President’s Column for Traill County Tribune

March 31, 2018

MSU Education and Innovation Center offers opportunities for lifelong learning

Last fall, Mayville State’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiative joined forces with the Mayville Area Teacher Center to form the Education and Innovation Center (EIC). The entity is geared to enhance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) instruction by working with P-16 teachers, MSU teacher candidates, parents, and community members to prepare all students for success in the 21st century.

The EIC is an educational resource located in the basement of the Byrnes-Quanbeck Library at Mayville State. The mission of the EIC is that of assisting practicing teachers, teacher candidates, and other educational personnel in professional knowledge and skill development to improve the learning of students. In addition to providing education resources in all content areas, the EIC offers opportunities for professional development for area teaches, teacher candidates, and community members, often in conjunction with other education agencies.

One such opportunity is coming up on Saturday, April 7, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the EIC hosts the PBS EdCamp East. The event will run simultaneously with Ed Camp West, which will take place in Mandan, N.D., and will have the potential for having as many as 100 teachers from the eastern part of the state attending. Mayville State’s pre-service education teachers have been invited to attend, and Mayville State folks are working with Darcy Baakegard from Prairie Public to plan for what will be an innovative day.

EdCamp is a free “unconference,” designed to let teachers take back professional development. Rather than paying expensive presenters, participants will learn from and teach each other. The day will include discussion and networking with PK-16 educators from surrounding communities. Participants are encouraged to bring an idea for a session that they would like to teach or come with the anticipation of a full day of learning.

Continuing education credit is available for those who participate. Go to www.edcampnd.k12.nd.us for more information. EdCamp sponsors who are making this free professional development opportunity which is empowering the teachers of North Dakota available are Missouri River Educational Cooperative, Mayville State University, ND CDE, PBS Teacher Community Program, and Educational Technology Services (EduTech).

Together with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Mayville State EIC is sponsoring the screening of “Night School,” a film by Andrew P. Cohn on Wednesday, April 4. The movie will begin in the MSU Classroom Building Auditorium at 6 p.m. This will be followed by a panel discussion on the movie topic. You’ll also have an opportunity to interact with Andrew Cohn via Skype from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. during a round table discussion in the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room.

“Night School” is a documentary about three adult learners, Greg, Melissa, and Shynika, who are from Indianapolis, which has one of the lowest high school graduation rates in the country. The three realize that earning their high school diplomas could be a life-changing achievement. The film observes their individual pursuits, fraught with the challenges of daily life and the broader systematic roadblocks faced by many low income Americans.

Mark your calendar for another exciting program being planned for Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual STEM carnival, a fun and free family event, will feature 20 interactive booths and the return of the petting zoo. All ages are welcome. The Mayville State Student Education Association, Dakota Science Center, Dakota Nursing students, and University of North Dakota Society of Women Engineers are partnering to present the annual STEM carnival.

For more information about any of these EIC-sponsored events, contact Donalee Strand at donalee.strand.2@mayvillestate.edu or 701-788-4718.

We are very happy to offer these wonderful activities for our students, area educators, and the general public. It is our hope that you will take advantage of these lifelong learning opportunities happening right here at Mayville State University.