#FacultySpotlight Archives - Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/tag/facultyspotlight/ Graduate Programs for OAESA, Concordia University Chicago Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:47:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2019/05/cropped-oaesa-favicon-32x32.png #FacultySpotlight Archives - Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/tag/facultyspotlight/ 32 32 Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Kevin Miller, Adjunct Professor of Ohio Superintendent Licensure, Ohio Principal Licensure, & Ohio Teacher Leader Endorsement https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/2022/10/12/faculty-spotlight-dr-kevin-miller-adjunct-professor-of-ohio-superintendent-licensure-ohio-principal-licensure-ohio-teacher-leader-endorsement/ https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/2022/10/12/faculty-spotlight-dr-kevin-miller-adjunct-professor-of-ohio-superintendent-licensure-ohio-principal-licensure-ohio-teacher-leader-endorsement/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2022 16:34:22 +0000 https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/?p=1837 Meet Dr. Kevin Miller, a highly experienced Adjunct Professor of Ohio Superintendent Licensure, Ohio Principal Licensure, and Ohio Teacher Leader Endorsement. He is an experienced superintendent who is known throughout the state for his dedication to the field. What programs do you teach at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What drew you to this field […]

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Meet Dr. Kevin Miller, a highly experienced Adjunct Professor of Ohio Superintendent Licensure, Ohio Principal Licensure, and Ohio Teacher Leader Endorsement. He is an experienced superintendent who is known throughout the state for his dedication to the field.

What programs do you teach at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What drew you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

I am an Adjunct Professor of Ohio Superintendent Licensure, Ohio Principal Licensure, & Ohio Teacher Leader Endorsement at OAESA in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago (CUC). I have taught several classes over the years since starting with Concordia University in 2007, but most recently, my focus has been on leading the Superintendent Internship course.

In the past, I taught online courses for North Central University out of Arizona. When Julie Davis, the Executive Director of OAESA at the time, asked me to consider teaching courses through CUC as part of OAESA’s program, I jumped at the chance. Dr. Davis and I have been colleagues and friends for several years (we earned our doctorates together through OAESA), so working alongside her and the team at OAESA was an appealing offer for me.

I am continually energized in my teaching at OAESA with CUC because I work with educational leaders from around the state of Ohio who are seeking to build their skills as educators and who aspire to step into new leadership roles. They bring so much energy in their interactions with one another and with me that I can’t help but feed off that energy. I have worked with educators from all over the nation, and I can attest, the educators I work with in the classes that I lead are uniquely qualified and incredibly special.

How will your programs better prepare/equip educators for the current climate they are facing? How will it help them tackle today’s education challenges?

The courses at OAESA are designed to address important issues that impact educators and the school districts they serve. In their ongoing discussion posts and in larger assignments, Concordia students are researching and reflecting on issues that include diversity, equity, and inclusion; school funding; family and community engagement; curriculum development; school policy and more.

What is incredibly valuable is that each class is made up of students who represent a variety of backgrounds—from small rural districts to large urban districts. They share some of the same problems, but they also reflect a diversity of realities. Students learn from each other by providing examples from their school districts and sharing those diverse realities. It’s real-life learning at its best.

What attracted you to teach at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What sets them apart?

OAESA has long been a pacesetter in Ohio when it comes to providing support and professional development for school administrators. Forging this partnership with Concordia is an example of how OAESA has been progressive in providing learning opportunities for educators and administrators from all over Ohio.

Because OAESA and CUC have worked together to provide meaningful and challenging programs, educators from across the state have been able to improve teaching and learning in Ohio’s classrooms. It’s hard to match the level of partnership exhibited by OAESA and Concordia. It’s what sets them apart from other graduate-level programs.

What is your professional background as an educator/superintendent?

Degrees/Certifications

I received my Bachelor of Science in English Education from Defiance College. My Master of Science in Secondary Education was earned at Indiana University, while my Principal’s and Superintendent’s Certification work was completed at the University of Dayton. I earned my Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Superintendent Background

I served as Superintendent of Hicksville Village Schools in Defiance County, Ohio for seven years before becoming Superintendent of Ottawa Hills Schools in Toledo for nine years. For three years, I served as Director of Governmental Relations for the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA). BASA is Ohio’s Superintendent organization—the Superintendent’s version of OAESA. In this role, I worked with legislators to impact education-related legislation and acted as a liaison between the Statehouse and Ohio’s superintendents.

