ARMSTRONG NEWS & EVENTS
Cindy Newton Hosts Blog for PBS
Cindy Newton (2005 – 2006 cohort) was asked by PBS to contribute to their Media Infusion program which discusses ways to use multimedia resources to address common instructional challenges. Her blog, which discussed problem-solving in math, was live in June and is archived at http://www.pbs.org/teachers/mediainfusion/math/.
May 2007
Armstrong Teacher's Technology program wins award - May 2007
Christine Floyd’s (2006 – 2007 cohort) Gateway to Technology program recently received an International Technology Education Association's Program Excellence Award. This outstanding middle school technology program incorporates computers, drafting and traditional shop tools.
April 2007
2007-2008 Armstrong Teachers Honored at Celebration of Teaching
On April 26, 2007 the 2007 - 2008 Armstrong Teacher Educators were recognized at the Celebration of Teaching. Information about the new awardees can be found at 2007-08 Armstrong teachers. More information about the activities that took place can be found in the Spring Newsletter.
Alex Holtz addresses initiates - March 2007
Alex Holtz (2006 – 2007 cohort) was the keynote speaker for the international honor society Kappa Delta initiation on March 25, 2007. The 2007 - 2008 Armstrong Award recipients were announced March 19, 2007 in a press release found here.
February 17, 2007 - Panel Discussion
Andrew Himelick, Marjorie Ramey and Chris Floyd discussed strategies for effective parent-teacher communication with students and faculty.
Education Students visit classroom of Marjorie Ramey
Students in Dr. Frank Lester's Teaching Elementary School Mathematical Problem Solving class visited the classroom of Armstrong teacher Marjorie Ramey. While there, they worked on problem solving strategies with the 4th grade students and observed the elementary students as they planned and wrote short plays for classroom production.
Armstrong Teacher Panel Discussion - November 17, 2006
Five Armstrong teachers, Andrew Himelick, Mary Malloy, Marjorie Ramey, Andy Craig and Chris Floyd, spoke to a packed room of faculty and students, focusing on issues that new teachers often face.
Armstrong Teacher among speakers featured at annual Call to Teach Program - November 2006
Sheryl Seabrook welcomed students admitted over the past year to IUB Teacher Education programs. Over 300 students and their family members attended the Call To Teach program Saturday, November 9 during IU Parent's Weekend.
Indianapolis Star article featuring Armstrong Teacher Andrew Himelick - November 2006
Armstrong Educator Andrew Himelick talks about his work with IU music students. Click here to view the Indianapolis Star article.
Marjorie Ramey wins Prestigious National Award - October 2006
The Milken Family Foundation has honored Westfield Washington Schools fourth grade teacher Marjorie Ramey with its National Educator Award. More information about Ms. Ramey and the award can be found here.
IU Elementary Transition to Teaching students visit two Armstrong Teachers' Classrooms September 2006
Twenty-one elementary pre-service teachers visited the classrooms of 2006-2007 Armstrong teachers Marjorie Ramey and Sheryl Seabrook. These pre-service teachers are serving as math mentors for the students they met in these two teachers' classes. Using a web-based forum, the IU pre-service teachers respond to math problem that the 3rd and 4th grade students answer electronically.
Fall Panel Discussion September 2006
In September, Leana McClain (2000-2001 Armstrong cohort) joined 2006-2007 Armstrong teachers Mary Malloy, Alex Holtz and Marjorie Ramey in a panel discussion focusing on textbook issues. Approximately 30 pre-service teachers were given valuable information about textbook adoption and ways to effectively use texts in the classroom.
Summer Retreat June 2006
The 2006 Armstrong Retreat held June 23 - 25 in Bloomington was a big success. Details and pictures can be found here in pdf format (153 k).
Celebration of Teaching, April 20, 2006
The 2006-07 Armstrong Teachers were recognized at the Celebration of Teaching on April 20th. Later that evening we enjoyed a catered dinner at the Grant Street Inn. On the 21st there were several meeting sessions, a nice lunch, and an optional policy talk. 2005-06 ATEs Dorothy Kittaka, Jill Ohlsen, and Jeff Rudkin were in attendance to help welcome the new Armstrong Teachers. More information and pictures from the Celebration of Teaching can be found at the Office of Academic Affairs and at theArmstrong Teachers photo gallery.
A Very Special Movie Night, April 6, 2006
On April 6th, Jeff Rudkin (2005-06 group) presented “The Holocaust” at a School of Education Movie Night. Jeff was joined by one of his former students Brady Jones (now a junior at Bloomington High School South). Brady was one of the students who went to Poland with Jeff for the 60th anniversary of the liberating of Auschwitz. The screening and talk was well attended, attracting a crowd of 40+, made up of students, staff, and faculty.
