Back-to-School 'Q&A' with Dean Donna Wiseman Q: You've been dean of the College of Education for nearly a year now - how would you assess the College at this point and the changes you've made? DW: A major accomplishment during my first year as dean was to complete a strategic plan for the College of Education that parallels and intersects with the campus plan. Developed and supported by our faculty, the plan focuses on diversity, globalization, policy, and technology, and integrates these themes throughout the College's top priorities–undergraduate and graduate programs, research initiatives, and partnerships. For example, in response to the teacher workforce needs of our State, we are directing our energies toward increasing the number of teachers specializing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), expanding faculty and student opportunities for international experiences, increasing our research and grantsmanship in new areas such as brain imaging, and infusing new technology in our existing classrooms and curriculum. In addition, we have several new collaborative efforts indicative of the interdisciplinary focus within the college. Currently we are cooperating with the iSchool on plans for developing new curriculum that links the pedagogy of education and the knowledge of information sciences. We are also working with the Department of Computer Science to develop the first teacher certification in computer science in the state of Maryland. Prior to this, we collaborated with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) on a new teacher certification in Agricultural Education. That same collaboration resulted in a course offering on American Education Processes that is part of a program AGNR offers to Taiwanese students through distance learning. We have a great responsibility to prepare our students for teaching and learning in the 21st Century. We've therefore, during the past year, made major physical changes in the Benjamin Building–home of the College of Education–enhancing our existing facilities to accommodate technology rich classrooms and provide a modern environment for our students. [Read the full interview, including Dean Wiseman's comments on NCLB, STEM, technology in the classroom, int'l education, and future plans for the College]   College Unveils New Lobby Courtesy of Alumni Donor Artist rendering of the new main lobby Those traversing through the Benjamin Building this summer, watched as the College of Education's main entranceway and corresponding hallway received a long overdue modernizing facelift. Construction crews brightened the lobby entrance by employing an archway design that allows sunlight to stream in from outside and creates a welcoming reception area for the College. The first of a series of transformative measures planned for the Benjamin Building with the aid of private donors, renovation of the lobby was made possible thanks to the generous support of alumni Thomas Ingram (Ed.D., '69, Counseling and Personnel Services). At the ribbon cutting ceremony held end of August 2009, Dean Donna Wiseman voiced her hope that the new lobby will be utilized by student groups within the College, as well as provide a nice, serene space for persons to congregate.		INSIDE: Upcoming events & Important dates A Global Perspective Faculty/Staff/Student News Homecoming Tailgate & Alumni News Campaign Update Tech Talk CB front page CB archives College home page
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