Second group of teachers graduate through MSU bachelor’s program at Crowder
The classroom set up for the Missouri State University teaching program in Cassville allows students to attend class through webcam with a teacher in Neosho. It enables students to attend classes without having to leave Cassville.
February 10, 2016
Charlea Mills
While Crowder College has had a campus in Cassville for the past 16 years, it’s been fairly recently that students were offered the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree or full certificate program through the Cassville campus alone.
December marked the second group of graduates through one of those programs who earned their certificates in elementary education with an emphasis in middle school education. Each of the students also has to have one other area of concentration, such as social studies or English. This program is offered through a collaborative effort with Missouri State University in Springfield.
In December, four students graduated: Jessica Maloney, Cara Kerns, Tracy Buntin and Sarah Sandoval. Of those, two were already offered full-time teaching positions with the districts they were completing their student teaching with.
Crowder College of Cassville director Angela Seymour said, “We have a few other certificate programs, like the business classes and nursing, but the teaching program has really gained momentum.”
The first year of graduates completed the program in December 2014. The second year had four graduates and the next two years of education program have students enrolled to graduate in December 2016 and December 2017.
Students complete their classes through the iTV classroom at the campus that allows students to attend classes with other satellite campuses without leaving Cassville. Angela said, “They won’t have the barrier of an hour and 15 minute drive to get to campus, which saves them in travel, but also babysitting costs and more. On top of that, the classes are two days a week, which allows them available to substitute teach the other three days and get experience for their resumes, but also to see what grade level they may want to teach.”
Chris Seymour was one of the first graduates to complete the program, and Chris currently works at Cassville Schools as a sixth grade teacher.
Chris said, “I want to say that I never would have been able to return to school and earn my teaching degree without Missouri State University creating this program. I also would have never been able to fulfill my dream without the love and encouragement of my wife, Angela.”
Angela also said that Missouri State has been extremely attentive to the needs of the students in the program. She said, “I really appreciate that the advisers come down all the time just to work with the students one-on-one. They’re very helpful. They’re invested in our students here, and it makes a big difference.”
She added that when students have had issues with equipment or anything else, Missouri State has been quick to switch out computers or add equipment to make it a better experience for the students.
Chris said, “My experience at Missouri State was very positive. The faculty at both the Springfield and Neosho campuses were great to work with and it showed that they wanted to see us all succeed. I was able to build personal relationships with the faculty members, instructors, and fellow classmates. The faculty at the main campus in Springfield always took time to answer questions or help solve a problem. The relationship between Missouri State and Crowder College allowed this program to be very successful. The staff at the Crowder College Cassville campus went out of their way to see to any of our needs as students and always made us feel welcome and considered us part of the Crowder family.”
Programs like this make it easier for local residents to complete their college degrees seamlessly. They can complete their associates degree at Crowder, apply to Missouri State and stay at the same campus to get their teaching certificate or a bachelor’s degree in business. For non-traditional students who have families and jobs, it is vital to their continuing education.
Chris said, “Another great advantage is in the fact that since I was taking classes here in Cassville it allowed my classmates and myself the opportunity to observe local school districts and teachers, this allowed district administrators to get to know us a little bit and they knew that we were invested in our community. With the class scheduling I was able to continue working as a substitute teacher at Cassville, Southwest, and Exeter and that allowed me to continue providing an income for my family.”
Angela said, “This program makes the students feel valued, and that’s important.”
For more information about the teaching certification program available through Crowder College of Cassville, contact them at (417) 847-1706. Financial aid and scholarships are available to students wishing to enroll.
Charlea Mills
While Crowder College has had a campus in Cassville for the past 16 years, it’s been fairly recently that students were offered the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree or full certificate program through the Cassville campus alone.
December marked the second group of graduates through one of those programs who earned their certificates in elementary education with an emphasis in middle school education. Each of the students also has to have one other area of concentration, such as social studies or English. This program is offered through a collaborative effort with Missouri State University in Springfield.
In December, four students graduated: Jessica Maloney, Cara Kerns, Tracy Buntin and Sarah Sandoval. Of those, two were already offered full-time teaching positions with the districts they were completing their student teaching with.
Crowder College of Cassville director Angela Seymour said, “We have a few other certificate programs, like the business classes and nursing, but the teaching program has really gained momentum.”
The first year of graduates completed the program in December 2014. The second year had four graduates and the next two years of education program have students enrolled to graduate in December 2016 and December 2017.
Students complete their classes through the iTV classroom at the campus that allows students to attend classes with other satellite campuses without leaving Cassville. Angela said, “They won’t have the barrier of an hour and 15 minute drive to get to campus, which saves them in travel, but also babysitting costs and more. On top of that, the classes are two days a week, which allows them available to substitute teach the other three days and get experience for their resumes, but also to see what grade level they may want to teach.”
Chris Seymour was one of the first graduates to complete the program, and Chris currently works at Cassville Schools as a sixth grade teacher.
Chris said, “I want to say that I never would have been able to return to school and earn my teaching degree without Missouri State University creating this program. I also would have never been able to fulfill my dream without the love and encouragement of my wife, Angela.”
Angela also said that Missouri State has been extremely attentive to the needs of the students in the program. She said, “I really appreciate that the advisers come down all the time just to work with the students one-on-one. They’re very helpful. They’re invested in our students here, and it makes a big difference.”
She added that when students have had issues with equipment or anything else, Missouri State has been quick to switch out computers or add equipment to make it a better experience for the students.
Chris said, “My experience at Missouri State was very positive. The faculty at both the Springfield and Neosho campuses were great to work with and it showed that they wanted to see us all succeed. I was able to build personal relationships with the faculty members, instructors, and fellow classmates. The faculty at the main campus in Springfield always took time to answer questions or help solve a problem. The relationship between Missouri State and Crowder College allowed this program to be very successful. The staff at the Crowder College Cassville campus went out of their way to see to any of our needs as students and always made us feel welcome and considered us part of the Crowder family.”
Programs like this make it easier for local residents to complete their college degrees seamlessly. They can complete their associates degree at Crowder, apply to Missouri State and stay at the same campus to get their teaching certificate or a bachelor’s degree in business. For non-traditional students who have families and jobs, it is vital to their continuing education.
Chris said, “Another great advantage is in the fact that since I was taking classes here in Cassville it allowed my classmates and myself the opportunity to observe local school districts and teachers, this allowed district administrators to get to know us a little bit and they knew that we were invested in our community. With the class scheduling I was able to continue working as a substitute teacher at Cassville, Southwest, and Exeter and that allowed me to continue providing an income for my family.”
Angela said, “This program makes the students feel valued, and that’s important.”
For more information about the teaching certification program available through Crowder College of Cassville, contact them at (417) 847-1706. Financial aid and scholarships are available to students wishing to enroll.
