Southeast Missouri State University has been awarded American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education’s (AACTE) 2022 Best Practice Award for Innovative Use of Technology. Southeast’s Educator Preparation Program, within the College of Education, Health and Human Studies, is being recognized for its implementation of EDvolution®.
“We are thrilled for this recognition. It has been gratifying to see our University students benefit from the work of the EDvolution® initiatives” said Dr. Joe Pujol, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Studies (EHHS). “Even more satisfying is the realization that thousands of students in regional school districts have had their educational experience enriched through the work of the model and the Edvolution® Center with their teachers.”
Dr. Trudy Giasi, Southeast assistant professor of STEM Education, and Jana Gerard, coordinator of the University’s EDvolution® Center, will accept the award on March 6 at AACTE's 74th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The award is given annually by AACTE to recognize the successful infusion of technology in a school, college or department of education.
“Now in its 26th year, the AACTE Awards Program honors member institutions and individuals who have made bold, extraordinary, and innovative contributions to the profession of teacher education,” said Lynn M. Gangone, AACTE president and chief executive officer. “I look forward to recognizing Southeast Missouri State University’s innovative infusion of technology into the curriculum at the 74th Annual Meeting.”
As part of its EDvolution® approach, Southeast faculty model technology integration, provide students with opportunities to use and apply their knowledge and skills, and engage in ongoing professional development. Students, then, consistently engage with technology frameworks, technology tools, and instructional strategies in coursework and field experiences.
Through its implementation of the EDvolution® Model, Southeast is preparing innovative educators. Southeast first launched the EDvolution® Model in 2015 to cooperatively enhance preservice educators’ technological skills while serving the technology demands of area schools and districts.
“Successful implementation of the EDvolution® Model requires contributions from a variety of stakeholders,” Gerard said. “I am thrilled that the hard work of the faculty and staff of the Educator Preparation Program is being recognized. They ensure our teacher candidates are successful throughout their field experiences and student teaching and are also prepared for success in their teaching careers.”
The EDvolution® Center, with physical areas to support and aid faculty, students, and community educators, was opened in 2016. The Center provides a variety of learning, creation and collaboration spaces, as well as cutting-edge physical and digital teaching and learning technologies.
During the pandemic, the EDvolution® Model has supplied University professors, staff, students and area preschool-12th grade educators and students with digital resources for remote learning and professional development. The best practices learned and honed during this time include new digital modes of communication, an emphasis on efficient integration of educational technology for varied teaching modalities and innovations in providing equitable experiential learning opportunities for distance learners.
Graduate Assistants and EDvolution® Specialists who work in the EDvolution® Center are responsive to the needs of students, faculty and staff, Gerard said, and their hard work is being recognized as well.
“The support of the leadership of the College of Education, Health and Human Studies ensures the Center can then support students, faculty and staff with resources and emerging technologies,” Gerard said. “I am humbled to be part of an organization that is so committed to student success.”