Elevate Education Magazine : simplebooklet.com

FROM THE INTERIM DEANTONY T. LATIKERFew things excite me as much as a good story.For me, a good story must not only beentertaining, but insightful. I hope that ourinaugural issue of the College of Educationand Human Development’s Magazine –Elevate Education – provides each of you withinsight into who we are as a college and whatwe value.As you peruse this issue you will read aboutour innovative collaborations that aredesigned to meet the academic andprofessional development needs of students,teachers, school leaders and the broadercommunity as a whole. One such initiative is a grow your own dualenrollment initiative called Count Me In: FutureTeachers of Mathematics. This collaborationbetween the Mississippi Department of Education,Jackson Public School District and Jackson StateUniversity is designed to create a pipeline ofmathematics educators for Jackson Public Schools by enrolling high school juniors and seniors in anewly approved Math Education licensureprogram with an Algebra and Geometry emphasis. In this issue, you will read about the amazing things that our alumni, students, staff, and faculty havebeen doing. We are particularly excited to spotlight some of our recent graduates who are using theirtraining to make an impact on education. Mr. Tony Porter, winner of Blackburn Teacher of the YearAward and Ms. Maleah Briggs, recipient of an Education Fellowship with the Mississippi Museum ofArt, are just two of the students you will learn more about in the Education Alumni Excel-StudentSpotlights. I truly hope that you not only continue to follow our story, but that you choose to become an activepart of the work that is happening in the College of Education and Human Development at JacksonState University. It will take all of us working together to Elevate Education in Mississippi andbeyond. Students, staff, faculty, and all of our partners in education, thank you for your ongoing support ofthe College. Know that my door is always open, and I would love to hear your thoughts on how wecan Elevate Education together. Tony T. Latiker, Interim Dean

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JSU's College of Education and HumanDevelopment is pleased to present the 2024issue of Elevate Education (EE). EE is publishedfor alumni, friends, and supporters of the Collegeof Education. We value your input, so pleaseshare feedback and suggestions for futuremagazine topics using the Elevate Education QRCode.The College of Education and HumanDevelopment magazine was developedfrom the collaborative efforts of JSU'stalented students from the College ofEducation, the College of Business(Marketing), and the College of LiberalArts (Journalism and Media Studies). Special thanks are extended to everyonewho contributed ideas, feedback, andtime to bring the magazine from conceptto completion. Elevate Education Editor: Deidre L. Wheaton, PhDAssociate Professor of Interdisciplinary StudiesDirector, School of Lifelong LearningInterim Associate Dean, College of EducationPhone: 601-979-8738Email: deidre.l.wheaton@jsums.eduGraphic Designer: Terran DemeritteStaff Writers:Deidre Wheaton Maleah BriggsPhotographer: Charles SmithConnect with the College of Education andHuman Development community on-campus,online, or on social media.Joseph H. Jackson BuildingPhone: 601-979-2433EMAIL: COE@jsums.eduhttps://www.jsums.eduhttps://www.jsums.edu/education/https://www.facebook.com/JacksonStateU/https://www.youtube.com/@jacksonstateuELEVATE EDUCATIONOUR STORY AND EDITORIAL TEAM

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TABLE OF ContentsEDUCATION ALUMNI EXCELINNOVATIVE EDUCATIONCOLLABORATIONSRESEARCH INNOVATIONSELEVATE EDUCATION’S 2024-2025 RECOMMENDED READS3112236Alumni Honored in JSU’s 40 Under 40. Maleah Briggs, Earns Graduate Fellowship.Tony Porter, Teacher of the Year. Felix Neal, Manager of Curriculum andInstruction. Alexandria Drake, Receives National BoardCertification.Tiffany Jones, EAFR MACTE RecipientJarvious Grayson, EAFR MACTE RecipientHBCU Math Education and Research CenterStretching Towards Resilience: Faculty teamup to investigate the physical, intellectual, andemotional benefits of yoga for young children.EXCELLENCE IN TEACHER QUALITY17EDUCATION NEWS28New Directions in the College of Education andHuman DevelopmentElementary Education A+ in LiteracyCounseling Department ReaccreditedHealth and Physical Education Launches NewConcentrationAspiring Educators Program RevivedEPHD celebrates 20-yrsLottie Thornton Early Childhood CenterFarewell to 2024 RetireesEFAR Pilots Graduate Student SuccessWorkshop Series.Count Me In: Future Teachers ofMathematics Middle College Program Lifelong Learning Launches SEEDProjectNew Leadership in Teacher Quality: A Conversations with Mr. Michael Mozee

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MEET the COLLEGE of EDUCATION ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM2024-2025Dr. Tony LatikerInterim Dean, College of Educationtony.t.latiker@jsums.edu Dr. Albert CarterInterim Chair, EducationalAdmin, Foundations, & Research601-979-2351albert.w.carter@jsums.eduDr. Walter BrownExecutive Director, ExecutivePhD in Urban Higher Education601-979- 4002walter.a.brown@jsums.eduDr. Stephanie DavidsonChair, Elementary and EarlyChildhood Education601-979-2341stephanie.r.davidson@jsums.eduMrs. Juanita JohnsonDirector, Lottie Thornton Childcare Center601-979-2396 juanita.e.johnson@jsums.eduDr. Sam MozeeDirector, Mississippi UrbanResearch Center601-979-1386sam.mozee@jsums.eduMr. Michael MozeeCoordinator, Center for TeacherQuality601-979-8666 michael.t.mozee@jsums.edu1 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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Education Alumni Excel College of Education and Human Development Graduates take top Honors in JSU’s 2023-2024 Top 40 Under 40In Jackson State’s Alpha Cohort of the 40 Under 40 recognitions, College of Education andHuman Development graduates were honored for their exemplary contributions to the fieldof education. Ten of the 40-honorees earned either undergraduate or graduate degrees in avariety of different education related fields. Join us in continuing to honor and celebratethese educational leaders for all of the great work that they have done, are doing, and willcontinue to do as they advance in their careers. Mr. Michael D.Adams, Ed.S. Dr. De’Suan Dixon Dr. Laquala C. Dixon Dr. Tara Dunn RossDr. Will SmithDr. Arron LeMarkusRichardsonDr. Arianna C. StokesMs. Terrica Jenkins,MS Ed.Mr. Terrance Hill,Ed.S.Dr. Adrian DwayneHammitteJackson State University | 4

