Dr. Sonja Smith - Professor of Education, School Dean

Dr. Sonja J. Smith
ssmith@mvnu.edu
(740) 397-9000 Ext. 3491

Education:

Ph.D. with coursework concentrations in Teacher Education, Children's Literature, and Curriculum, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, June, 1992. Dissertation research: Views of Academically Able University Students toward Attractors and Detractors of a Career in Teaching.
M. Ed. Degree with emphasis in Reading Education, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, 1977
B.A. Degree in Elementary Education, Olivet Nazarene University, Kankakee, Illinois, 1964
LERN On-line Course on Online Teaching, November, 2003

Professional Experience:

2007 -- Present: Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Professor of Education, Co-Coordinator NCATE, Traditional and Adult/Graduate Studies, Praxis III Assessor for Ohio Department of Education
2002 to 2007 Director, Teacher Quality Partnership
Professor of Education, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Praxis III Assessor for Ohio Department of Education
1996 - 2003 Associate Dean of Teacher Education/Director of Teacher Education, Professor of Education, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Program Reviewer for Ohio Department of Education
1996-2002 Division of Education and Physical Education Chair, Education Department Head, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Mount Vernon, Ohio
1995-96 Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Education, Director of Honors Program, Professor of Education, Mount Vernon Nazarene College, Mount Vernon, Ohio
1987-95 Associate Professor of Education and Coordinator of Student Teaching, Mount Vernon Nazarene College, Mount Vernon, Ohio
1983-87 Coordinator of Gifted Programs, Knox County Schools, Mt. Vernon, Ohio
1981-83 Coordinator and Teacher of Gifted Program, Moore Public Schools, Moore, Oklahoma.
1977- 81 Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Elementary Education, Mount Vernon Nazarene College, Mount Vernon, Ohio.
1976-77 Graduate Student Assistant, Reading Clinic, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio
1964-67 Elementary Teacher, East Elementary School, Celina, Ohio.

Published Works and Presentations:

Teacher Quality Partnership Update presented monthly to the State University Education Deans and to the Ohio Association of Private Colleges of Teacher Education deans/directors, Columbus, Ohio, August - June.
"Characteristics, Practices, and Professional Learning Contexts of Novice and Experienced Teachers" presented at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, New York , NY, February 26, 2007.
"Meeting the Teacher Education Accountability Challenge" presented at the Ohio Confederation of Teacher Education Organization fall meeting, Columbus, OH, October 25, 2007.
"Teacher Quality Partnership Project" Kentucky Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Georgetown, Kentucky, April 20, 2007.
"TQP: A Longitudinal Study of Ohio Teacher Education" presented at the OAPCTE Spring Curriculum Conference, Columbus, OH, June 6, 2007
"Teacher Quality Partnership" presented to the Regional Educational Lab Midwest Board of Directors meeting, Chicago, IL, June 12, 2007.

Professional Organizations:

Ohio Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (President, 1998-2000, Chair of Graduate Committee, 1996-1998)
Ohio Association of Private Colleges for Teacher Education (1987- present, Secretary 2000-2005)
Ohio Association of Teacher Educators
Delta Kappa Gamma
Phi Delta Kappa

Awards and Recognition:

Distinguished Service Award - In Recognition of Outstanding Leadership in Improving the Quality of Teacher Education in Ohio, Ohio Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, October 2007
Delta Kappa Gamma Study Abroad Scholarship ($3,500) Fall, 2002
Admissions and Student Recruitment Faculty Award, 1997-1998
EXCEL Catch-Me-Doing-Something-Right Award, August, 1993
Thomas C. Holy Award in Higher Education (OSU), May, 1991

Favorite Subject-Related Links:

Favorite Scripture Verse:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Past jobs and/or current hobbies unrelated to your profession:

Other than working at the OSU Universe (snack bar) during college and being a stay-at-home mom when my children were small, my jobs have always been in education. I love reading John Grisham and Danielle Steele, traveling, sewing, and being Grandma to seven of the world's most incredible children.