Over the last 50 years, Larry Bohannon, PhD, has seen education from many angles — as a student, teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. Since 2007, he’s been sharing his wisdom with new and experienced teachers alike at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO).
“I am a storyteller, and I have plenty to share,” Bohannon says of his teaching philosophy. “Sometimes, putting it into a scenario helps the students ‘see’ what they are reading, even though they do not have the experience yet.”
This approach has helped SEMO’s education students become knowledgeable, confident educators. Even though Bohannon plans to retire from his roles as professor and elementary program coordinator in the near future, the care he has put into SEMO’s education programs, including the online Master of Arts in Elementary Education program and the newly developed online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program, ensures his impact will be felt for years to come.
Building Confidence Under Mentorship
Bohannon started his undergraduate studies in 1973 as a psychology major. He didn’t quite know what he wanted to do after graduation, so his advisor gave him an interest inventory to help him discern his path.
“She came back and said, ‘Well, it looks like you should be a preacher or a teacher,’” he says.
As a young Catholic who wanted to get married someday, Bohannon decided to give education a shot. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education Magna Cum Laude in December 1976 and quickly found a job midyear at the Catholic school he attended as a child.
However, Bohannon’s alma mater needed an English teacher, and he’d been preparing to teach math and science.
“I was scared to death of teaching sixth, seventh, and eighth grade English,” he says. “There was a sister there who had taught English, but she wanted to teach social studies. … She became my mentor. And so I tell my students, you can accomplish almost anything with a mentor.”
Becoming a Hands-On Administrator
After two and half years at the Catholic grade school, Bohannon pivoted to teaching in public schools in Sikeston, Missouri. Over the next 11 years, he taught science and math to middle and junior high students and gifted students in second through fifth grade, earning a Master of Arts in Education Administration at SEMO along the way.
In 1990, Bohannon made yet another transition and became an elementary school principal in his district.
“Being a principal of grades one through five was a change,” he says. “The thing that was the hardest moving to principal was I had to broaden that lens and see the whole picture.”
At the same time, Bohannon didn’t forget about classroom-level challenges or the power of mentorship and support.
“I would ask my teachers if I could teach and give them a break,” he says. “I did win the Principal of the Year award during that time, and it was so appreciated that others recognized the hard work.”
Retired but Not Finished
After earning a Specialist in Education Administration degree at SEMO in 1991 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Administration and Education Leadership in 1997, Bohannon stepped into the role of assistant superintendent at Sikeston R-6 Public Schools in 1999.
“My proudest moments are numerous,” Bohannon says of his career in administration. “Our scores were good on the standardized tests, the families were involved and hard-working, and my colleagues were exceptional. We also won the state award for professional development.”
Having given so much to teachers, students, and families in Sikeston, Bohannon retired in 2007. However, he had no intention of leaving education altogether.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Educators at SEMO
Remembering the quality of the education he received from Southeast Missouri State University, Bohannon joined the school’s faculty the same year he retired from his administrative position.
“I had been in education for 30-plus years and knew I wanted this,” he says of his decision to move into higher education. “I also had several former colleagues who had done the same. … SEMO had a great reputation for teaching.”
Bohannon has worked hard to add to that reputation. In addition to teaching classes on learning theory, literacy, and classroom management, he has taken every opportunity to be the mentor he had early in his career.
“Building a relationship with others is key to learning and understanding,” Bohannon says. “When you feel comfortable, you ask clarifying questions, you participate, and you enjoy coming to class.”
Making Online Education Accessible and Meaningful
As much as Bohannon has shaped SEMO’s on-campus education programming over the last 19 years, he’s also been involved with its online programming. Most recently, he’s been busy helping his colleagues develop the new SEMO Online BS in elementary education program.
“Hopefully, it will help students in areas that are too far away to drive to SEMO,” he says. “Many who need this program are working full time. This will afford them the opportunity to get a degree and continue to be employed. We want to help combat the teacher shortage, but the online format has to be quality.”
Even though Bohannon will be retired before the online program’s first students graduate, he has been working closely with his colleagues to ensure they have the tools they need so that the program can maintain the right balance between flexibility and quality.
“We have already built in an assessment protocol to check how it is working,” he says. “We will disaggregate Praxis scores to see how the students score on the high-stakes tests.”
Prioritizing the Students’ Experience
According to Bohannon, providing students with a rigorous curriculum is only part of what is required to help students pass their certification exams. Making sure they have the right tools is just as important.
“We have several supports,” he says. “The Writing Lab is excellent, to help with writing and grammar. SEMO Online is available to work with students and professors to solve any problems they may encounter. The Instructional Technology team is there to help with any Canvas issues. This is where SEMO Online outdoes the competition, in my opinion.”
But whether SEMO’s education students enroll online or on campus, Bohannon is confident they can have an impact in their schools and districts.
“I can honestly say from the comments I hear that our graduates are more prepared than any others,” he says. “I know SEMO puts students in the field more hours than required. Practice does not make perfect, but it certainly makes it better.”
Become the Teacher-Mentor Today’s Students Need
With SEMO’s online MA in Elementary Education and new online BS in Elementary Education programs, more educators than ever can learn from informed, passionate professionals like Larry Bohannon, PhD.
“SEMO always hires faculty who have practical experience,” Bohannon says of his colleagues. “I also think SEMO faculty stays current in the field by adding professional training, working as consultants in the schools, or even substitute teaching themselves to stay current.”
Whether you’re looking to get certified for grades one through six or to hone your skills in math, science, reading, early childhood or special education, you can start at SEMO Online. Request more information today.
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