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Congratulations are due to Maleah Briggs, arecent Magna Cum Laude graduate ofJackson State University, who is halfwaythrough her fellowship at the MississippiMuseum of Arts. In January, she began as afull-time Post Baccalaureate Fellow forEducation shortly after graduating with aBachelor of Science in Education, SocialScience in the Fall of 2023.Her final semester was challenging butfulfilling as she completed her fellowship as aTeaching Fellow at the Mississippi Museumof Art, attended the iHeart Radio Thrill ofPossibility Summit in Nashville, TN, as oneof 50 HBCU scholars in the country, andattended the National Council for the SocialStudies’ annual conference in Nashville, TN.MALEAH BRIGGSALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS: MAKING ADIFFERENCE IN EDUCATION While attending JSU, she participated inmany professional development opportunitiesand internships, which sparked her continuedinterest in developing educationalexperiences at theintersection of arts, history, and community.The impressive list of internshipopportunities she completed as a student atJSU include: the Center for Art and PublicExchange at the Mississippi Museum of Artas a CAPE Intern; the American Society ofComposers, Authors, and Publishers as aLicensing Intern; and the MississippiDepartment of Archives and History as anEducation and Programming intern.Education Alumni Excel5 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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Graduating with a Bachelor of Science inEducation, in 2021, Tony Porter describes hisundergrad experience as one that challengedhis mind, organization, and time managementskills. In his profession, Porter continues tostrive for a deeper understanding of education,and in December 2023, he received a Master ofScience in Early Childhood Education.Currently, Porter teaches 8th grade ELA atBlackburn Middle School, but his time atBlackburn preceded his hire. As anundergraduate student, he completed hisfieldwork and student teaching at Blackburn.In his first official year of teaching atBlackburn, 2022-2023, Porter set high goalsfor himself. That year he received outstandingaccolades like “Teacher of the Month,” andBlackburn’s “Teacher of the Year 2023. ”Thefollowing school year brought continuedexcellence as he was awarded his second“Teacher of the Month” award and madedistrict headlines after being elected to the“TeachPlus: Fellowship Policy Makers”program, all the while on the path to obtaininghis Doctorate. When asked how he woulddescribe his future in education, Porter hadone word...”Limitless!”TONY PORTERFELIX NEAL Felix Neal has been dedicated to scholarshipand achievement with each academic positionhe’s stepped into. Starting as a TeacherAssistant at Jackson Public Schools, Neal beganworking for Republic Charter Schools atSmilow Collegiate as a Kindergarten teacherafter his undergraduate studies. While atSmilow, he led the Kindergarten team ablaze inreading achievement for three consecutiveyears and successfully advanced 85% of hisstudents. In the coming year, Neal is set tobring his academic acumen and six years ofeducational experience to leadership in Atlanta,Georgia as the Manager of Curriculum andInstruction (K-2) at Ethos Classical CharterSchool. #THEEATLEducation Alumni ExcelJackson State University | 6

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While at the JTECHS, Alexandria has flourishedin an environment propelling her toward herdream of becoming a highly qualified andinnovative educator, providing opportunities forher students’ self-discovery and communitiesthrough exploring history. For the past two years,100% of Ms. Drake’s scholars have achievedproficiency on the Mississippi AcademicAssessment Program (MAAP) U.S. History stateexam. However, excelling on high-stakes exams isnot the only goal she has for her students. Ms.Drake has received numerous awards andaccolades for her dedication to excellence in theclassroom including “Mississippi: HistoryTeacher of the Year” by the Mississippi HistoricalSociety (2023); “JTECHS Teacher of the Year”(2023 and 2024); “JPS Rockstar Award” (2023and 2024); and “Patricia Behring: Teacher of theYear” Nominee (2024). Of her accomplishments,she is most proud of achieving a goal set whilestudent teaching as an undergraduate at JacksonState, attaining the National Board Certification,and in the fall of 2023 she did just that.Ms. Drake has become a force within secondaryeducation as a forward-thinkinghistory teacher. After receiving her Bachelor ofScience in Social Science Education, the 2014graduate of Jackson State University, returned toJackson, MS in 2016 to teach U.S. History andin 2019, she began teaching 10th grade SocialStudies at the JPS-Tougaloo Early College HighSchool (JTECHS).Ms. Drake furthers her professional developmentas a “Learning for Justice” Teacher Trainer,Fellow with the Southern Poverty Law Center,MS Teacher Advisor Council member, and now afellow with the Teach Plus Mississippi PolicyInstitute. She hopes to use her classroom as acultivating space where students find their voiceand make change in their communities; all thewhile, leading by example- using her position asan educator to advocate on her students’ behalf.ALEXANDRIA DRAKEEducation Alumni Excel7 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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TIFFANY JONESMrs. Tiffany Jones currently serves as theMcKinney-Vento Manager for the JacksonPublic School District where she aims toensure the student population experiencinghomelessness receives additional support foracademic success. Mrs. Jones has 24 years of experience ineducation in various capacities. She workedas a high school science teacher for 7 yearsin the Canton Public School District. In2006, she became employed with theMississippi Department of Education until2021. During that time, Mrs. Jones gainedmore knowledge and experience whileworking in the Mississippi Teacher Centeras a teacher recruiter and Director ofTeacher of Recruitment. In the Office of Student Assessment, sheserved as the Program Coordinator for theNational Assessment for EducationalProgress (NAEP), Biology I, U.S History,and 5th and 8th grade science assessments.Within the Office of Federal Programs, sheserved as the Program Coordinator forHomeless Education, Neglected andDelinquent, and Title II.Her educational journey includes a B.S. inBiology from Dillard University, NewOrleans, LA, a B.S. in Biology Educationfrom Mississippi College. In May 2024, shereceived her Specialist degree inEducational Leadership and Administrationfrom Jackson State University.Education Alumni ExcelJackson State University | 8