But I found that my heart is in the schoolhouse, not the “statehouse”, so recently I transitioned back to the Superintendency. I am currently Superintendent of Licking Heights Schools in Pataskala, Ohio. Licking Heights is one of Ohio’s fastest growing school districts, impacted greatly by large corporations located in the area, such as Google, Facebook, Amgen, and American Electric Power.

Tell us a little about yourself. Why did you become interested in education?

It was my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Louisa Matthews, who convinced me that I wanted to be a teacher. She was fun, she was happy, and she named me classroom librarian. Instead of finding subjects and verbs, we had the chance to write wonderful stories and to make classroom presentations.

It was hands-on, student-directed education, making Mrs. Matthews decades ahead of her time back in 1969. Mrs. Matthews was one of many wonderful teachers who taught me during my educational career. It was easy to see they loved what they did. I wanted a career that gave me something that gave me joy each day; I never wanted to be anything but a teacher.

What would you tell prospective students considering your programs about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

In Dr. Jim Bray’s Foundations of Education class my freshman year at The Defiance College, I remember a phrase from the textbook: “A great educator has ‘a cause beyond oneself.’” I’ve never forgotten that.

Every great educator knows what I’m talking about. Try to go back and remember something specific that a teacher taught you and you’ll have a hard time coming up with an answer. What year did you first study Christopher Columbus? When did you realize what an adverb is? How about long division, when did you first learn that?

But if I ask you how a teacher treated you, the memories that a teacher created for you in a classroom—those things you’ll remember.

There is a quote that goes: “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The lessons you teach are important; the lessons you model are critical.

It’s the type of instructor I strive to be. I realize that the learners in my classrooms have jobs, they have families, they have a life beyond the classroom. I create a caring, compassionate classroom where students feel supported. They feel understood. We journey through the course together, and we come out on the other end stronger, better people.

I have many learners who stay in touch with me as they continue their educational careers. I’ve written many letters of recommendations and I’ve even made phone calls on behalf of former students. Some will come to me for advice. It’s not as much about the course content as it is about growing as people and professionals, expanding our network of friends and colleagues.

I believe that caring for the student is paramount in OAESA’s and CUC’s approach. That’s why they are such effective partners.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their Ohio Superintendent Licensure? How can people stand out in this field?

Even if you don’t think you want to be a superintendent, earning your superintendent’s license will make you a better educator. You will have a system’s view of how a school district runs and how decisions are made. It gives you an entirely new perspective.

And for those who are intent on becoming a superintendent—good for you! Teachers impact classrooms of students. Principals impact buildings of students. Superintendents impact entire communities. It is an incredibly special opportunity when you can have an impact on a community’s and a school district’s culture. It really is life-changing work—for you and for those you serve.

Those who stand out in the field are those who have a servant’s heart. They understand that the Superintendent is the biggest servant in the district. We are there to serve our faculty and staff, our students, and our community. When you have this focus, you are committed to providing the very best for the people you care about and care for.

Dr. Kevin Miller, Ed.D. Bio:

Kevin S. Miller, Ed.D. is originally from Grover Hill, located in northwest Ohio’s Paulding County. He is a graduate of Wayne Trace High School. After graduating from Defiance College with a degree in English Education, he returned to his hometown to teach English/Language Arts at Wayne Trace Jr./Sr. High School. He taught from 1983 to 1996 after which he led the jr./sr. high school for six years as principal. In 1992, he was named “Teacher of the Year” by the Wayne Trace Academic Boosters.

After serving for one year as assistant elementary principal at Hicksville Village Schools, Dr. Miller was named the district’s superintendent. He led Hicksville Schools for seven years. During that time, he oversaw the design and construction of a new Pre-K through 12 school building. Under his direction, the Hicksville School System received an academic rating of “Excellent With Distinction”—the Ohio Department of Education’s highest rating. In addition, Hicksville Elementary was named a School of Promise and Hicksville High School twice received the National Pacesetter Award for the district’s implementation of the High Schools That Work school improvement model.

