Sincerely, South

Episode 39: STEM STARS & Classroom Connections with Guests Dr. Drew Gossen and Dr. Katie McCorrison

Dr. Drew Gossen joins the podcast as a first-time guest, and Dr. Katie McCorrison returns as a regular guest to the show. In this lively episode, Dr. Joe Gaston and Dr. Susan Ferguson discuss research initiatives surrounding motivators for K-12 students to become STEM professionals. NSF S-STEM grant, STEM STARS (Strive, Thrive, Achieve, and Realize goals of STEM careers), building a bridge for low-income students to pursue a math-intensive degree while focusing on school, without having to simultaneously work full-time. This partnership with USA faculty from the College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Engineering, and the College of Mathematics and Statistics, along with Bishop State and Coastal Community Colleges, reaches out to high-potential secondary students and tracks their progress through the program. Dr. McCorrison provides an update on NSF Noyce programs at the University. Dr. Gaston, Dr. Gossen, and Dr. McCorrison also discuss classroom initiatives in which they have been engaging for several years through grant-funded support in building relationships among STEM professionals and local classrooms.

Episode 38: The Literacy Launchpad with Drs. Hannah Szatkowski & Emily Tanner

Join Dr. Joe Gaston and Dr. Susan Ferguson in this episode as they welcome new faculty member Dr. Emily Tanner and return guest Dr. Hannah Szatkowski. Dr. Tanner shares an exciting partnership with Chickasaw City Schools, made possible through a grant from the Alabama State Department of Education. Along with Dr. Szatkowski’s background in the science of reading, the two are planning The Literacy Launchpad, including a focus on literacy with engagement in the arts. The program focuses on extended care literacy enrichment during the summer months and after school, with the funding offering teacher stipends and student teacher support and learning resources as well as participant transportation. Tune in to learn more about these highly engaged faculty in the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education and how they are making strides with summer literacy for students and preservice educators who want to learn about co-teaching.

Episode 37: Why Get a Master's Degree in Educational Media & Technology?

In this episode, Dr. Joe Gaston is joined by three individuals who have earned (or are earning) their master's degree in educational media & technology. Find out why 6th grade teacher Ginna Johnson, videographer Kevin Morris, and IT guru Ray Pitre chose this degree path and how it has impacted their lives.

Episode 36: National Board Certified Teachers

National Board Certification (NBC) processes, support, and significance are highlighted as Dr. Joe Gaston is joined in the studio by Dr. Stephanie Hulon, Director of South Alabama Research and  Inservice Center (SARIC), Danette Ballard, Coordinator of Professional Learning for Mobile County Public School System, and Stephanie Pettis, National Board Certified Teacher and Media Specialist at Hutchens Elementary School and South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies Alumni.   With less than 3% of teachers earning National Board Certification nationally, the intense process immerses teachers in rigorous professional development and self-reflection over a multi-year period. MCPSS provides support for cohorts of teachers seeking NBC. The district reimburses about half of the cost for teachers seeking NBC, and SARIC helps support teachers in the monthly cohorts and writing retreats. National statistics demonstrate high student outcomes for students in classrooms where teachers have NBC status.   Alabama is fifth in the nation in total number of National Board Certified Teachers, and in new National Board Certified Teachers (317 new this past year), and in supporting teachers who maintain their certification.   Tune in to learn how teachers in the Southeast Region are making strides to grow their pedagogical practice as lifelong learners while inspiring their students to grow and learn through the process.  Scholarship Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18GcrTxwi6xAYwYJUL-BZ7w_as1QItEEYqgC6wQ8nuuA/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/18GcrTxwi6xAYwYJUL-BZ7w_as1QItEEYqgC6wQ8nuuA/edit?usp=sharing] Link to Register for the SARIC informational session: PowerSchool Registration Link [https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentSectionRegistrationDetails?id=BfPRVZJFsY6zPSSZxMfIeA%3D%3D] Link to informational sessions for all regional inservice centers: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12Ezu7sMpRd2fpUQQ0t0DV7fuINDBHTKpNUT6S2g8QQQ/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/12Ezu7sMpRd2fpUQQ0t0DV7fuINDBHTKpNUT6S2g8QQQ/edit?usp=sharing]

Episode 35: Kenneth Germany and the Common Read

Common Read/Common World is a voluntary learning initiative based on a shared learning experience of students, faculty and community members. The program was developed for all USA students, particularly first-year students, and aims to: * Improve understanding of differences and commonalities across the world; * Develop a more sophisticated understanding of values and ethics; * Increase awareness of global issues; * Gain an understanding of how to make an impact in society; * Engage in academic discourse and critical thinking; and * Create a sense of community among students, faculty, staff, and the greater Mobile area. Events and speakers are scheduled throughout the academic year. This enables students and faculty to engage critically with the ideas and themes of the book. Common Read/Common World is a university-wide program, and a partnership between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs with special support from the Stokes Center for Creative Writing. Join Dr. Joe Gaston and Dr. Susan Ferguson as they discuss this year's selection, Late Migrations, by Alabama-Born Author Margaret Renkle. They are joined in the studio by College of Education and Professional Studies Graduate Assistant, Kenneth Germany. Tune in as they discuss activities to promote this year's text, upcoming plans for Spring Semester 2026, and the selection process for next year's Common Read text. For more information about upcoming programming, University committee members, and ways to participate, visit: https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/commonread/