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Mr. Jarvious Grayson is a native of Tutwiler, MS,and is a current resident of Grenada MS. He is a2008 honor graduate of the West Tallahatchie HighSchool. Mr. Grayson furthered his education at TheUniversity of Memphis where he received aBachelor of Science in Education. Mr. Graysonreceived a double Master of Arts in Education fromAshford University and Western ColoradoUniversity. Mr. Grayson continued his studyearning a Specialist in Education Administrationand Supervision from “Thee I Love” Jackson StateUniversity. Currently, Mr. Grayson is enrolled at“Thee I Love” Jackson State University completinghis Doctor of Education Administration andSupervision in K-12. Mr. Grayson has served in various roles in hiseducational career such as Principal of AlternativeEducation, Assistant High School Principal DistrictDiscipline Hearing Officer, Assistant Director ofOperations-District Level, Fixed Asset & 16Sections Assistant-District Level, Head Football,Head Basketball, and Assistant Baseball Coach.Currently, Mr. Grayson will serve as the Principal ofAlternative Education, Athletic Director, AssistantHigh School Principal, Student SupportCoordinator, Assistant Football Coach, and HeadJunior High Basketball Coach at the Leland SchoolDistrict. Mr. Grayson was a standout athlete on the highschool and collegiate level. His educationalexperiences have afforded him the opportunity tocollaborate with a diverse group of people to meetthe common goal of increasing studentachievement and well-being. His educationalphilosophy is based on his uncompromising beliefthat all students can learn, given a positive learningenvironment, strong and knowledgeable leadership,a committed and focused educational team, anencouraging community, and a supportive family. Mr. Grayson is married to his beautiful wife AdrianGrayson. Mr. and Mrs. Grayson have three amazingdaughters Aubrey, Kensley, and Hailey. JARVIOUS GRAYSONEducation Alumni Excel9 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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Jackson State University (JSU)has joined forces with theJackson Public School District(JPSD) and the MississippiDepartment of Education(MDE) to launch the “CountMe In: Future Teachers ofMathematics Middle CollegeProgram.” This collaborativeeffort, formalized through aMemorandum ofUnderstanding, marks asignificant step towardsnurturing homegrown talent inthe field of mathematicseducation.New Partnership Produces Pathways forFuture Mathematics EducatorsIn addition to working towardthe completion of theirremaining high schoolgraduation requirements, thesestudents have been activelyengaged in co-curricularactivities, professionaldevelopment for aspiringteachers, and they havesimultaneously been workingtoward completing their generaleducation requirements fortheir undergraduate degrees The Count Me In programoffers a dual enrollmentopportunity for high schooljuniors and seniors within theJackson Public School Districtwho are committed to pursuinga degree in math education atJackson State University. Inexchange for their dedicationto teaching in the JacksonPublic School system for aperiod of three years post-graduation, participants aregranted a waiver of tuition feesfor their final two years at JSU.The inaugural cohort,consisting of 16 motivatedstudents, embarked on theirjourney during the 2023-2024academic year. Cohort II begantheir time in the JMC Programduring summer 2024. INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL COLLABORATIONSLeadership TeamUnder the adept guidance of JPSDAssistant Superintendent of HighSchools, Laketia Marshall-Thomas, Middle College staffmembers, Ms. Victoria Scantleburyand Mrs. Rhonda Murphy-Johnson, the initiative hasflourished. They are supported in theirefforts by College of Educationand Mathematics Departmentfaculty and staff -- Dr. DeidreWheaton, Ms. Alecia Jefferson,and Dr. Shirley Burnett just toname a few. The leadershipteams’ commitment to makingthis Dual Enrollment projectsuccessful has beeninstrumental in shaping theprogram’s curriculum andensuring its smooth execution. Jackson State University | 12

