Dr. Kyoko Johns published an article "Using Origami to Promote Math Talk" published on Edutopia website to encourage elementary students to better understand concepts like shapes and lines by creating origami objects.

On December 5, teacher candidates from across the university participated in the Teacher Candidate Showcase. Our candidates were able to set up personal displays and speak with faculty, staff, administrators, and visitors from schools across Alabama.

All of the CEPS, especially the Teacher Education Department, would like to thank everyone so much again for stepping up to the challenge and making our food drive for Gamecock Market a huge success!

We raised a total of 496 pounds of food and resources! We were thrilled to be able to support our students in need during finals week and the holiday break.

Also, this was a competition for our three faculty teams. Ms. Weathers, Dr. Hammack, and Dr. Alhammouri were all competing to raise the most food items. Ms. Weather's team dominated the competition! Congrats on your win. Dr. Hammack and Dr. Alhammouri suffered a pie to the face after the results were finalized. The final team results were as follows:

Weathers Team: 444 lbs.

Hammack Team: 44 lbs.

Alhammouri Team: 8 lbs.

IGI Global Scientific Publishing's Executive Editorial Board recently accepted Dr. Christie Calhoun's book proposal for publication under the title, Teacher Strategies for Addressing Social-Emotional Needs of P-12 Students. The Board recognized that this project would have a tremendous impact on the academic literature in the field and was pleased to have its inclusion in the premier collections of IGI Global Scientific Publishing.

Congratulations, Dr. Calhoun on this huge accomplishment.

The CEPS faculty and staff enjoyed a wonderful lunch filled with fun and games.

Great news for Jax State!

At its meeting on December 10, 2024, the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed Jax State's accreditation for a full 10 years with no additional reports required. This decision is the highest endorsement of the university's compliance with rigorous standards of academic quality, institutional integrity, and student success.

The reaffirmation ensures Jax State's continued accredited status through 2034 and highlights the university's excellence in governance, academic offerings, faculty credentials, student services, and financial stability.

On Dec 3, early childhood block students designed creative and engaging math activities aligned with first-grade standards for “Cocky Counts Day.” The event was held at the University Recreation and Fitness Center.

The event welcomed first-grade students from Kitty Stone Elementary School for a morning of fun-filled, Christmas-themed math activities. It was a fantastic day for all involved!

The Grinch found the littles at the Jax State Child Development Center.

The CEPS was well represented at the Alabama Board of Education Meeting on December 12.

Faculty members in the Professional Counseling and Leadership department celebrated with students as one of the largest groups of graduates walked during the Fall Commencement.

CEPS is very proud of you, and we wish you all the very best!

The CEPS had a great time at the Jax State Staff Awards. Congratulations to Mrs. Martha Dingler and Mrs. Alicia Parton for being nominees to receive awards this year.

Well deserving!

The CEPS cookie swap was snow much fun. What a great last day to end the year!

Dr. Niki Peel, a native of Mississippi, joined the College of Education and Professional Studies at Jacksonville State University in 2024, where she currently teaches in the Instructional Leadership program. She extends a variety of knowledge and experience to the educational platform having served as a district administrator, middle and elementary school principal, high school and elementary assistant principal, as well as a high school teacher and coach throughout the last 30 years. Dr. Peel’s professional background includes a Ph.D. and Ed.S. degree in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi, a M.S. degree in instructional technology from Mississippi State University, and a B.A. degree in Journalism from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Peel is an Apple Distinguished Educator and has received a variety of other accolades over her P-K public education career.

As an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Professional Studies, Dr. Peel is dedicated to supporting effective and innovative instructional leadership that empowers educators and administrators. She emphasizes the importance of collaborative decision-making, ongoing professional development, and the use of data-driven practices to drive school improvement and enhance student outcomes. Dr. Peel is committed to advancing teaching and learning by fostering effective educational leadership, emphasizing best practices, mentoring, and the promotion of equitable and inclusive opportunities for all. Her research interest includes effective mentorship programs, instructional technology integration, and the impacts of artificial intelligence in education.

Dr. Peel enjoys spending time with her husband, Keith, her bloodhound, Sadie, and two basset hounds, Copper and Maggie. She also enjoys traveling, reading, and enjoying the outdoors through cycling, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and other types of outdoor adventures.

Our featured student of month is Brianna Hurst. Ms. Hurst was born and raised in a military family where she spent time in South Carolina and Wyoming as a child. Originally from Jacksonville, she graduated from Prattville High School and decided to further her education here in her hometown. She is currently a special education major here at Jax State and plans to graduate in the Spring of 2026.

Brianna chose Jax State because she felt led in her heart that this is where she should be. She is currently a member of Sigma Alpha Omega, a Christian sorority, where she serves as the JB Chairwoman. She is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Ms. Hurst is a Graduate Assistant in the Learning Resource Center here at CEPS. She has thoroughly enjoyed this responsibility as it has enabled her to be able to help other students and teachers in many ways. She has shown true dedication and hard work in her role here on campus and the College of Education & Professional Studies is very appreciative of all of the services she has offered to faculty, staff and peer students. She has been a tutor for students in grades K-6th grade, where she has been able to help children succeed and grow.

After graduation in the Spring of 2026, Ms. Hurst plans to obtain a career teaching special education so that she can apply her passion of watching others succeed to a classroom of her own.

The CEPS wishes you the best of luck, Brianna!

Dr. Torsten Dryden

Dr. Krista Gilliland

Dr. Russell Hammack

Mrs. Kelly Murray

Brandon Gilliland

Torsten Dryden

Vicki Trammell

Christie Trucks

Dean Kimberly White

Email: amroberts@jsu.edu
Website: https://www.jsu.edu/education/index.html
Location: 115 College Street Southwest, Jacksonville, AL, USA
Phone: 256-782-8200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JSUEducation/
Twitter: @JSU_SoE