news-category: Academics GWU Student Teacher Utilizes Online Tools During Covid-19 Pandemic By Office of University Communications On July 1, 2020 Sydney Christopher, ’20, uses technology to engage with students and connect with parents Sydney Christopher, a Gardner-Webb 2020 graduate with a degree in elementary education, was in the midst of completing her student teaching when public schools closed to students in March. Her mentor was Rhonda Greene, a fourth-grade teacher at Springmore Elementary School in Boiling Springs. Christopher didn’t panic, because she said her professors in the College of Education had prepared her by emphasizing the importance of flexibility. “In all of the classes I have taken at Gardner-Webb, one thing my professors have taught me is to adapt to circumstances/challenges,” she shared. “I am very thankful for every professor who has taught me to never give up. My cooperating teacher and I set plans to continue educating our students. I found that using Zoom to teach lessons to students three times a week was very beneficial. Also communicating with parents at all hours every day was a necessity.” She said the school required each student to use an online program, called Edmentum, to further their learning. “By using Edmentum, Mrs. Greene and I were able to monitor the work students were completing and how to target their needs during our Zoom sessions,” Christopher said. “I also created three to nine videos a week to teach our students specific material that was covered in their Edmentum. Students and parents gave us feedback on how helpful the videos were for their child’s learning.” Christopher, who minored in professional education and American Sign Language, has accepted a job as a fifth-grade science teacher at Carr Elementary School in Dallas, N.C. To prepare for the new school year, she is participating in online training programs for “Leader in Me,” and gathering books and materials for her classroom. She will also use the school district’s curriculum pacing guide to create effective lessons. “I have always wanted to teach elementary school children, because my aim is to teach the upcoming generation how to be successful, effective, and empathetic leaders,” she asserted. “I want the upcoming generation to be accepting of one another. I also want them to understand that they have unlimited potential and are valued in this world.”
News Article Gardner-Webb University Establishes Partnership with Grants Consulting Firm McAllister & Quinn will Support Faculty and Staff in Securing Funding to Enhance Academic Programs BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University has announced a partnership with McAllister & Quinn, a consulting firm that will support the University’s efforts to secure federal and private foundation grants. The company’s expert staff will help GWU pursue and obtain funding for […] Office of University Communications | November 30, 2023
News Article Gardner-Webb Begins Transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra on Dec. 19 New System Has Enhanced Features and Mobile Capability BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Beginning on Dec. 19, Gardner-Webb University will start the process of migrating to Blackboard Learn Ultra. In addition to a modern, clean look, this new version of Blackboard has enhanced features, such as a mobile app for Apple and Android. The change is necessary, because […] Office of University Communications | November 17, 2023
News Article Gardner-Webb Alumna Honored with Award from State and National Teachers of English Chelsea Curtis, ’23, Receives High School Teacher of Excellence Award for Exemplary Work BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Chelsea Curtis, a 2023 graduate of the Master of Arts in English program at Gardner-Webb University, received recognition from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the Virginia Association of Teachers of English (VATE). Described as a passionate […] Office of University Communications | November 14, 2023