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“As someone who's been a lover of HBCUs, I've enjoyed my time here atJackson State. The college has been very accommodating to my needs. Ican say that this program has given me many opportunities, and I lookforward to continuing to work with my future professors and JPS staff asI continue to succeed in this program.” During their first year, Middle College scholarsdiligently completed the foundational requirementsof the newly designed Math Education curriculum,focusing on Algebra and Geometry. The creation ofthe Math Education Algebra and Geometry Trackassists in addressing the critical need for mathteachers in Mississippi and beyond by providing amore accessible pathway to becoming a matheducator. Students on this track take more mathcoursework aligned with the content taught inalgebra and geometry classrooms in middle and highschools. Interim Dean, Dr. Tony Latiker stated, “Ibelieve that this option will greatly increase the poolof math teachers completing traditional educationprograms and I am proud that the faculty of theCEHD, Math Department, and Jackson PublicSchools had the vision to develop the curriculumand petition the Mississippi Department ofEducation to change their policy to allow teachers inMississippi to be prepared specifically to teachalgebra and geometry.”Additionally, participants are granted access toexclusive college and career readiness resourcesthrough a comprehensive two-week summerimmersion experience developed by Dr. DeidreWheaton, Ms. Scantlebury, Ms. Murphy-Johnson, andDr. Desuan Dixon. This immersive program isdesigned to equip students (many of whom are firstgeneration college students) with essential skills fornavigating college life, including insights into financialaid, writing effective scholarship essays, getting accessto available academic and student support services,and of course, opportunities to network with currentmathematics educators.Karigan Thompson, Provine High SchoolCount Me InThe Count Me In Future Teachers ofMathematics Middle College Program stands as ashining example of the possibilities for futurecollaborations that focus on the pressing need formath educators in Mississippi. INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL COLLABORATIONS13 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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The School of Lifelong Learning formalized a strategic partnership with the National Boardfor Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to implement a 2-year project -- SupportingEffective Educator Development (SEED) Project. With an investment of $300,000 from theNBPTS, the Project Director, Dr. Gloria Smith along with a stellar team of National BoardCertified Teachers--Dr. Phatasis O’Harroll, Carolyn Tillman, Dr. Tawanza Domino, andVanetta Kenerson are poised to work closely with College of Education and HumanDevelopment administrative leaders and faculty to integrating the National Board Standardsinto the College of Education’s curriculum. The SEED Project team will also bring to theCEHD faculty, educator preparation staff, and students a varied of professional learningopportunities that build awareness of the standards of excellence in teaching. Spring 2024, marked the start of this collaboration. Project SEED staff initiated theirengagement with the College of Education by providing faculty and adjunct instructors freeaccess to the National Board’s ATLAS Video Library. This library of more than 1,400samples of effective instruction, includes authentic videos featuring National Board CertifiedTeachers engaging in classroom teaching and learning. More than 34 JSU faculty, adjunctinstructors, and student users have activated accounts, and they have viewed 276 videos ofexemplary classroom teaching. The School of Lifelong Learning ForgesKey Partnership with National Boardfor Professional Teaching Standards INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL COLLABORATIONS15 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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The SEED Project encompasses workshops for faculty and curriculumintegration initiatives all focused on exemplary teaching. The process involves aligningNBPTS Exceptional Standards withthe MS Exceptional Curriculum andembedding NBPTS Core elementsinto Special Education courses.Professional Learning Workshopsfor Faculty. The SEED Projectstaff has also developed a slate ofengaging online professionaldevelopment workshops for facultyand adjunct instructors in theCollege of Education. The onlineprofessional development focuseson exposing faculty to thestandards of accomplishedteaching, further enhancing theirpedagogical prowess andinstructional effectiveness. Theofficial launch of the professionaldevelopment workshop series willtake place Fall 2024 and will covertopics including the following:Getting Started with Atlas VideoAnalysis and Case Studies Defining Accomplished TeachingDiversity, Equity andDifferentiationThe Role of Metacognition andSelf ReflectionEngagement in the ClassroomDo you want your students tojoin Project SEED mentoringgroup? Do you want to expand yourcapacity to expose students tothe expectations for exemplaryteaching? Do you want to contribute toprogram and curriculumdevelopment? Connect to Project SEED! Contact: Dr. Phatasis O’Harrollpoharroll@gmail.comDr. Twanza Dominotcdomino99@gmail.comor Dr. Deidre L. Wheaton forinformation on Project SEED.deidre.l.wheaton@jsums.eduDr. Twanza Domino, has beenreviewing the SPED curriculum andidentify courses and assignmentsthat would be ideal sits forintegration of the NBPTS into thegraduate level content. The nextsteps for integration includeengaging in dialogues with SpecialEducation faculty and adjuncts todiscuss recommendations forintegration, assessment of needs todetermine the type of professionaldevelopment that will be needed tosupport faculty/adjunct in theeffective intergration on of theNational Board Standards, anddetermining how to most effectivelyassess the impact of the integration. College of Education faculty andstudents are encouraged to getinvolved in Project SEED. Special Education CurriculumIntegration. SEED Project staffare integrating National Board forProfessional Teaching Standardsinto the Special Educationmaster’s degree program toensure graduates have top-tierinstructional expertise. INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL COLLABORATIONSLooking Ahead to Fall 2024 and Spring 2025Project SEED staff will expand their work in the College of Educationwith three key initiatives for academic year 2024-2025: a) Pre-ServiceTeacher Online Mentoring; b) Professional Learning Workshops forFaculty/Adjuncts; and c) Special Education Curriculum Integration. Pre-Service Teacher Online Mentoring. College of Educationjuniors and seniors will be able to take advantage of small groupmentoring and co-curricular professional learning with National BoardCertified Teachers. Beginning fall 2024, SEED Project Staff will hostmonthly webinars in which preservice teachers will discuss topics suchas: Defining Accomplished Teaching, Understanding Students, TheLearning Environment, and Differentiation. These webinars will affordstudents a unique opportunity to get valuable insight from highly skillededucators while also connecting with their peers who are preparing toenter into a successful clinical teaching internship experience. Jackson State University | 16

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Jackson State University is thrilled toannounce the appointment of Mr. MichaelMozee as the new Director of the Centerfor Teacher Quality – our office ofeducator licensure, and field and clinicalexperiences. With a distinguishedbackground in education and acommitment to fostering excellence, Mr.Mozee brings a wealth of knowledge and apassion for education that was nurturedright here at Thee I Love. Elevate Education (EE) sat down for anexclusive interview with Mr. Mozee togain insight into his vision for teachereducation at Jackson State University andthe exciting opportunities for growth thatlie ahead.NEW LEADERSHIP IN THE CENTER OFTEACHER QUALITYA Conversation with Mr. Michael MozeeElevate Education: Mr. Mozee, pleasebegin by explaining your role andresponsibilities as the Director of TeacherQuality?Mozee: As the Director of Teacher Education, I have multiple roles and many differentresponsibilities all of which are aimed at supporting the various academic programs in the College ofEducation and Human Development. My primary focus is on developing comprehensive supportsystems for teacher candidates, including mentorship programs, training initiatives, and additionalresources, to ensure their success within our program, thereby guaranteeing the training of qualityeducators. I help ensure that the College of Education’s guidelines and protocols related to teacherpreparation programs are in alignment with both state and national standards, fostering a culture ofexcellence and adherence to best practices.What I am most passionate about, however, is the work that I get to do related to directrecruitment for educational programs and providing ongoing professional developmentopportunities for current and prospective educators. Each day I get the privilege of talking toyoung people about the opportunity to become an educator through regular visits to local public,private, and charter schools. Jackson State University | 18Excellence in Teacher Quality

