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Campus Review
July 3, 2013
Page 12
“Clayton State University’s teacher edu-
cation program has been the center of my
teaching success,” says alumnus Zanita
Pugh, Jonesboro Middle School’s 2011-
2012 Teacher of the Year. “I found an
unparalleled student experience as a stu-
dent who was excited to investigate the
biggest issues of education. As a
University devoted to excellence in teach-
ing, learning and developing educational
leaders who make a difference, Clayton
State bridged the gap and cultivated my
desire to be an extraordinary teacher.”
The outcome of a Clayton State teacher
education degree is even more than
imparting knowledge, so says Clayton
State graduate Chiara Browning, a sixth
grade Social Studies teacher at Hapeville
Charter Middle School, and a
2011Georgia Power New Teacher
Assistance Grant winner.
“Teaching, particularly in a middle
school, allows me to reach students at a
crucial and interesting age,” she explains.
“They are growing and evolving almost
daily, and at times, are unsure what to do
with themselves. As their teacher, I do so
much more than teach Social Studies;
social skills, self-esteem, and boundaries
are high on my list. I also find myself
being a shoulder to cry on and an ear to
listen. I cannot imagine a career that
would be more fulfilling.”
“I love seeing our candidates discovering
the joys of teaching,” says Dr. Ruth
Caillouet, chair of the Clayton State
department of teacher education. “I love
seeing the success of our graduates who
go on to receive awards as Teachers of the
Year and other honors.”
Caillouet’s faculty colleagues express
similar feelings on teaching and observing
the growth of their students, especially
through experiential learning.
“I have always been a believer in the
value of making things ‘real’ to students,”
says Dr. Mari Roberts, coordinator,
Master of Arts in Teaching program.
“Experiential learning encourages reflec-
tion, critical analysis and synthesis in stu-
dent thinking and provides opportunities
for students to engage intellectually, take
initiative, make decisions, and be
accountable for the results.”
“Experiential learning is important
because it allows students to move
beyond textbooks and the four walls of
the classroom,” adds Dr. Erica Dotson,
ESL program coordinator. “Students are
able to make their own observations and
apply what they have learned to an
authentic and relevant context. I believe
that experiential learning allows students
to make interesting interdisciplinary con-
nections because their learning occurs
real-time.”
How important is teacher education, and
how important is experiential learning to
making dreams real? Dr. David Messer,
coordinator of Middle Grades Education,
has the answer to that one.
“I love being able to work with a diverse
group of students who are so committed
to the most important job in the world,” he
says. “I think that it is important that stu-
dents see and understand the nexus
between the things we talk about in class
and what is actually going on in the
schools.”
And exactly what is going on in the
schools where Clayton State students and
graduates teach?
“I love changing the world – one class-
room at a time,” says Caillouet.
Experiential, cont’d. from p. 7
The Clayton State University campus is known
for it’s scenic lakes, green spaces and wildlife.
Here, a mother duck and her just-hatched
chicks are nestled under a bush near the Arts
& Sciences building.
Have a safe
and happy
Fourth of
July!
- from the Office of
University Relations and the
Office of Marketing and
Communications