Spotlight on Support
Dr. Angela Boyer, Coordinator of Learning Development
by Dr. Jeremy Sullivan
Dr. Angela Boyer brings a decade worth of instructional coaching experiences and a passion for adult learning to her role as a Coordinator of Learning Development with Springfield Public Schools. Before joining SPS, Dr. Boyer developed a strong toolbox of instructional strategies and professional development experiences as an educator in Nebraska and Ozark. She received her Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction through Doane University, and her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition to her role as Coordinator of Learning Development, Dr. Boyer serves as the learning specialist for Cherokee Middle School, Sunshine Elementary, and Pittman Elementary.
Although the 2019-2020 year is Dr. Boyer’s first year with SPS, she has hit the ground running. Dr. Tracy Daniels, Principal at Sunshine Elementary, explained that while Dr. Boyer may be new to SPS, she is “well grounded in cultivating strong relationships to open the doors to deep learning. She is always willing to listen to understand.” Amanda Brown, first/second grade teacher at Sunshine, echoed these sentiments when she said, “Dr. Boyer’s created an environment and dialogue between us where I feel safe enough to be completely honest about my fears and shortcoming, and we work through those items together. I consider myself so lucky to be able to learn from and work with Dr. Boyer!”
As Coordinator of Learning Development, Dr. Boyer works very closely with the many learning coaches and learning specialists throughout the district. Melissa Agnew, learning coach at Pittman Elementary, addressed how Dr. Boyer helps build the capacity of the learning coaches: “Dr. Boyer provides learning around relevant topics at our monthly learning coach meetings. Whether we are diving into protocols or coaching scenarios, Dr. Boyer has planned well thought-out learning opportunities for us to grow as coaches.” Learning specialist Jenny Talburt added, “She supports my thinking to help me plan intentional professional learning for my sites. She has a wealth of knowledge about instructional practices and collaborates well with the many teams and teachers she serves.”
Another way Dr. Boyer honors the departmental mission to build capacity in all we serve is through her work with the SPS Connect Leadership track. Laura Schulteis, Robberson Community School Community Engagement Coordinator, is a part of this program and writes, “Dr. Boyer directs learning and instruction through a series of topics that build on one another. The pace is rigorous at times and the bar, while attainable, is set high, mirroring what we like to see happening inside the classroom.”
Whether working with learning coaches, learning specialists, building leaders, or teachers, Dr. Boyer strives each day to move our system forward. Mrs. Schulteis summed up Dr. Boyer's support when she wrote, “Always an encourager, Dr. Boyer takes thoughtful time to discuss topics and assignments. It is apparent in her enthusiasm and countenance that she wants us to succeed. And that is contagious learning.”