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Mozee:By developing these relationships with students, school counselors, and principals, Iget to help the College of Education nurture a diverse and skilled pool of talent. Therecruitment work is closely tied to establishing mutually beneficial collaborativepartnerships with school districts and educational organizations. We need strongrelationships with local school districts so that we may give our teacher candidates diverseinternship placements while also leveraging the expertise of the public school administratorsto elevate our teacher development efforts and to support continuous programimprovement. Additionally, I serve as JSU’s Licensure Officer, overseeing licensure recommendations forstudents throughout our program, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements andfacilitating the licensure process. In essence, this multifaceted role aims to elevate thequality of teacher education, foster strategic partnerships, and empower educators to thrivein their profession, ultimately contributing to the advancement of education within ourcommunity. Elevate Education: You certainly do wear quite a few hats in the role of director. Can youshare with our readers your story? How have your prior experiences uniquely equipped youto excel as JSU’s next Director of Teacher Quality? Mozee: My professional journey, to the Director of Teacher Quality position, really comesfull circle because I began my educational pathway at Jackson State University, as anundergraduate student. I chose education as my academic path because I am a person whonaturally is drawn to helping and supporting. Education seemed to be the perfect fit! Whileattending JSU, I had various opportunities to visit local YMCAs, childcare centers,elementary and middle schools, where I was afforded the opportunity to engage with andmentor young people and support their intellectual and personal growth. 19 | The College of Education Magazine 2024Excellence in Teacher Quality

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Elevate Education: With your skill set and background, I am sure that you could have had a veryvibrant career at the state level or functioning in the educational consultant realm. Why did youchoose to return to JSU to take on the role of director? Why are you passionate about the work ofteacher quality?Mozee: My passion comes from knowing how much we mean to children across the state ofMississippi. People say it so nonchalantly, but teachers absolutely play a vital role in thedevelopment of a child. Parents entrust their children to us each day and they deserve the very bestthat we have to offer. With that in mind, I choose to invest as much attention as I can into fosteringan environment in which future teachers may learn and grow. They are directly responsible forstudent outcomes. Theodore Roosevelt said it best “People don’t care how much you know, until theyknow how much you care”. To me, that means the quality of our program and the type of educatorswe as a university distribute to the community and throughout the state, should speak volumes forthe university in the most positive light.Elevate Education: What is your vision for the Center for Teacher Quality at JSU?Mozee: I strive to work in step with the leadership of the College of Education and HumanDevelopment and in support of the licensure granting academic units to firmly establish JacksonState University as an exemplar in the production of highly skilled and dedicated educators. Ienvision the College of Education and Human Development being known not only for high numbersof graduates, but more importantly for producing teachers, coaches, school leaders, and counselorswhose presence in school buildings and districts translate to positive shifts in academic performanceand overall elevation of the school’s culture and climate for students and staff. My mind was fixed and focused. With the support of my family and professors, I earned mybachelors degree in Elementary Education and began my teaching career. After 7 years as a Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Lead teacher, I spent the next two years working as anAssessment/Accountability coordinator for Jackson Public Schools. My focus in that role was onunderstanding students’ test performance across our district and generating recommendations onhow we could implement procedures and strategies to better support our students and teachers. My next opportunity came as the Early Childhood Coach/Professional Development Specialist forthe Mississippi Community College Board (focusing on supporting infancy through 4-year-oldteachers across the state of Mississippi). Two years later, I transitioned to the MississippiDepartment of Education as an Early Childhood Specialist servicing multiple districts across thestate. All of the stops on my educational and professional journey have led me to this place at this veryexciting time at Jackson State University. I am back to my dear ole college home. The knowledge,skills, and networks that I have established at the state and district level over the years have givenme a solid foundation for the work that I do now with our teacher candidates, site supervisors, anduniversity supervisors.Jackson State University | 20Excellence in Teacher Quality

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Michael MozeeDirector of TeacherQuality & AdjunctProfessorCollege of Educationand HumanDevelopmentJackson StateUniversity(601) 979.8666Elevate Education: Thank you Mr. Mozee for sharing your vision for the Center for TeacherQuality with the readers of Elevate Education. We appreciate you taking time to have thisconversation, and we look forward to hearing more about the good work that you have planned forthe future.Expand our efforts to integrate licensure examination preparation into the overall EPP co-curricular offerings in order to help students succeed on the various Praxis examinations, a step inthe teacher preparation process that has historically been a barrier to traditional licensure. Fine tune the types of curricular and co-curricular professional training that we provide to pre-service teachers to ensure that they are ready to positively impact student learning on day one oftheir first full-time teaching appointment. As we do these things, we will begin to see a shift in the tide. As highly skilled and fully certifiedteachers matriculate through JSU’s College of Education and enter into the PK-12 schoolecosystem, school leaders will be inquiring about how to get JSU’s teacher candidates assigned totheir schools. As we tell our story through published research and personal relationship building,the work that I aim to do at JSU – with the help of my colleagues will help lay a solid foundationfor the next generation of JSU trained educators. 21 | The College of Education Magazine 2024Bringing this vision to fruition will require consistent and collaborative efforts to use our internaldata, feedback from our external partners, and emerging research from within the College ofEducation to:Refine our recruitment and teacher retention efforts to attract the best and brightesttraditional and nontraditional students to the education profession and to support themthrough their pivotal first 3-years of teaching. Excellence in Teacher Quality

