YouTube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yq91xT-LLc&feature=youtu.be

http://www.judsonu.edu/Graduate/Doctor_of_Literacy/Program_Distinctives/

PROGRAM DISTINCTIVES

• Program developed by and courses taught by literacy experts

• Dissertation process with integrated support throughout the program

• Authentic benchmark assessments as opposed to a traditional comprehensive examination

• Classes held one night a week and one Saturday a month during the school year (summer calendars vary)

• Intentional focus on literacy leadership

• Cohorts of fewer than ten candidates

• Course texts included with tuition

• Cohort trips to the International Reading Association National Convention and the Literacy Research Association Conference included with tuition.

• Writing retreat to northern Wisconsin

• Three-year membership provided in the International Reading Association and the Literacy Research Association

• Subscription to Reading Research Quarterly and Journal of Literacy Research included throughout the program

• Complimentary attendance at Literacy in Motion conferences

• Complimentary attendance at A Day at Judson seminars

• Laptop computer provided with appropriate software for doctoral study

• Skype and/or live opportunities to meet and talk with prominent authors and researchers

• Autographed books

• Program completed in three years

http://www.judsonu.edu/Articles/Judson_University_Launches_First_Ever_Doctorate_Program_in_Literacy_Education/

Judson University Launches First Ever Doctorate Program in Literacy Education

(Elgin, IL – June 17, 2013) In the past 50 years since Judson University settled in Elgin, Ill., the strength and depth of the school’s academics have grown into an evangelical Christian university of the liberal arts, sciences and professions offering more than 60 majors and minors to traditional undergraduate, graduate and adult professionals. Now, as the university celebrates its Golden Centennial, it is launching its first-ever doctoral program, a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Literacy.

The formal announcement was made at 10 a.m. today in Judson’s Lindner Commons as the School of Education kicked off its annual “Literacy in Motion” conference, a four-day seminar that invites literacy experts to speak to more than 200 educators annually. Dr. Steven Layne, author, literacy expert, and Director of Judson’s Master of Education in Literacy Program, opened the conference with a stirring opening address that recalled the teachers that have made a lasting impact in his own life. Following that, he invited Dr. Gillian Stewart-Wells, fellow School of Education professor, to join him for their special announcement of the new EdD program, which the two have built together.

“Those of you that have been a part of Literacy in Motion since the beginning may remember us mentioning the possibility of a doctoral program back then,” Dr. Layne reminded the crowd. “We are proud to announce that three and a half years of hard work has finally paid off. On May 31, 2013, Judson University’s Doctor of Education in Literacy was approved by the Higher Learning Commission.”

The audience erupted in applause at the announcement.

Prior to the public announcement at the Literacy in Motion conference, Esther Martin, assistant superintendent from Central Community Unit District 301, and Lindsay Allen, principal of Southbury School in Oswego District 308 were present for a press announcement, along with Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain.

Kaptain gave several remarks on the benefits of having Judson’s EdD program in Elgin, saying that the endeavor aligned with the City Council’s strategic goal to make education a key priority for the community. When people move to Elgin, he said, the City wants their children to get an excellent education in all areas of learning. Judson’s new doctoral program will allow the City of Elgin to say that its residents can receive a quality education from preschool through the doctorate level, all within city limits, said Kaptain.

District 301 Superintendent Dr. Todd Stirn, who was unable to be present for the announcement, expressed his excitement in a statement to the university.

“I could not be more pleased to hear that Judson University was approved to offer a doctoral degree in Education with a focus on literacy,” said Stirn. “The Judson Master of Education in Literacy Program is exceptional, as evidenced by how it has shaped the practice of Central teachers who have completed the program. I am grateful to Dr. Steven Layne, Dr. Gillian Stewart-Wells and Judson University for their partnership to improve literacy education across our region and look forward to the success of the new doctoral program.”

An open house will be held from 4 – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19 in the Lindner Commons for those interested in enrolling in the new EdD program. Several Judson faculty will be available to speak with doctoral candidates about the application process and academic requirements.

“Judson’s first doctoral program is responding to both a need our data has evidenced and a request our constituency has made,” explained Layne, who co-directs the program with Stewart-Wells.