Dr. Miller served as superintendent of Ottawa Hills Schools from 2010 to 2019. The Ottawa Hills School District is considered among the very best in Ohio and the nation. In 2015, Ottawa Hills became the first district in Ohio to earn all A’s on its district and building Local Report Cards issued by the Ohio Department of Education. The district repeated that feat in 2016, ’17, ’18, and ‘19—the only school district in Ohio to do so. During Dr. Miller’s tenure as superintendent, Ottawa Hills received statewide and national recognition by Forbes, US News and World Report, Newsweek, the Washington Post, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

On August 1, 2019, Dr. Miller became the Director of Governmental Relations for the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA). In that position, he lobbied on behalf of public school districts across Ohio and served as a liaison between the Statehouse and Ohio’s superintendents.

For the past ten years, Dr. Miller has also served as an adjunct professor for Concordia University of Chicago, leading courses in the university’s superintendent licensure program.

Dr. Miller was named the superintendent of Licking Heights Schools on June 25, 2022.

Dr. Miller has served on the Executive Boards of the Hicksville Schools Foundation, the Huber Opera House, the Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation (of which he was a founding member), the Lucas County American Cancer Society, and the Ohio Association of Local School Superintendents. Dr. Miller was a founding member and Vice-President of the Coalition of Advocates for Pre-K through 16 Education (CAPE). He has been named to and chaired many statewide committees for the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, the Ohio Department of Education, and the Ohio High School Athletic Association. For the past three years he has served as President of the Ohio Education Policy Institute and the ABC Political Action Committee. In 2021, Governor DeWine named Dr. Miller to the Ohio Humanities Council.

Throughout his career, he has made presentations at many educational conferences and to various organizations, churches, and schools around the state.

In 2016, Dr. Miller was honored with the Defiance College Alumni Citation for Academic Excellence. He was recognized as “Volunteer of the Year” by the Van Wert County Project You and Me program. In 2019, he was named Ohio’s Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Miller earned his Master’s Degree from Indiana University and his Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Miller lives in New Albany with his wife, Carla, who is a third-grade instructional assistant at the Columbus Academy. They have four sons. Yale is a junior at the University of Cincinnati. Three sons attend New Albany Schools: Collin (Senior), Breckin (Sophomore), and Sterling (8th Grader).

Interested in pursuing your graduate education? Check out our education graduate programs and get started today!

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Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Karen Bachman, Adjunct Professor, Ohio Principal Licensure Program, Ohio Superintendent Licensure Program, and Ohio Teacher Leader Endorsement Program https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/2022/05/23/faculty-spotlight-dr-karen-bachman-adjunct-professor-ohio-principal-licensure-program-ohio-superintendent-licensure-program-and-ohio-teacher-leader-endorsement-program/ https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/2022/05/23/faculty-spotlight-dr-karen-bachman-adjunct-professor-ohio-principal-licensure-program-ohio-superintendent-licensure-program-and-ohio-teacher-leader-endorsement-program/#respond Mon, 23 May 2022 20:11:41 +0000 https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/?p=1729 Meet the passionate Dr. Karen Bachman, OAESA with Concordia University Chicago’s adjunct professor of Ohio Principal Licensure Program, Ohio Superintendent Licensure Program, Ohio Teacher Leader Endorsement Program, and principal internship supervisor. What programs do you teach at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What drew you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about […]

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Meet the passionate Dr. Karen Bachman, OAESA with Concordia University Chicago’s adjunct professor of Ohio Principal Licensure Program, Ohio Superintendent Licensure Program, Ohio Teacher Leader Endorsement Program, and principal internship supervisor.

What programs do you teach at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What drew you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

I have been an educator for more than 40 years. I spent 17 years teaching grades first through eighth, with most of my experience in the first grade. During that time, I became interested in being a teacher leader and realized the impact I could make in the field of administration.

My career evolved into 16 years as an elementary school administrator. During this time, I was asked to teach a graduate course at a small private college and found that I enjoyed helping teachers become teacher leaders.