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After School YOGA Research ProjectDr. Joon Young Lee, Dr. Tierra Flowers, Dr. Doreen MyrieSTRETCHING Toward Resilience Spring 2024, marked the start of a creative collaborative researchinitiative by Dr. Joon Young Lee, Dr. Doreen Myrie, and Dr. Tierra Flowers. These early career scholars integrated their expertise in Physical Education, Special Education, and Early Childhood Education to launch an After-school Virtual YogaProgram and research pilot study aptly titled Stretching Toward Resilience. Dr. Lee explained that the purpose of the study was to examine the impact of integrating virtual yoga into existing afterschoolprograms and to determine the extent to which the virtual yogacontributed to improved mental health and educational outcomes for African American children. ElevateEducation connected with this multidisciplinary research team to learn more about the Stretching TowardResilience Research and After-School Program.Research Innovations23 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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Elevate Education: Why does your research team believe that this Stretching TowardResilience research is so important?Dr. Lee: We're facing a critical situation with our kids' mental health. Anxiety, depression, andstress are on the rise among elementary students, hitting a staggering 20% of children in theUS, with these issues often starting as early as in their first years at school. This problem hitsharder for kids from racial and ethnic minorities, especially Black/African American children,who not only have to deal with tougher mental health battles but also struggle more to get thehelp they need. Elevate Education: What sparked your team’s interest in implementing this project at JSU?Dr. Lee: My deep interest in theconnection between physical activityand mental health is the foundationof this Afterschool Virtual YogaProject initiative. A pivotal momentwas when Ms. Alexia P. Hammonds,a graduate student specializing inSport Science within our department,expressed her eagerness to delve intoresearch as she prepares for her Ph.D.program. Being a certified yogainstructor, Alexia was the idealcandidate to bridge the gap betweentheoretical research and practicalapplication. This inspired me toleverage yoga's therapeutic potentialfor mental health improvement ineducational environments. Mypursuit to explore this further led meto collaborate with colleagues whoshare a passion for fostering holisticstudent development. Dr. Flowers,with her expertise in culturallyresponsive pedagogy, and Dr. Myrie,who specializes in inclusive educationfor children with special needs, werenatural fits for this project. Thisinterdisciplinary team has created asynergy that propels us forward,setting the stage for the successfulinitiation and expansion of ourproject. Our collaborative spirit is theheartbeat of this endeavor, ensuringthat we bring about meaningfulchange in the communities we serve.Yoga's coming up as a shining light, offering a beacon of hope by helping to dial down anxiety anddepression, make emotions easier to manage, and boost overall happiness. But, here’s the thing: webarely know how well yoga really works for school-aged kids, especially those from minoritybackgrounds. We need to dig into this gap, because understanding how yoga can lift these kids'spirits could be a game-changer in making sure every child has the support they need to thrivementally.Students in JSU's Kids Kollege afterschool program strike the warrior poseduring the virtual yoga session.Research InnovationsJackson State University | 24

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Dr. Lee: We've observed that the participants, the kids, absolutely love the yoga project!Additionally, we've received positive feedback from teachers and staff regarding changes instudents' behavior and engagement in the classroom. We've successfully completed the baselinetests, and we're eagerly anticipating the findings from the post-tests after concluding all 12sessions of the yoga project. Through this pilot project, we've explored ways to enhanceeffectiveness, one key strategy being the engagement of teachers in the yoga project alongside thestudents.Dr. Myrie: When we initiated this researchproject, my focus was primarily on theacademic aspects such as procedures andresults. However, we've encounteredadditional benefits along the way, which I’mexcited to highlight: The project has broughttogether three distinct departments thatpreviously operated separately, providingfirsthand insight into how collaborationacross educational disciplines can benefitchildren. We are demonstrating effectiveteaching techniques to our preserviceteachers, allowing them to observe behaviorredirection and interactions with childrenfirsthand, which they may not haveexperienced in their own classes. After-school teachers, who are education majorsthemselves, are also developing strongconnections with us through this endeavor.Elevate Education: What’s next for theYoga Research Study?Dr. Lee: Through virtual yoga, we aim to break down barriers of cost and accessibility, especiallyfor minority racial and ethnic groups. This project is only the starting point. I envision expandingthis pilot virtual yoga initiative to encompass Jackson Public Schools and various communitycenters, ultimately making it accessible to individuals of all ages. It's about creating lasting changeand ensuring that wellness and mental health support are universally accessible. Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the parents of our young participants forsupporting our research projects, as well as the staff and teachers at Kids Kollege. Without theirsupport, this project would not have been possible.For more information on how to get connected to the Stretching Toward Resilience ResearchProject, contact the Project PI, Dr. Lee or co-PIs, Dr. Myree and Dr. Flowers. Dr. Myrie: As an educator dedicated to both research and community involvement, our yoga projectholds a special place in my heart. Offering free yoga sessions in a supportive setting allows us to meetcommunity needs while fueling our love for working with children and conducting practical research.Beyond just physical activity, yoga enriches academic skills like focus, concentration, and emotionalregulation, while also fostering social bonds. In after-school programs where everyone is included, yogabecomes a powerful tool for building confidence and reducing anxiety among students with disabilities.By integrating yoga into these programs, we’re demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity andcommunity care, prioritizing the holistic well-being of all students.Elevate Education: What have you learned so far, and how do you expect this project to informfuture projects or educational practice?Research Innovations25 | The College of Education Magazine 2024The research team and interim dean of the College of Education andHuman Development, Tony Latiker, Ed.D, (Far Left)

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HBCU Mathematics Education and Research CenterPiloted at JSUIn a new endeavor to elevate mathematics education within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Jackson State University’s College of Education and Human Development and College of Science, Engineering, and Technology have been selected to pilot an HBCU Math Education and Research Center. This initiative, led by Virginia State University (VSU) and funded by the National Science Foundation, represents a collaborative effort among a select group of six well-known HBCUs – VSU, Virginia Union University, Dillard University, Xavier University, Tougaloo College, and Jackson State University. From among this group of HBCUs, JSU was selected to pilot the initial HBCU Math Center. Professor Reginald Hopkins from Virginia State University (VSU), along with project leads Dr. Kamal Ali and Dr. Jennifer Young-Wallace from JacksonState University, Mr. David Dennis from the Southern Initiative Algebra Project, and education partners fromJackson Public School District, aim to transform mathematics education and broaden the participation ofminority populations in STEM disciplines. According to the project summary, “the HBCU Math Education and Research Center is dedicated toimplementing and assessing the effectiveness of K-12 mathematics interventions, drawing upon thepedagogies of the Algebra Project and the Southern Initiative Algebra Project” (SIAP). Through mathematicsoutreach centers established at the six participating HBCUs, the center seeks to improve students’mathematical performance and engagement in school districts neighboring those universities.Professor Reginal Hopkins noted, “We are thankful for this opportunity to partner with Jackson PublicSchools and Jackson State University to contribute to their ongoing success in improving student performancein math and science.” The HBCU Centers that Hopkins and his colleagues have envisioned will be developedusing a four part approach: Professional Development for Mathematics teachers in the Lanier High School Feeder Pattern.1.Training for Jackson State University college students to become SIAP math tutors andcampus/community leaders. 2.Collaborating with community partners and stakeholders who support local schools through afterschoolprograms. 3.Leadership Training for college students. 4.Research InnovationsCentral to the center’s mission is the cultivation and nurturing of resilient college students and thedevelopment of confident and competent K-12 algebra and geometry teachers. By enhancing K-12 students’willingness and readiness to persist in STEM disciplines, the center aims to foster a new generation of STEMleaders from underrepresented backgrounds.Jackson State University | 26

