yearly scrapbook!

Will we see you at the next one? 👀🤔

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

Howdy, y'all!

We have another lunch and learn opportunity with the amazing Dr. Blevins who is the Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Idaho.

Join us for our next Brown Bag Lunch this Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, MMSCI 245.

Kappa Delta Pi will be providing pizza – please RSVP using this form so they can plan accordingly: https://forms.gle/AUpeja83kLRbTCva6

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

We're continuing our "Meet the First Years" series as a part of our Monday "Bear Grad Spotlight".

Meet Raquel Aguilar Murillo! She's from San José, Costa Rica, and taught French for 4 years there. Afterwards, she taught Dual Language in North Carolina for 5 years. Current research interests are around the relationship between multimodal literacy and translanguaging in bilingual students.

One hope she has is to be involved in research processes and projects that will support equity and justice in education.

She has also enjoyed the Christmas on 5th activities and says it's a favorite Baylor memory! She stated that the campus looked magical at night and it was a great opportunity to be a part of the Baylor community. 🐻💛💚

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

We love Dr. Ogodo! Our C&I folks stay busy and always goes the distance. The C&I staff are best group of faculty around!

Way to Sic’ Em!

Evening folks! If you're local we'd love you to help out with a book drive.📕📘📙📚📒📔

Drop off your culturally and linguistically diverse texts in the lobby area of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (2nd floor) to help the Texas Association for Literacy Education and Baylor’s Kappa Delta Pi chapter with their K-12 book drive!

Books will be accepted through March 2nd!

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

It's "What's Up" Wednesday where we spotlight the activities and work of those in our department.

Ever wonder about what coursework our graduate students engage in? Well, today's your lucky day! On this Wednesday we're spotlighting our Cognitive Processes in Math Ed. class.

Students not only discussed how the brain learns math but enjoyed the beloved Shorty's Pizza provided by Dr. Cooper! Nom, nom, nom! 🍕🍕🍕🤗🤗🤗

Feuling their brains and bodies, these graduate students are investigating ways to enhance the math learning experiences of students.

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate School of EducationBaylor C&I Graduate

Today is Monday so that means "Bear Grad Spotlight" where we shout out one of our graduate students, however, we're starting a "Meet the First Years" series where we introduce students in their first year of the doctoral program!

First up is Brentley Bendewald! She's from Granbury, TX, and taught high school math for 3 years. Currently, she teaches in the Mathematics Department at Tarleton State University. Current research interests are in developmental mathematics and incorporating active learning at the collegiate level.

One hope she has for the future is to survive 😅 and continue growing as an educator and becoming the best version of herself for her students.

Her top Baylor experience has been connecting with outstanding educators, gaining insights from others, experiencing Christmas on 5th for the first time, and watching the drones! 🐻💛💚

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

Hey, hey Bears! Double-check your calendar to be sure you've got us scheduled for lunch! Student and Faculty lunches are the best fellowships around! 11:30 am until 12:30 pm.

See y'all Monday!

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

It's "What's Up" Wednesday where we spotlight the activities and work of those in our department.

This Wednesday we're spotlighting our Social Issues in Education Lab taught by Alexis D. Ho**er one of our Ph.D. students.

She invited other doc students to join her class and assist undergraduate students in practicing and refining their interviewing skills in preparation for their Final Inquiry Project. This assignment is a research project where students look into a sociocultural challenge in education and report their findings and any solutions they've learned about.

Shoutout to Zia Pochkhanawala, Laura McNeice, and Jess McKaime for partnering with Alexis to bring meaningful experiences to our undergraduate students as they prepare to become high-quality leaders and teachers who will one day leave a positive impact on the children of the world! 🥳🤓👍

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

Today is Monday so that means "Bear Grad Spotlight" where we shout out one of our graduate students!

This Bear Grad is definitely flinging their green and gold afar as the new social media coordinator for the AERA Constructivist Theory, Research, & Practice SIG! Congrats to Laura McNeice for the new role!

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate

ATTN: BEAR GRADS! Your spring student meeting is in one week! Come with your questions at 4:00 pm to GL16 if you're a master's student and GL 15 if you're a PhD student!

Baylor School of Education Baylor C&I Graduate