“The Holocaust” is part three of a nine hour, six part mini-series called "World War II: A Time for Heroes". The entire piece has won two national awards so far - Best of Festival at the AECT International Student Media Festival, and the Crystal Award of Excellence at the Communicator Awards. It is currently entered in seven more contests/festivals. The entire planning and production was completed by students.
The project started in January of 2003 when Jeff took five students to Terre Haute to interview Auschwitz, and Mengele Twin Experiments, survivor Eva Mozes Kor at her C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Holocaust Museum for a media fair project. After a 90 minute interview they were inspired to learn more. Three years later the project is nearing its end with the publication of a 300 page book prepared by the students.
The flyer for the event, which features some additional information, can be found here.
2006-07 Armstrong Teachers Announced, March/April 2006
The 2006-07 Armstrong Teachers have been announced via press release and we are now able to share the announcement here as well. The new teachers can be found here. The press release can be found here.
Panel Discussion, February 17, 2006
2005-06 teachers Dave Foutz, Dorothy Kittaka, Jill Ohlsen, and Jeff Rudkin participated in a panel discussion for pre-service teachers on how to take care of their mental and physical health. This is an area that new teachers tend to overlook and the talk was well received. Dave's wife Carole, a former teacher of the year candidate, also participated in the panel.
Creative use of Technology, February 2006
Cindy Newton, from the 2005-06 group, has been collaborating with Author/Scientist Ron Hirschi. As part of this experience she is maintaining a blog detailing her classes' interaction with him. The blog can be found here.
Martin Luther King Day, January 2006
Dorothy Kittaka, from the 2005-06 group, participated in Martin Luther King Day activites at the School of Education. Dorothy was invited by past Armstrong Teacher and current faculty member Leana McClain (00-01).
Leana was selected as a recipient of the 2006 Building Bridges Award in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Building Bridges Award is given in appreciation to community leaders and IU faculty, staff and students for their individual and collective efforts to exemplify the noble works of Dr. King through service and leadership. Of the five award recipients for 2006, three were representatives from the School of Education.
Martha Lea (Jackson) Armstrong 1916-2005, December 2005
Martha Lea Armstrong, for whom our program was named, has passed away. She passed away on December 25th at the age of 89. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana University Foundation. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers.
2006-07 Nomination Materials, December 2005
Nomination materials for the 2006-07 awards were mailed before Thanksgiving and should have reached each and every public school superintendent and principal. We receive our data from the Department of Education database, so if you didn't receive a mailing, your information is incorrect with the DOE. We do however welcome any information about misdirected mailings.
Panel Discussion, November 2005
Cindy Newton and Dorothy Kittaka from the 2005-06 group joined with Paula Lahann (an Associate Instructor in Curriculum and Instruction) and Melissa Keller (a visiting Assistant Professor) to put on a panel discussion. The focus was on parent-teacher communication, but a few random questions were also entertained. The session was a big success, drawing around 20 students.
Fall Mini-Retreat, October 2005
The 2005-06 group came to campus for a mini retreat to discuss student teaching seminars, virtual classroom visits, and discuss other Armstrong Initiatives. Donna Wiktorowski (01-02 alum) and a co-teacher were also in attendance. To find out more, go here.
Foutz a teacher of the year finalist, September 2005
On August 29th Dave Foutz, one of our 2005-06 Armstrong Teachers, was identified as a finalist for the 2006 Indiana Teacher of the Year award. While we are cheering for Dave, we applaud the other outstanding teachers that were also nominated.
Post Retreat Mailing, July 2005
A newsletter has gone out to all of the Armstrong Teachers recapping the retreat and listing the dates of the next one. A digital copy of the newsletter can be found here.
2005 Armstrong Summer Retreat, June 2005
The annual Armstrong Summer Retreat was held June 24th-26th and was a big success. To find out more click here.
2005-2006 Armstrong Teachers, new chair announced, April 2005
The 05-06 Armstrong Teachers were announced at the Celebration of Teaching on April 28th. The new teachers can be found here.
It was also announced that Diana Lambdin will be the new Martha Lea and Bill Armstrong Chair of Teacher Education.
2005-2006 Armstrong Teachers selected, February 2005
The newest group of Armstrong Teachers has been selected. Pictures and biographies will go up on the site as soon as we have collected all of the materials. There were many outstanding entries and it made for a difficult task. We hope that many of you will reapply and have provided suggestions in the mailings to aid in future applications.
2005-2006 Applications/Nominations, Early January 2005
Nomination materials have begun arriving at the office. Remember that nomination materials are due by January 17th (The 17th is a holiday, so materials will be accepted for a day or two afterwards to accommodate.), so there's still time to get your materials in or to nominate a deserving teacher. Requirements for nomination materials can be found here.
Armstrong Mailing, December 2004
Nomination packets have been sent out to all of the public school superintendents and principals (as identified by the Department of Education). Nominations are for the 2005-2006 group of Armstrong Teachers. Nominations are due back to us by January 17, 2005. Haven't received your packet yet? Check out the requirements here and start assembling your materials.