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Research InnovationsDuring the initial planning phase, the leadership team at Jackson State University has actively engagedwith K-12 math teachers, university-level math faculty, parents, and local education stakeholders throughvirtual listening sessions and on-campus convenings. These collaborative efforts have facilitated theexchange of ideas and strategies to inform the implementation of effective mathematics interventions.Interim Dean, Dr. Latiker, stated, “I am both proud and excited to be associated with this initiative whichis grounded in the work of civil rights leader and educator, Bob Moses. The HBCU Math EducationCenter and the research that will come from it embodies the spirit of our vision to empower educatorswith practical research and innovative teaching. We will be able to implement and study the present dayimpact of educational models developed by and for communities.”As the pilot initiative progresses, Jackson State University remains committed to fostering meaningfulpartnerships and driving impactful change in mathematics education. With the support of the NationalScience Foundation and the collective expertise of the participating institutions, the HBCU MathEducation and Research Center is poised to make significant strides in promoting equity and excellencein STEM education. The selection of Jackson State University to pilot the HBCU Math Education and Research Centerunderscores the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Throughcollaborative efforts and innovative approaches, the center aims to empower students, educators, andcommunities alike, fostering a brighter future for mathematics education and STEM participation amongunderrepresented populations.If you are interested in supporting the HBCU Math Center @ JSU, contact the Project PI/coPIs Dr. KamalAli and Dr. Jennifer Young-Wallace (jennifer.k.young@jsums.edu) 27 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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Education NewsNew Directions in the College ofEducation and Human Development The College of Education and Human Development has prepared educators and otherprofessionals to be leaders in their respective fields for many years. We have produced graduatesthat have gone on to make a considerable difference at every level imaginable, from Dr. RoderickPaige serving as the 7th United States Secretary of Education to recent graduate Felix Nealexcelling in Kindergarten classrooms in his local community. We strive to build on this legacy ofexcellence and continue to grow our footprint in education, mental health, health relatedprofessions and enhancing professional skills acrossdisciplines.In spring 2024, we embarked on a journey to re-imagine the College of Education and HumanDevelopment and chart our pathway forward. We surveyed and conducted focus groups withstudents, faculty, and other stakeholders in order to identify our strengths; weaknesses; student,faculty, and community needs; and opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations. We wereable to utilize this information in order to formulate a vision for the College as a hub for strategiccollaborations, research, evaluation, professional development, and excellence in teacherpreparation. We see the College as a place to develop, pilot, and study innovative initiatives suchJackson Middle College. We see it as a place for faculty, students, and stakeholders with expertiseto be able to come together on our campus to share knowledge and grow together. This idea drivesour new "Teaching Tuesday" and "Training Thursday" professional development sessions whereour students, faculty, and stakeholders will be able to facilitate and participate in professionaldevelopment sessions. We envision the College as a place where both our graduate and undergraduate students haveopportunities to participate in research studies and intern like our recent graduate, Maleah Briggs,did with multiple agencies. We envision our College as a place where we build upon our existingpartnerships with entities such as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards,National Kidney Foundation, Southern Initiative Algebra Project, Regional Education LaboratorySoutheast, and Jackson Public School District and continue to forge new mutually beneficialpartnerships with other stakeholders.Finally, we believe that we have the responsibility to utilize our internal expertise to continue tobuild our College's capacity for greatness. Proper utilization of the talents of our faculty andcollaboration between our centers like the Mississippi Urban Research Center and the Center forProfessional Development will enable us to continue to consistently improve overtime and "elevateeducation."Tony Latiker, Ed.D.Interim Dean29 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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Department of ElementaryThe Jackson State University College ofEducation and Human Development’sDepartment of Elementary and Early ChildhoodEducation (EECE) was awarded the inauguralScience of Reading Excellence award by theMississippi Department of Education (MDE).JSU is the first and only public university toreceive this award in the state. The EECEdepartment also received an A+ distinction fromthe National Council on Teacher Quality(NCTQ) for going above and beyond thestandards set by literacy experts for coverage ofthe most effective methods of readinginstruction. In addition to these two prestigiousrecognitions, the college became one of 41educator preparation providers to receiveaccreditation from the Council for theAccreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).Being recognized as having Science of Readingexcellence demonstrates the EECE department’sdedication to researching the science of readingand gaining validated methodologies to apply inthe classroom.Professors in the EECE department attendedprofessional development and training centeredaround the science of reading to implement thelatest methods in their classrooms. ProfessorsTrashonda Dixon, Ed.D. and Tierra Flowers,Ed.D., were praised for attending almost everyprofessional development workshop that MDEoffered at the state level.“The significance of thisaward highlights the commitment of the faculty inthe Department to ensure that our pre-serviceteachers are being trained in evidence-basedreading instruction,” said Flowers, assistantprofessor of EECE. Since 2013, MDE has beenpromoting the shift to the science of reading in MSK-3 classrooms and has observed significant gainsin literacy rates compared to other statesnationwide. There has been collaboration betweenMDE literacy coaches and EECE professors toensure students at JSU are knowledgeable andprepared to implement the science of readingpractices when they enter classrooms to teach. and Early Childhood EducationExcels in LiteracyEd.D. (left) and Trashonda Dixon, Ed.D. (right) explain what receiving this recognition means to the Department of Elementaryand Early Childhood Education. (Photo by Anthony Howard/JSU)Education NewsJackson State University | 30