Presently, I teach two courses at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, both in educational leadership:

  • EDJ 6131 School Evaluation and the Change Process
  • EDL 6983 and 6984

For the Principal Internship (EDL 6984), I am a supervisor. I greatly enjoy building relationships with my students, guiding them through the courses as they begin to implement positive change in their schools, and learning about schools PreK-12 all over the state.

How will your programs better prepare/equip educators for the current climate they are facing? How will it help them tackle today’s education challenges?

The program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago is comprehensive and provides today’s teacher leaders with the tools needed to move into the administrative role. I have been pleased that CUC stays current and revises assignments based on current educational needs. For example, implementing the Equity Audit assignment in the principal internship, and including cultural awareness throughout assignments and discussion prompts.

What attracted you to teach at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What sets them apart?

I earned my doctorate through the SAIL program before OAESA partnered with Concordia. When I was asked to consider a position as an internship supervisor, I was honored and excited to work with future principals.

During the past nine years, I have had the chance to work closely with other educators from OAESA with Concordia University Chicago and have been impressed with the knowledge base of my colleagues and their diverse experiences. I also believe that CUC is set apart in their programming and authentic assignments that meet the needs of our students as they achieve the goal of administrator during these challenging times.

What is your professional background as an educator?

My journey through higher education has been long and varied, I received my B.S. degree in Teacher Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. My M.A. degree in teacher leadership was from Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio. My administrative license was achieved through course work at the University of Toledo.

Finally, my Ed.D. through the SAIL program at OAESA took place online from North Central University in Prescott, Arizona. This spring I will retire from teaching at Miami University in the Teacher Education Department, but I will continue to work with the students at OAESA with CUC. I find it very rewarding to work with future principals.

Tell us a little about yourself. Why did you become interested in education?

My mom was a second-grade teacher and from the time I was young, I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I have always had a passion for reading and wanted to share my love of books with young children. To this day, I share books with friends and students whenever appropriate.

What would you tell prospective students considering your programs about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

To any prospective students considering OAESA with Concordia University Chicago as an option for graduate school, you will be pleased with the authentic, thought-provoking courses. The assignments are well written and easy to follow for completion. The instructors are experienced in educational leadership, administration, and supervision. For me personally, I give a great deal of feedback to my students and share my own experiences whenever it is appropriate.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their Ohio educational leadership licensures and endorsements? How can people stand out in this field?

For future Ohio students pursuing their educational licensure, I want you to know you are needed in the role of an educational leader. The profession needs caring individuals who are willing to go the extra mile to meet the needs of students, staff, and school families. You can be the one to make a difference in the lives of many! This is the best feeling and makes the job very rewarding. Remember, this job is all about building relationships.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

One final piece of advice is to take time to reflect every day. Think about that instance when you made a difference in someone’s life and make this your focus. You won’t regret this!

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Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Zachary Howard, Adjunct Professor, Ohio Principal and Superintendent Licensure Program and Teacher Leader Endorsement Program https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/2022/03/09/faculty-spotlight-dr-zachary-howard-adjunct-professor-ohio-principal-and-superintendent-licensure-program-and-teacher-leader-endorsement-program/ https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/2022/03/09/faculty-spotlight-dr-zachary-howard-adjunct-professor-ohio-principal-and-superintendent-licensure-program-and-teacher-leader-endorsement-program/#respond Wed, 09 Mar 2022 18:40:31 +0000 https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/?p=1660 What programs do you teach at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What drew you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it? I currently teach EDL 7100 – The Superintendency and EDL 6231 – Ohio: School Law for the Ohio Principal and Superintendent Licensure Program and Teacher Leader Endorsement Program. As a […]

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What programs do you teach at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What drew you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

I currently teach EDL 7100 – The Superintendency and EDL 6231 – Ohio: School Law for the Ohio Principal and Superintendent Licensure Program and Teacher Leader Endorsement Program. As a young school administrator, I appreciated the time I had to engage in dialogue with my peers in educational leadership positions in or outside of the school district I served through professional organizations.

I learned early on that educational leadership requires us to be collaborative, and the greatest solutions to common challenges are found when we work together and share past experiences or divergent ways of thinking. While I pursued my Doctorate of Education through OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, I became accustomed to participating in the online threaded discussions that accompany most courses. Within those discussions, I found a network of passionate educators willing to challenge or elevate my thinking.

