School of Education E-newsletter

EDUCATION LEADERS CLUB
A CANDIDATE CHAPTER OF ASCD
(Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)

Cadets Eva Marie Coleman, Matthew Holt, Jordan Franklin Little, Kenneth Bradley Ross, and Caroline Rudd recently (March 13-17, 2008) attended the International Conference of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Financial support from The Citadel as well as scholarships from ASCD and the South Carolina ASCD enabled these five cadets to participate in this extraordinary educational event. Drs. Judy Lehr, faculty sponsor of the Education Leaders Club, and Kathy Richardson Jones, coordinator of the Teacher Education Division of the School of Education accompanied these cadets on this outstanding educational adventure.

	(Click the photo above to enlarge.)

On March 14th these five cadets, along with students representing ASCD student clubs from Aquinas College, Plymouth State University, and the University of Calgary joined forces to work on a Habitat for Humanity construction project in New Orleans. As Dr. Lehr explained: "the opportunity to be a part of this unique international service project provided our cadets with one more opportunity for leadership and service, as well as the chance to strengthen connections between other student ASCD chapters." Dr. Lehr characterized our cadets as "outstanding ambassadors for The Citadel, not only in this Habitat project but throughout the entire conference."

In addition to the Habitat experience, the cadets presented at the conference on leadership opportunities at The Citadel, attended keynote addresses by internationally known educators, and participated as members of focus groups discussing ways of improving education. Cadets were able to attend sessions related to their individual teaching area, and by special invitation, attended the ASCD's presidential reception.

According to Cadet Eva Coleman, "attending this conference has certainly prepared me to be a better educator, and I consider this experience an opportunity of a lifetime." Cadet Matt Holt, president of The Citadel's ASCD student chapter, commented that "I have increased my understanding of the 'whole child' approach to education. This is a philosophy that I and other educators need to totally embrace." Cadet Bradley Ross added, "I had the opportunity to get to know educators from around the world. I feel that numerous doors have been opened for me professionally." Cadet Fran Little suggested that "the opportunity to serve others through the Habitat for Humanity project was the highlight of the trip," and Cadet Caroline Rudd's characterization of the conference "as a fantastic experience learning experience" is an apt summary of the event. Cadet Rudd added that "meeting with other student chapters from around the world gave all of us many new ideas to incorporate into our Citadel's ASCD club long range plans. Our future opportunities for strengthening our student chapter and to continue improving the School of Education are unlimited."

Founded in 1943, ASCD is an international professional education organization representing 175,000 educators from 140 countries. The Citadel Education Leaders Club began in 2000 and offers cadet teacher candidates' opportunities for service and professional development. This Citadel student chapter of ASCD has more than 50 active members.

PHI PI CHAPTER #520, INDUCTS 15 INTO KAPPA DELTA PI (KDP)

The Citadel's chapter of Kappa Delta Pi--An International Honor Society in Education--hosted its Initiation Ceremony and Ritual, at The Regimental Commander's Riverview Room, Thursday, March 6, 2008, 6:00 PM. In his comments to the group, Dr. Tony W. Johnson--Dean of the School of Education-challenged each inductee to embrace and commit to Kappa Delta Pi's founding ideals of: science, service, toil, and fidelity to humanity.

The Officers of Phi Pi Chapter #520--Mrs. Ayana Bryant-Gadson, M.Ed., President; Mrs. Celina Ponce Anthony, M.Ed., Secretary; and Mr. Michael Griggs, M.Ed., Treasurer--assisted Dr. Kathy Laboard Brown, KDP Counselor, in conducting the KDP Ceremony and Ritual. The officers and School of Education faculty--Dr. Renee Jefferson, Dr. Kathy Richardson-Jones, and Dr. Tony W. Johnson---conferred the Certificates of Membership and Cloisonné Pins to each new initiate: Cadet Cynthia Caroline Rudd, South Carolina Corps of Cadets, and graduate students: Hamadi Lateef Brown, Tammy Jo Byrge, Kali Coaxum, Joel D. Craun, Monica Irene Dixon-Sims, Kyle Anthony Ellison, June Hawkins, Joseph Robert Jutzi, Tammy P. Masopust, Courtney T. McIndoe, Susan Ann Risler, Dawn Marie Simonsen, LaPariscena Miles Singleton, and Eileen West.

A reception for the newly inducted Kadelpians and their family and friends followed the ceremony.