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Dion F. PorterCounseling, Rehabilitation, and Psychometric Services Faculty Complete CACREP Accreditation ProcessWe are thrilled to announce that the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and PsychometricServices at Jackson State University completed its' Council for the Accreditation of Counseling andRelated Educational Programs (CACREP) re-accreditation site visit process this past February 2024.The Department has had this prestigious designation since spring 2007, which underscores theDepartment’s commitment to excellence in counseling education and professional preparation.With the current CACREP accreditation, our academic master's programs are recognized for meetingrigorous standards of quality and effectiveness, and our faculty’s commitment to providing studentswith educational experience that prepares them to excel as ethical, skilled, and culturally competentprofessionals in the field of counseling is also highlighted. To have three CACREP accredited Master'sprograms speaks to the dedication of our faculty to prepare and train competent and qualifiedcounseling practitioners to serve a very diverse and complex society. We would like to first thank the Departmental CACREP liaison, Dr. Lakitta Johnson for her tirelessleadership during this endeavor, the entire counseling faculty and staff for all of their hard work andcommitment to the process, the participating students, alumni, site supervisors, advisory boardmembers and community partners. A special thanks goes to the Interim Dean of the College ofEducation and Human Development, Dr. Tony Latiker for all of his assistance, as well as support andparticipation from Academic Affairs, and all of the JSU staff who participated in the site visitinterviews. Finally, the charge of the Department next is to complete the site visit team recommendations, and thenmove forward in preparing the accredited programs according to the new 2024 CACREP Standardswhich the three accredited programs will now be governed and measured under. We look forward withgreat anticipation to educating and elevating the Counseling profession for years to come. Education News31 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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Farewell to Our College of Education23-24 RetireesMillard Bingham, AssociateProfessor of InterdisciplinaryStudies Dr. Millard Juette Bingham dedicated morethan 20-years of service to Jackson StateUniversity. He has held leadership andadministrative positions with the MississippiState Personnel Board, the MississippiDepartment of Education, and Jackson StateUniversity (JSU). His research interestsincluded: continuing education, workforcedevelopment, and higher educationadministration. Gloria J. Smith, Associate Professor andDirector of Student Support ServicesDr. Gloria Stamps Smith has devoted more than 23 years ofservice to Jackson State University. During this time, shehas dedicated herself to supporting the academicachievements of non-traditional adult learners. Herresearch interests included: Factors InfluencingNontraditional Students’ College Success and OnlineLearning and Adult Students. Dr. William Brown Elementary Educationfaculty member and longtime JSU supporter andadvocate retired Fall 2023. As Dr. Bingham, Dr. Smith, and Dr. Brown embark on thisnew chapter of their lives, we extend our sincerest gratitudefor years of service and dedication to the field of education.On behalf of the entire College of Education community, weextend our warmest wishes for a happy and fulfillingretirement. Thank you for your invaluable contributions,and may the years ahead be as rewarding as the ones youspent in service to education.Education News

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Health , Physical Education, andRecreation DepartmentLaunches New ConcentrationHealth and Physical Education Non-licensure ConcentrationThe Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) department is excited to announce theintroduction of a new Health and Physical Education Non-licensure concentration. Thisconcentration is designed to cater to students who aspire to pursue careers in diverse fields such asKinesiology, Exercise Science, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, andClinical Exercise Physiology. This innovative program will provide students with a robust foundationin health and physical education, complemented by specialized coursework tailored to their specificcareer interests.Curriculum. The curriculum for the Health and Physical Education Non-licensure concentration isstructured to ensure a well-rounded education while allowing for specialization. It includes corecourses in health and physical education, along with elective courses tailored to the student's careerpath. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application.Career Pathways. Graduates of the Health and Physical Education Non-licensure concentration willbe well-prepared for a variety of careers, including but not limited to:Kinesiology: Understanding human movement and applying this knowledge to improve health andperformance.Exercise Science: Analyzing and implementing exercise programs for diverse populations.Athletic Training: Preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries.Physical Therapy: Assisting patients in recovering from injuries and improving mobility.Occupational Therapy: Helping individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives.Clinical Exercise Physiology: Working in clinical settings to improve patient health throughexercise.To learn more, contact the HPER Department or visit the HPER Website by scanning the QR Code. Education NewsJackson State University | 32

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The Center for Student Engagement and Leadership has granted the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education authorization to reactivate the JSU chapter of the Student Education Association, also known as the Aspiring Educators Program for the 2024-2025 academic year. The Aspiring Educators Program supports, develops, and empowers diverse, pre-service teachers with the resources, networks, and opportunities to excel aseducators and leaders, both as students and throughout their career. It is the goal of the JSU chapter of the Aspiring Educators program to increase awareness and interest ineducation related careers, ultimately increasing the number of teacher education majors at theuniversity. The advisors for the organization are Drs. Kanesha Bennett, Kenya Horne, StephanieDavidson-Herndon.For more than two decades, the Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education has prepared learners toassume senior leadership roles in post-secondary institutions of higher learning as well as otherprofessional organizations. The EPhD Program aims to develop scholars, practitioners, researcherswho desire to gain advanced knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead and have a positiveinfluence on the operations of urban institutions of higher learning. If you are an experiencedadministrator or faculty member involved in a leadership role, the Executive PhD in Urban HigherEducation at JSU is your next logical step toward advancing your career. EPhD Program Recent and Upcoming ActivitiesThe EPhD Annual Student Conference was held August 2-3, 2024 at the Mississippi e-Center.Current students, faculty, and Higher Education experts gathered for another engaging intellectualexchange. The EPhD Program's 20th Year Celebration is currently scheduled for December 7, 2024, at theJackson Convention Center from 6pm to 9pm. To learn more about the Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education, contact: Phone: 601-979-3743Email: ephd@jsums.eduVisit us at: www.jsums.edu/ephd Executive PhD in UrbanHigher EducationJackson State University | 34Elementary Education Faculty Revive the Aspiring Educators ProgramEducation News

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Department of EducationalAdministration, Foundations, andLeadership Pilots Workshop Seriesto Support Graduate Student Success In Spring 2024, the Department of EAFR held a series of workshops for students. The firstworkshop was the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) training. EducationalLeadership candidates must pass the SLLA in order to obtain a principal/administratorcertification. Candidates engaged in a 2-part workshop that provided them with in depthtraining on all components of the SLLA with Dr. Dennis Bunch. The second workshop focusedon the Dissertation process. PhD candidates were able to get hands-on training and guidanceon developing their topics and chapters of the dissertation. The facilitator was Dr. ThelmaRoberson.Education News35 | The College of Education Magazine 2024

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