When I was asked to consider teaching with Concordia, I was excited for the opportunity to continue engaging in meaningful conversations centered around relevant topics that prepare our next generation of school leaders for the excitement and challenges ahead of them. While I’m no longer the student, I’m still networking and learning from the students, just like I did as a student! It’s an exercise of life-long learning that keeps me excited.

How will your programs better prepare/equip educators for the current climate they are facing? How will it help them tackle today’s education challenges?

While teaching the standards and addressing the outcomes associated with each course, I’m able to modify an assignment to make sure it is relevant to the student no matter where they serve as an educator. The School Law course allows us to consider cases that are recent or “in our own backyards” so that when we’re discussing school law and the knowledge required to serve as a school leader, it’s more meaningful and relevant to the students and the districts they serve in.

By sharing hypothetical scenarios or applying past experiences from districts we’ve served in, we’re able to use our knowledge and learning for new experiences we face within our leadership positions in our districts.

What attracted you to teach at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What sets them apart?

I found OAESA and Concordia to be great partners while I was pursuing my doctorate. The two organizations were in sync, which is a real credit to the leaders of both organizations. As an adjunct professor, I’m comfortable teaching courses where I know they have the best interest at heart for their students.

What is your professional background as an educator?

I began teaching biology in a large suburban school district near Columbus, Ohio. Early on, I realized that I enjoyed collaborating with my colleagues to benefit the students we teach. I earned my Master of Science degree (and Principal Licensure) from the University of Dayton in Educational Leadership in 2002.

I served as a dean of students, assistant high school principal, high school principal, director of HR, and assistant superintendent in the same district I began my career in. In 2019, I earned my Doctor of Education degree from Concordia University Chicago. I currently serve as the superintendent for Mount Gilead Exempted Village Schools, a smaller rural school district in Ohio.

Tell us a little about yourself. Why were you interested in education?

I was drawn toward teaching and coaching because, like many, I had teachers that inspired me to be a better version of myself. As a biology teacher, I hope I inspired my students in the same manner that Mr. Herrmann inspired me back in the day! As an educational leader, I can work with staff and remind them that learning starts with a positive relationship.

What would you tell prospective students considering your programs about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

I’m in the role of the “teacher” while serving as an adjunct faculty member; what I’d like to share with my students and colleagues is that I appreciate their diverse experiences in education. I’m able to sharpen my saw by engaging with them, fellow faculty and students.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their Ohio educational leadership licensure and endorsements? How can people stand out in this field?

Regardless of whether or not you end up being the principal or superintendent in the districts you serve, the pursuit of licensure and endorsements is a worthy adventure regardless! As educators, we all need to be lifelong learners, and leadership opportunities abound in Ohio Schools. The pursuit of learning will be worth it to the kids whether we lead a TBT or PBIS committee in our buildings or serve as the principal.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

As a student involved in the OAESA with Concordia University Chicago program, I found that the courses were very well aligned for work and life balances. Additionally, I found that many of my professional endeavors provided the experience to draw and reflect upon while navigating individual graduate-level courses. As an adjunct faculty member, the need to promote a work and life balance is not lost on me.  I’ve found that my colleagues appreciate the same. If you go through the OAESA with Concordia University Chicago program, I believe you’ll build a network of fellow professionals that are there for you as you learn, earn your degree, or even well beyond into your careers!

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Faculty Spotlight: Melissa Butsko, Graduate Program Specialist https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/2021/01/08/faculty-spotlight-melissa-butsko-graduate-program-specialist/ https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/2021/01/08/faculty-spotlight-melissa-butsko-graduate-program-specialist/#respond Fri, 08 Jan 2021 17:09:36 +0000 https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/?p=1252 What is your role with OAESA and SAIL for Education in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago? I am a Graduate Program Specialist (GPS) responsible for providing comprehensive advising services to graduate students enrolled in Concordia University Chicago’s graduate programs. I work specifically with Ohio educators, monitoring student progress from enrollment to registration to program completion. […]

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What is your role with OAESA and SAIL for Education in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago?

