As this edition of the Alumni Magazine was being prepared to go to press, we celebrated the opening of our newest innovative teaching and learning space, the Krause Learning Space. Renovation of the 3,800-square-foot space was made possible through a generous gift by Gay and Bill Krause, completing the renovations of second-floor classrooms in Chambers Building.
In January, we will begin to renovate the science wing on the first floor of Chambers Building, bringing those classrooms into the 21st century. Read more about our plans for this project here.
All of the renovations in Chambers Building fit beautifully with the strategic goals of the University in general, and with the College of Education more specifically. The University has identified “transforming education” as one of its key strategic planning themes in the current strategic plan. The college also has singled out the provision of international leadership in the area of innovation in teaching and learning as one of its highest priorities for the future, and these renovations are helping us to achieve that goal.
Innovation in teaching and learning, coupled with rigorous research and evaluation, is becoming a signature of the Penn State College of Education. However, renovating a building originally constructed during the late 1950s to meet the needs of 21st-century students is a daunting — and expensive — proposition. We certainly would not be able to do all that we are doing without the generous philanthropic support we have received, and we are grateful.
Philanthropy also has eased the financial burden on our students, enabling them to participate more fully in the college experience. Newly funded scholarships in the college include one designated for students participating in the Blue Band, and one for graduate students who intend to work in federal, state or local agencies and community rehabilitation programs upon graduation.
Our college also is participating once again this year in #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide. This year, the College of Education is raising money to fully fund at least one student to participate in the Teaching ESL Certificate Program with an Ecuador Immersion Experience. Read about the program, and how to participate in the #GivingTuesday campaign.
I hope you enjoy reading about some of the wonderful things happening in the College of Education. As always, I welcome your feedback.
— David H. Monk, dean, Penn State College of Education