Did You Know ….?

Did you know that the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) is not only a world-class child care facility but also a major source of professional education for students at UM-Dearborn who are preparing for careers working with children?

During the Fall 2011 term there are a total of 88 SOE students involved in practica/internships at the ECEC. Of the 88 students, 60 are elementary certification students (language arts, science, social studies, math, learning disabilities, and early childhood) electing the Child Development Practicum. An additional 70 students are employed by the ECEC this term.

All of these students are working in classrooms under the direction of ECEC teachers. They gain valuable experience through observation and practice under the tutelage of excellent teachers who utilize and model best practices.

Though located at an off-campus suite, the ECEC is a vital part of the School of Education at University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Tracy Blakely-Thompson Named 2011 SOE Alumnus of the Year

UM-Dearborn has honored 8 outstanding alumni for their contributions to the University and community, naming them as recipients of the 2011 UM-Dearborn Alumni Awards. Among the winners was Tracy Blakely-Thompson, who was selected as the School of Education Alumna of the Year.

Tracy earned her Master of Arts in Education from the SOE in 1992. She then pursued a Master of Arts in pastoral counseling and recently received her doctor of ministry in domestic violence and sexual assault. In 2006, Tracy began her own company, Inspiring One, L.L.C. through which she provides counseling therapy and training workshops for individuals and organizations.

Through her experience and education, Tracy has served as a resource to and advocate for victims of domestic violence, both on this campus and in the larger community. She is a dedicated volunteer at HAVEN − a domestic violence agency and shelter, where she has been a guest speaker and inspirational speaker at different events and conferences. She has conducted workshops for female prisoners at Huron Valley Correctional Facility, speaking about the importance of self-improvement and education. She has also performed in the campus’ Vagina Monologues, a production designed to highlight the severity of domestic violence, and was the keynote speaker during the Women’s Resource Center’s Take Back the Night event.

In addition, Tracy has helped launch the School of Education’s Dean’s Alumni Council, where she will work to create a speaker series and revitalize the connection between alumni and the SOE. Please join me in congratulating Tracy on her great accomplishment and in thanking her for her dedication to the education profession.

Michigan Early Childhood Education Teacher Educators

On October 14, 2011, UM-Dearborn was host to the fall meeting of the Michigan Early Childhood Education Teacher Educators. This group is a state affiliate group of the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators NAECTE.

Approximately 35 teacher educators from across Michigan the state discussed how teacher preparation programs are working to meet new standards for early childhood teacher education that emphasize preparing teachers to work with children with special needs. A highlight of the meeting was a tour of UM-Dearborn’s Early Childhood Education Center and Oakwood Health System’s Center for Exceptional Families, which provided a glimpse of excellent facilities and first-class collaboration underway between these two organizations.

SOE is Best Decorated Office!

As part of its 2011 Homecoming events, the University of Michigan-Dearborn sponsored a door/office-decorating contest. The theme for this year was “Las Vegas.”

I am pleased to report that the School of Education staff, led by our very capable student assistants, assembled some totally fabulous door displays. The judges evaluated a dozen entries from across the UM-Dearborn campus on theme, creativity, originality, and school spirit, and they selected the School of Education to receive the award for Best Decorated Office!

Bravo to all who contributed!