Last spring, Gay and Bill Krause pledged $1 million on top of their previous gifts to the college to create the Krause Learning Space across the second-floor atrium from the existing Krause Innovation Studio. The Krause Learning Space will make it possible to pursue a variety of innovative initiatives. Renovations should be completed in time for students to use the new learning environment this fall. We are excited to add this new space to other areas of Chambers Building that already are helping us to transform both teaching and learning – something that fits in well with the University’s strategic plan and associated fundraising campaign, A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence. The campaign is focused on three key imperatives: open doors, create transformative experiences and impact the world. I would like to give you a sense of what those imperatives mean for us in the College of Education.
Open Doors: This is a key imperative for our college and our students. Access and affordability are challenges that can be significantly impacted by philanthropy at any level from endowed scholarships to unrestricted gifts. We are also seeking investment in a new Center for Ensuring Student Success in Higher Education and the existing Center for Education and Civil Rights.
Create Transformative Experiences: We are pioneering digital innovation through capital projects like the Krause Learning Space and new programs such as the Learning Sciences Initiative, to focus on design and applications of technology to teaching and learning. As we invest in a global future, we will raise support to help cover travel costs of College of Education students seeking study abroad opportunities, including the student teaching abroad program.
Impact the World: We will renovate the science education wing of Chambers building to better prepare the next generation of science teachers. Support for the existing CEDAR Clinic and a new Student Mental Health Center will strengthen both research and practice for learners of all ages. The college also is deeply committed to the strategic utilization of all human talent and will thereby contribute to the expansion of economic development for Pennsylvania and beyond.
Each of the above imperatives is an opportunity for our alumni and friends to contribute to our students’ success. To learn more, visit http://ed.psu.edu/alumni-friends.
On the pages that follow, you will read about a few of our faculty, students and alumni who already are contributing to a Greater Penn State by making a tangible difference in the world through their research. You’ll meet a student who is using her undergraduate research experience in her student-teaching classroom; graduate students who helped make education available in rural regions of Peru; and a graduate student who is learning how to fit different learning styles into the teaching culture of his home country of Indonesia.
Our faculty are helping military families affected by autism through use of innovative technology; identifying professional development needs for special-education teachers in four African nations; and expanding science and language programs in a Pennsylvania community. We also feature an alumna who is replicating our college’s Professional Development School (PDS) program as an assistant professor at the University of South Florida.
If you are interested in learning more about what we’re doing in the college, please visit our website at http://www.ed.psu.edu/ where you will find information highlighting various initiatives along with information intended to be of interest to alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and current as well as prospective students. You also can “like” us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PennStateCollegeOfEd or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PSU_CollegeOfEd.
As always, I welcome suggestions regarding what we can do to communicate more effectively with you. Send your ideas to edrelations@psu.edu. Many thanks for your interest in the college!