Department of Education Monday Minutes

Here are your Monday Minutes for October 19-23, 2020. 

From the Department Head

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students, 

We are officially over the hump of this challenging semester! I want to commend you all for your persistence in working together as we weather the pandemic. Let’s finish strong!

As we continue to work virtually, I thought I’d highlight that today is National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day.

“Remember when your computer was new and the desktop was clean and organized? The trash file was empty. The only files on the computer were the ones the manufacturer created. No viruses. No documents. And your computer was fast, too. You were ready to create, design and program. A clean and organized space offers fewer frustrations. Everything is in its file and you know where to find it. Archive old files. Create short cuts. This will help your computer run faster and help you find them more quickly. Pin favorite apps to the start menu.  Name photos and put them on a thumb drive. Clean out that email, too. Delete unused icons. You can do the same thing with your phone. Are there games you don’t play anymore? Eliminate them. Make sure your virus protection is up to date and run it. Make sure it runs on a regular schedule.”

Also, consider backing up your digital files in multiple places. A good way to remember is the acronym LOCKSS (lots of copies keeps stuff safe). There is no such thing as too many backups!

Take good care,

 Ann Dutton Ewbank's signature 

Dr. Ann Ewbank

News and Announcements

  • Provost Mokwa sent a message asking for spring 2021 course delivery details last week. If you teach blended courses, please submit your delivery plan. If you are teaching a face to face or online course, you do not need to submit.
  • The Spring 2021 schedule is live but there are still some inaccuracies which we are working to resolve. Ann is working on staffing courses currently. Textbook ordering and GTA assignments are behind as a result. Thanks for your patience! 
  • Our next department meeting is on Tuesday, October 20, 3:10-4:30 in Ann Ewbank’s WebEx room. Our guest presenter is Dr. Suhan Chen, who is seeking faculty affiliation with the department. This status allows Dr. Chen to serve on graduate committees and contribute to the research and outreach mission of our department.
    • Join by phone
    • +1-855-797-9485 US Toll free
    • +1-415-655-0002 US Toll
    • Access code: 920 310 123 

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

  • Congratulations to Dr. Sandra Oldendorf, TEP field supervisor and instructor, for the publication of her letter to the editor in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle! 
  • Our department’s success is determined by our collective accomplishments. Share your own accomplishments with pride! Or if you hear of a colleague or student’s accomplishment, please share. Please send accomplishments and kudos to ann.ewbank@montana.edu.

Professional Development & Engagement Opportunities

  • Please join us for the next library media webinar on Tuesday, November 3rd at 6pm MST: Essential Understandings to Promote Educational Justice. Judy McKenna, Library Media Instructor, will introduce resources that address culturally responsive teaching strategies. Registration is required. All registered participants will receive a recording of the webinar and any relevant resources. Contact deborah.rinio@montana.edu with questions. 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources

  • The award-winning documentary “Picture a Scientist” will be available to stream from Thursday, Oct. 22, to Wednesday, Oct. 28. The film chronicles the groundswell of women scientists who are changing the face of science in the United States and around the world. On Tuesday, Oct. 27, there will be a virtual panel event featuring keynote speaker Corrie Moreau, the Martha N. and John C. Moser professor of arthropod biosystematics and biodiversity at Cornell University, along with MSU women scientists. Our Science Math Resource Center is a co-sponsor and SMRC Director Suzi Taylor will provide remarks. Registration for the screening and panel discussion is required by Tuesday, Oct. 20. For more information and to register, visit https://www.montana.edu/calendar/events/35835. 
  • Do you have a resource to share? Please email Ann Ewbank.

A Special Request from Field Placement & Licensure

Teacher Education Program instructors: As we head into the fall term, we have over 80 student teachers.  This is a healthy enrollment and we are looking forward to supporting each student during their semester.  I would like to ask you each to review the list of students, which is attached, and encourage you to reach out to former students.  During this time of uncertainty and potential fear of what lies ahead, I believe they would appreciate hearing from a friendly face.  I think they would each appreciate the support and connection, perhaps now more than ever.
Thanks in advance!    - John Melick 

Please see the attached PDF for the list of students. PDF: Student Teachers – Fall 2020

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