TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Join Dr. Chanel Schwenck, interim chair of Early Childhood & Elementary Education, as she highlights why honoring our educators matters now more than ever. Let’s celebrate the heart of every classroom—our teachers!
Today at MSU: Celebrating the Teachers Who Inspire Us
Hear directly from MSU students as they share heartfelt stories about the educators who have left a lasting impact on their lives. 🍎✏️📚
A Message from Dean Whaley
This week, we pause to celebrate not just what you do, but who you are.
You are the architects of possibility. You plant seeds of knowledge that may not bloom for years, yet you keep sowing with faith. You build bridges for students to cross from doubt to confidence, from curiosity to understanding. You lead not just with lessons, but with compassion, courage, and a deep belief in the power of learning.
To the teachers of the past: thank you for laying the foundation, for inspiring generations who now pass along what you once shared.
To the teachers of today: thank you for your resilience, your adaptability, and the heart you bring to every challenge.
To the teachers of tomorrow: thank you in advance for choosing a path of purpose, for carrying this noble work into the future.
Your impact is immeasurable, your legacy enduring. This world is better because you teach.
Happy National Teacher Appreciation Week.
You are seen. You are valued. You are deeply appreciated.
PRESS RELEASE
HPE senior, Alex West was named the Health and Physical Education major of the year by SHAPE America
STAFF UPDATES
Susan Krieb is such a talented artist. She created this piece from fabric and entered it in the Biodiversity Art Exhibition at MSU. Two weeks ago, she found out she’d won first place!! The details are so intricate and the story behind its name and creation is beautiful. Susan would never post this herself, but her piece is too wonderful not to share. Read about it below.
“Interflow, Reliquary Triptych”
Interflow, a reliquary triptych, transports viewers into a sacred space where the natural world and human experience converge. The title is inspired by Welsh poet John O'Donohue’s notion of “interflow”—a state of mutual awareness and connection that transcends boundaries between beings and the earth.
Each panel holds relics of nature—from fragments of lichen, seeds, and other found objects - to vials that contain a rainbow of pigments reminding us of the vibrant beauty found in nature. These relics are not merely decorative; they are meant to be revered and studied, offering a tangible link to the earth’s beauty and complexity.
Interflow serves as a visual bridge to the interconnectedness of all living things, urging viewers to pause and reflect on the wondrous world around them.
CLASSROOM UPDATES
Our Early Childhood IECE program partnered with the Calloway County Public Library to hold a Bring Your Own Teddy Bear Event.
The ELE 410 Collaboration and Communication course students planned developmentally appropriate activities to correspond with the “Teddy Bear Picnic” book. Students created a family guide to distribute to participants at the event.
PROGRAM UPDATES
The Health and Physical Education program is proud to partner with Rock Steady Boxing to sponsor their Fighting Back Against Parkinson's Disease 5k and 1 mile fun run!
The event will be held on Saturday, June 7th, starting at 8am outside the CFSB center. Runners, walkers, and spectators are all welcome, and Murray State students can use the code MSUHPE50 to get 50% off the cost of registration. We look forward to seeing you there!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We are excited to offer faculty and staff the opportunity to update their professional headshots! Whether you need a new photo for your university profile, website, or any other professional purpose, we’ve made it easy for you to schedule a session.
How to Schedule Your Appointment:
Simply use the online appointment calendar to select a time that works best for you! An email follow-up will be sent after an appointment is made.
Using technology like AI or virtual reality in the classroom?
Is your class working on a super cool project?
Schedule a time for me to stop by and grab photos (or video) of your students using technology to enhance their learning.
You can also schedule a time for me to grab photos of group work, class projects, etc.
If you already have photos, feel free to submit them here using the photo folder link!
WATERMARK TIPS
As the course instructor, you can run reports. To do this:
Click on the Reports icon located in the bottom left of your Watermark screen.
Select the “create new report” button on the right side of your screen. This will give you 4 options to run the report:
Comparative Data Report
Rubric Report
Standards & Outcomes Report
Time Logs Report
Build out your report using the filter features such as term, course, etc.
Shout-Out to Jillian Smith from Dr. Jamie Mahoney
Jill has been fabulous to keep us updated with all the news and take all the wonderful pictures! Jill always has a smile on her face and is willing to help me get all my paperwork signed by all the office people. Thank you for all you do for me and the rest of us here at COEHS!
Shout-Out to Claire Layne from Dr. Jamie Mahoney
Claire is always smiling and helpful with anything I have asked of her! She has never told me she couldn't do that or "That's not my job!" She is such a team player and has the best graphics and ideas on how to make them better. I appreciate all her ideas!
Shout-Out to Dr. Wendy Mitchell, Dr. Karen Mackey, Selise Ridolfi, Dr. Mi-Hwa Park, Dr. Kelley Groves, Holly Bloodworth, and Donna Wear from Dr. Abbie Morris, Dr. Alesa Walker, and Dr. Samir Patel.
The College of Education and Human Services at Murray State University is proud to recognize faculty who achieved 100% mentor participation in completing feedback evaluations for their practicum students. This outstanding level of engagement reflects a strong commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and the professional growth of our educator candidates.
Your dedication ensures that our students receive high-quality, constructive feedback that shapes their development as future educators. Thank you for your leadership and support in fostering meaningful mentor-student relationships and upholding the standards of excellence in our programs.
Congratulations, and thank you for making a measurable impact!
To send your own shout-out, click on the button below to fill out the form. It's a great way to show colleagues how awesome they are!
It will appear in the Midweek Round-Up as well as on the Faculty and Staff Shout-Out Board by the Dean's Office! Be sure to check it out when you're walking by!
Spring Semester - 2025
Jan 13 - First Day of Classes
January 20 - Holiday
February 1 -Admitted Student Kickoff
March 5 - 1 HALF ENDS
March 6 - 2 HALF BEGINS
March 14- Teacher Career Fair
March 19-21 - Spring Break
March 26- Racer Day
April 18- Honors Racer Nation Orientation
April 19- Racer Nation Orientation
April 29- Sparks Lecture
May 2- Classes End
May 2- End of Year Celebration
May 5-9- Finals Week
May 10- Commencement
May 29- Holiday
SCAVENGER HUNT
A new duck is hiding somewhere in Alexander Hall! Who will find it next?
Snap a photo and send to jsmith194@murraystate.edu then hide it somewhere new.
Good luck!
The mission of the College of Education and Human Services is to prepare future leaders, advocates, and practitioners through authentic, engaging, and student-centered academic programs for successful careers that positively impact communities.