I am a Graduate Program Specialist (GPS) responsible for providing comprehensive advising services to graduate students enrolled in Concordia University Chicago’s graduate programs. I work specifically with Ohio educators, monitoring student progress from enrollment to registration to program completion. I am in regular contact with students regarding admission, registration, financial aid, textbook purchasing, and IT services. I send reminders regarding critical deadlines, monitor student progress toward a degree, and assist students in obtaining transfer credits when necessary. I keep track of academic course requirements for each student, and I also work as a liaison between our students and their instructors, the registrar’s office, financial aid, and student services. 

Tell us a little about yourself. What would you tell prospective students considering your program about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

I am a graduate of Ohio University and have been working with educators for over 20 years. I joined SAIL for Education and Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA) in the fall of 2006. I believe I have a servant’s heart and take great satisfaction in helping our students successfully navigate their online learning experience. I value good customer service and am student-centered. I am accessible to all of our students and will help answer questions no matter how big or small.

I live in the Central Ohio area and two of my five children still attend high school in the South-Western City School district. While working at OAESA, I came to know many Ohio educators and am happy to assist them with their goal of attaining licensure or a graduate degree.

How will you assist your students as they better prepare/equip themselves for the current climate we are in, specifically with COVID-19 and the move to online/hybrid learning?

The OAESA and SAIL for Education in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago program was designed to be a remote learning program from its inception. We have been offering online coursework for over 10 years. I am here to support our students as they navigate their coursework while confronting professional and personal barriers. I check in through email with all students on a regular basis, but also provide support and encouragement with phone calls. The students get to know that I am easy to work with and will help them to set new course timelines if needed. I can give them options to consider for new schedules and reassure them of what they need for program completion.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their graduate degree? How can people stand out in this field?

Before pursuing a graduate degree, educators should be clear on their future career goals. We offer several leadership programs that include endorsement or licensure. Knowing what future position you would like to attain will help determine which program to pursue. Attaining a graduate degree, especially online, takes commitment. Students who excel are the ones who dedicate their time to the readings, discussion boards, and regular online check-ins.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

There are many universities with great graduate programs, however, what sets us apart is our customer service. I will stay committed and connected to my students from entrance to graduation. This is why a OAESA and SAIL for Education in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago program is the best. I would love to discuss any of our programs and I can be reached at 614-557-9209 or through email at butsko@oaesa.org.

Start your next educational journey and explore the available programs at OAESA and SAIL for Education in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago.

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Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Rebecca Hornberger, Interim Associate Dean, College of Education, Department Chair OAESA with Concordia University Chicago https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/2020/12/02/faculty-spotlight-dr-rebecca-hornberger-interim-associate-dean-college-of-education-department-chair-oaesa-and-sail-for-education-in-conjunction-with-concordia-university-chicago/ https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/2020/12/02/faculty-spotlight-dr-rebecca-hornberger-interim-associate-dean-college-of-education-department-chair-oaesa-and-sail-for-education-in-conjunction-with-concordia-university-chicago/#respond Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:18:28 +0000 https://www.graduateprogram.org/oaesa-concordia-chicago/?p=1217 What programs do you teach/oversee through the partnership between OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What keeps you excited about it? Through my role as chair of the partnership between OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, I oversee all leadership programs that are offered in Ohio. This includes teacher leadership offered as an endorsement only or as […]

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What programs do you teach/oversee through the partnership between OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What keeps you excited about it?

Through my role as chair of the partnership between OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, I oversee all leadership programs that are offered in Ohio. This includes teacher leadership offered as an endorsement only or as an endorsement embedded within a master’s or doctoral degree.

Our programs also include Ohio principal licensure as a stand-alone program or embedded within a master’s or doctoral degree, and Ohio superintendent licensure as a stand-alone program or embedded in a doctoral degree. Furthermore, we offer programs for Ohio educators who want to advance their knowledge base in a specific specialty area such as differentiated instruction.

How will your program better prepare/equip educators for the current climate, specifically with COVID-19 and the move to online/hybrid learning?