Armstrong Teacher Meeting, November 2004
The Armstrong Teachers visisted Bloomington for a weekend. While part of the time was spent getting to know everybody, there was a productive session about discussion panels that will be very helpful to pre-service teachers.
Molly Seward named Indiana Teacher of the Year 2005, September 2004
Molly Seward, one of our 2004-2005 Armstrong Teachers, has been named the Indiana Teacher of the year. Congratulations Molly! The Department of Education's press release can be found here.
Armstrong Teacher Educator Retreat, June 2004
The Third Annual Armstrong Teacher Educator Retreat will be held June 25th-27th. More than 30 Armstrong honorees will be in attendance. The weekend’s events will include a welcome by Dean Gerardo Gonzalez, presentations by distinguished IUB faculty members, and special dinners at two of Bloomington’s finest restaurants, Restaurant Tallent and Limestone Grille.
IUB faculty and staff who will participate in the retreat with the Armstrong teachers include Jonathan Plucker, Russell Skiba, Dave Kinman, Jill Shedd, Diana Lambdin, and Frank Lester. Other faculty and staff are invited to attend. For more information regarding this year’s retreat, please contact the graduate coordinator at atea@indiana.edu.
Celebration of Teaching, Spring 2004
On April 28th, ten teachers from the state of Indiana will be named as recipients of the Armstrong Teacher Educator Award for the 2004-2005 school year. The recipients will be: Tony Armstrong, Paulette Berger, Terry Brahm, Mike Fassold, Mary Gifford, Teresa Fultz, Krista Hensley, Jill Jay, Halle Mueller, and Molly Seward. These outstanding teachers represent 10 different school districts throughout the state.
The following day, these award-winning teachers will take part in a professional development workshop on “Teacher Quality.” IUB faculty and staff who will participate in the workshop with the teachers will include Cathy Brown, Suzanne Eckes, Diana Lambdin, Frank Lester, and Suzanne Sanborn. Other faculty and staff are invited to attend. A special feature of the day will be a discussion of the “highly-qualified teacher” provision of the No Child Left Behind legislation.
Armstrong Teacher Educators: Updates
The following paragraphs describe recent activities engaged in by a few of the 2003-2004 Armstrong Teacher Educators.
Attilia Gogel worked with Suzanne Sanborn and the Inquiry Learning Forum (ILF) to videotape one of Attilia's inquiry-based lessons with her students. Segments of the videotape will be posted on the ILF website (http://ilf.crlt.indiana.edu/) and ILF members from around the world will be able to review and comment on Attilia's teaching efforts. Early reports suggest that Attilia's lesson was a great success and members of the Armstrong community are looking forward to viewing the lesson in full.
Tracey Kelly is helping to teach a student teaching seminar with Judy Thuer in the Indianapolis area. The seminar is part of an effort by IU Schools of Education to supervise and mentor student teachers throughout the state of Indiana. Tracey works side-by-side with other Armstrong Teacher Educators (past and present) to guide and instruct future educators as they experience the highs and lows of the student teaching experience.
Lisa Powell has been working with Dr. Tom Duffy and the Learning to Teach with Technology Studio (LTTS). Lisa mentioned that she has learned a great deal about on-line learning by taking part in an on-line course through LTTS and then later by becoming an on-line facilitator through LTTS courses. Her LTTS experiences have also taught Lisa more about the process of inquiry, which she says is a "wonderful bonus" for her as an educator in a science and technology magnet school.
Portfolio Assessment Workshop, Fall 2003
On November 7th, the 2003-2004 Armstrong Teacher Educators participated in a professional development workshop on the topic of "Portfolio Assessment." During the morning session, Dr. Ginette Delandshere discussed a recent article examining the quality of evidence in pre-service teacher portfolios. This lecture elicited thoughtful dialogue on current practices in portfolio assessment and strategies for improving this form of evaluation at all levels of education. Following Dr. Delandshere's talk, Drs. Thomas Gregory and Genny Williamson described the use of portfolios in two notable IUB School of Education programs, "A Community of Teachers" and "Teaching All Learners."
Following a working luncheon with IUB faculty, the Armstrong Teacher Educators heard from Shelly Wilfong on the topic of induction teaching portfolios and then Cyndia Moriarty who spoke on teaching portfolios and the national certification process. Dr. Don Cunningham and Suzanne Sanborn concluded the workshop by talking with the Armstrong Teacher Educators about the Inquiry Learning Forum (ILF), a web-based system that connects university faculty, elementary and high school teachers, and university students from around the world.
The next day at the "Call to Teach" event, many of the Armstrong Teacher Educators helped to honor over 150 students who had been accepted into the teacher education program at IUB. The guest speaker for the event was Robert Pickett, the 2003 Indiana Teacher of the Year.