News and Highlights

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Last Updated: Sep 16, 2025, 12:08 PM

SOE Newsletter, September 2025 Issue

Note from the Dean

Dean Groves-ScottHey School of Education Students,
Welcome to a brand-new academic year! We kicked things off with a lot of energy at our Ice Cream Social, which gave us time to meet and make connections with other students and faculty. It was a great way to start the semester and celebrate being part of the SOE community.

We also had a blast at Cruise the SOE, where we welcomed more than 40 new freshmen into our School of Education family. Their excitement and curiosity are exactly why this community is so special—and we’re thrilled to support them as they begin their journeys here.

Here’s to a year full of learning, connection, and new opportunities. We can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish!

– Dean Groves-Scott

Announcing Fall 2025 Student Engagement Scholarship

What if applying for a scholarship was as easy as attending a study session with friends or listening to faculty share their advice for success? This fall, it really is that simple! The School of Education will award a $500 Engagement Scholarship to a student majoring in a School of Education program who participates in at least one eligible School of Education event during the fall semester. Each time a student attends one of our eligible events, they will earn an entry into the Fall 2025 Engagement Scholarship Drawing. The more School of Education events you attend, the more entries you gain. This scholarship is designed to encourage students to get involved, build meaningful connections with peers and faculty, and engage in experiences that support academic and personal growth. For more information about this scholarship opportunity, please visit the School of Education’s website.

SOE Student Spotlight

Vianne Taft We’re shining the light on Vianne Taft (Elementary Education) for September’s SOE Student Spotlight!

Inspired by her experiences babysitting and volunteering in her church’s Kids’ Ministry, Vianne has always had a passion for working with children. She credits the influence of her teachers for inspiring her to pursue a career in education, especially her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Walter, who first sparked her interest in teaching when she gave Vianne the opportunity to be “teacher for the day.” Vianne shares, “It was one of the first times I can remember feeling called to be a teacher—I felt so confident and comfortable in front of the class! Her favorite memory with the School of Education is her first clinical placement in a third-grade classroom, an experience that made her even more excited to step into her own classroom in the future. Vianne is actively involved in the Elementary Education Student Organization and the Pickleball Club. In her free time, she enjoys hiking at Inspiration Point, running around Campus Lake, spending time with her family and friends, and visiting her favorite local spot, Common Grounds Cafe. She credits her professors—especially Amy Tallman — for their encouragement and support.

SOE Faculty Research Spotlight

Alex J. Armonda Alex J. Armonda serves as Assistant Professor (Curriculum Theory) in the School of Education. He teaches courses on educational foundations in the Curriculum and Instruction program. Alex started his career in education as a middle school ELA teacher in Chicago. Prior to arriving at SIU, he earned his PhD at UT Austin (Cultural Studies in Education). Alex's research explores new intersections in critical pedagogy, critical theory, and educational philosophy. Visit the School of Education’s website to learn more about the recent publication of his first book, A Lacanian Foundation for Critical Pedagogy.

New Location for Office of Teacher Education

The Office of Teacher Education has moved to Wham 110! Students are encouraged to drop by with any questions. The Office of Teacher Education provides the following services:

  • Supports students through all stages of the Teacher Education Program (admission → clinicals → content test → student teaching → licensure) ensuring compliance with state licensure requirements.
  • Provides students individualized guidance in coordinating clinical placements, student teaching, and field experiences for students while creating partnerships with area schools.
  • Connects with staff for guidance and problem-solving regarding requirement progression and staying on track with coursework and program milestones.
  • Hosts seminars, workshops, or advising sessions focused on preparing future educators for the demands of the classroom.

Three School of Education Alums Earn Prestigious Awards from The Golden Apple Foundation

Karen Engelmann and Matthew Erbach, both School of Education alumni, were recently awarded the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes outstanding teachers for their roles in having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and building stronger communities. Engelmann and Erbach are two of 11 award recipients in Illinois. Following a highly competitive process, the 2025 teaching award recipients were selected from more than 400 nominations of 9th-12th grade teachers. Mike LaScola, a School of Education alumni, was awarded the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership. This award honors outstanding school leaders for their roles in having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and building stronger communities. Mike LaScola is one of 2 award recipients in Illinois. Following a highly competitive process, the 2025 leadership award recipients were selected from more than 80 nominations of Pre-K-12th grade school leaders.

Generous Donation from School of Education Alumni

Mr. Marc Chang, CEO of Olive Branch International Education services, has generously contributed a $10,000 donation to SIU Foundation in support of Dr. Cheng-Yao Lin’s doctoral student and his professional development. Mr. Chang was Dr. Lin's former SIU student. This gift will make a meaningful difference by providing valuable resources and opportunities to advance academic growth. Mr. Chang’s generosity will have a significant impact in the upcoming academic year, helping to foster excellence and innovation in research and scholarship. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to supporting the next generation of scholars.

SOE Publication Corner

Dr. Yvonne Hunter Dr. Yvonne Hunter has published a peer-reviewed article titled “Empowering Veterans in Career Transition: The Development of a Model for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the Civilian Workforce" in New Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development. This work explores the often-overlooked experience of imposter syndrome among veterans as they transition to civilian careers. Grounded in human resource development (HRD) principles, the article introduces the Hunter Model—a practical, research-informed framework aimed at helping veterans reframe their military competencies and navigate identity shifts in the civilian workforce.

Key contributions include:

  • A comprehensive review of imposter syndrome's causes and impact on veteran well-being and workforce integration
  • The introduction of a model that centers HRD professionals in the design of supportive, inclusive transition strategies
  • Actionable guidance for translating military experience into civilian-recognized qualifications and confidence

This article adds to the limited, yet growing body of research focused on veterans’ career transitions, mental health, and workplace inclusion—areas that deserve far more attention in academic and professional circles.

Dr. Hunter states, “I hope this work inspires further dialogue, research, and most importantly, action in support of those who’ve served. Special thanks to all veterans and military personnel for your service—and to my colleagues in HRD for the continued work in building affirming, purpose-driven post-military pathways.”

Brian CroftBrian Croft, director of the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center and current School of Education graduate student pursuing a PhD in Higher Education, co-authored an article titled “Anxiety in Outdoor Experiential Education: Examining Predictors, Sources, and Implications for Program Design” published in the June edition of the journal Mental Health and the Natural Environment. The research examines how pre-trip anxiety influences participation and engagement in outdoor experiential education programs. The authors particularly focused on the sources, predictors and progressions of pre-trip anxiety in participants while taking into account their experience levels, gender differences and the types of activities.

Upcoming SOE Events

SOE Student Ambassador Information Session *
September 10, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Wham 219

SOE Ice Cream Pop-Up *
September 11, 2025
11:30 am -1:00 pm
Wham Courtyard

Walk the Walk with SOE *
September 17, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Becker Pavilion

SOE Tie Dye Party *
September 25, 2025
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Wham Courtyard

SOE Lunchtime Bowling Session *
September 30, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Student Center Bowling & Billiards

* Event is eligible for entry into the Fall 2025 SOE Student Engagement Scholarship.

For more information about upcoming School of Education events, please visit our Student Event Calendar and keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook pages!