Since 2007, OAESA has been a pioneer in online learning formats for educators, and CUC has also been on the cutting edge as a brick and mortar institution offering innovative online degree options to educators. OAESA’s online learning opportunities have positively impacted educator professional learning for many years, thereby also having a positive influence on innovative approaches to online learning throughout the state.

As our educators engage in highly effective online learning strategies and platforms, they can apply this learning to their classrooms and school buildings. During these uncertain times, when learning platforms and strategies change quickly, our educators have a deep understanding of how to teach and lead effectively, whether virtually, hybrid, or in face-to-face formats.

Why did you decide to become a faculty member for OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What sets this program apart from others?

The partnership between OAESA with Concordia University Chicago merges OAESA’s deep knowledge base of effective leadership practices with high quality and rigorous, yet flexible, graduate licensure and degree programs that are grounded in state and national standards.

As an Ohio principal, I was already a member of OAESA, and I found their support of administrators to be critical to my success as a principal. As I completed the Ph.D. program through the partnership, I came to realize just how much the program contributed to my knowledge base and effectiveness as a building leader.

When the opportunity arose to join the faculty of CUC and to chair this unique partnership, I was thrilled! I knew that, through this role, I would be able to expand my reach by having a positive impact on education and leadership practices throughout our state and beyond. This program is truly unique in that it connects our students to practitioners in the field and engages them with their professional organization (OAESA).

What is your professional background (including degrees) as an educator? 

I completed my bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Ohio University and taught fifth grade in the Pickerington Local School District for 16 years. During that time, I completed my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. As I continued to refine my professional practices and engage in various teacher leadership roles, building and district leaders began approaching me suggesting that I pursue an advanced degree and obtain principal licensure.

I found the OAESA and SAIL for Education in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago partnership and enrolled in the Ph.D. School Leadership degree program with Ohio principal licensure embedded. The principal licensure coursework was front-loaded, so I completed that licensure first. I then began serving as an elementary principal in a K-4 building while also completing the remainder of my doctoral program.

Tell us a little about yourself. Why did you become interested in education?

I always knew I wanted to be an educator. My mother was a teacher and my father served the public as a county health commissioner. They taught me from a very young age that our lives are made more meaningful by serving others. This commitment to service is woven into the fabric of who I am as an educator. I started my career as a fifth-grade teacher and progressed to serving as an elementary principal prior to moving into higher education.

I learned very quickly that students wouldn’t learn from me unless they were certain that I cared for them and believed in their abilities. I was a champion for my students in the classroom and while serving as a principal, and I continue to champion the students who I serve today at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago.

What would you tell prospective students about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

I want prospective students to know that I am dedicated to ensuring that our programs provide exceptional preparation for school and district-level leadership. I live out my commitment to serving the students and educators of Ohio through my work with the partnership. Further, all faculty and staff at Concordia University Chicago commit themselves to all aspects of service to students, from the time students enter the program to graduation and beyond.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their graduate education degree? How can people stand out in this field? 

Educators who are considering the pursuit of an advanced degree must evaluate their future career goals and plan accordingly. Engaging in discussions with colleagues and fellow educators can help to clarify personal strengths and potential future goals.

For example, Ohio principal licensure opens doors to diverse administrative positions, and this can vary from district to district. Positions for which districts may require principal licensure include special education coordinators, technology specialists, or instructional coaches. I recommend that educators find out more about what is required in their specific district as they choose a program that will help them to attain future career goals.

In terms of standing out in the field, it is important for aspiring leaders to take on additional leadership roles and opportunities when they become available. Getting involved within the school, district, and community at large helps aspiring leaders to become known and begin creating a professional reputation for themselves. Also, getting involved in OAESA with Concordia University Chicago is a great way to deepen involvement both at the local level and statewide.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I strive to make myself available to answer questions that potential and current students may have at any time. If you would like to discuss your career goals and how one of our OAESA with Concordia University Chicago programs might be beneficial for you, please reach out at any time. I can be reached at 614-557-9209 or through email at rebecca.hornberger@cuchicago.edu. Thank you for all you do to serve Ohio’s most valuable resource – our students!

The post Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Rebecca Hornberger, Interim Associate Dean, College of Education, Department Chair OAESA with Concordia University Chicago appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

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