The EdD in Literacy grows out of the university’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Literacy program, which launched in 2008. Building on the strength of its bachelor’s program, the School of Education established the M.Ed. in Literacy to provide certified teachers with extensive experience and research in reading and writing methodology. Along with the Masters of Education in Literacy program, Judson offers graduate degrees in Architecture and Organizational Leadership.

The EdD spent three years in the hands of a design team led by Layne and Stewart-Wells, with a goal of creating a doctoral program in literacy education that is totally unique. Layne says the committee was intentional about their decision not to model the doctorate after other institutions’ literacy programs.

“Our EdD in literacy was designed to blend best practice and scholarly proficiency,” said Layne. “Our purpose is to graduate literacy leaders who are equipped to serve their schools and communities and who are interested in contributing to the profession in significant ways. Judson has the people, the plan, and the reputation in literacy to make it all happen in a way that honors God.”

Candidates accepted into the three-year EdD will be part of distinct cohorts made up of only seven to nine participants. The dissertation component will be faculty and peer-supported throughout the duration of the program to encourage a robust and pragmatic research experience, says Stewart-Wells. Other highlights of the program are trips to the International Reading Association and the Literacy Research Association’s national conferences, a nearly-weeklong “writer’s retreat,” with published authors, and Skyping sessions with authors and experts in the field of literacy.

“Candidates can expect a great deal from the courses as well, each one designed by a scholar who has remained current in the field and who is a gifted teacher in his or her own right,” explained Stewart-Wells. “Graduates will complete this program, not only as leaders in the field of literacy, but confident in their writing, speaking, and research practice as well.”

Dr. Gene Crume, Judson’s President, summed up the excitement of the university’s first doctoral program by tying it to the university’s namesake, Adoniram Judson, the first American missionary abroad in Burma.

“The announcement could not have come at a more blessed time for Judson as we celebrate our Golden Centennial. When I think about Adoniram Judson and the Bible that he translated for the Burmese people, I feel a deep resonance that this announcement of Judson’s new Doctor of Education in Literacy feels so purposeful.”

Those interested in learning more about Judson’s new EdD can visit JudsonU.edu/literacydoctor.

http://couriernews.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/20795345-417/judson-u-announces-first-doctoral-program.html

Judson University Announces First Doctoral Program

ELGIN — Judson University announced its first-ever doctoral program, a doctor of education in literacy, at Monday’s kickoff to the school’s four-day Literacy in Motion conference.

That program also will be the first doctor of education in literacy program in the area, according to its co-director, Gillian Stewart-Wells. When she and co-director Steven Layne began researching a program four years ago, there were only two in the state of Illinois, Stewart-Wells said.

And it “couldn’t have come at a more blessed time for our 50th Golden Centennial Anniversary,” with Adoniram Judson’s strong ties to literacy, said Judson University President Gene Crume. Judson, the school’s namesake and first American missionary overseas, had written the first Burmese-English dictionary and translated the Bible into Burmese “so people could understand it,” Crume noted.

“There’s just this deep resonance that feels so purposeful that our first doctoral program is in this area, and that’s certainly a blessing,” he said.

The doctor of education in literacy program was approved May 31 by the North Central Accrediting Association Higher Learning Commission, Stewart-Wells said.

The seven to nine applicants accepted into the first cohort of the program will begin class one night a week and one Saturday a month in January 2014, she said. They then will graduate together in spring 2017.

It will include support for the dissertation process throughout those three years, she said. It also will include trips to the International Reading Association and Literacy Research Association’s national conferences, a nearly weeklong writer’s retreat with published authors, and Skype sessions with authors and other literacy experts.

Top education

The doctoral program fits into the vision for education that Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain shared with Crume, several Judson faculty and staff members and representatives of area school districts in the president’s office before the public announcement.

“If you move here with your 3-year-old or 4-year-old child, that child should be able to get as fine an education as you can get in the United States all the way through college, and we’re going to do that,” Kaptain said.

“This is the cherry at the end of the day for us.”

It had grown out of the success of Judson’s master of education in literacy program, launched in 2008, and a survey of interest in a doctoral program, according to Stewart-Wells. That, and how well she and Layne worked together writing courses for the university’s School of Education. The two co-directors dramatized how that conversation played out before announcing the new doctoral program to cheers and applause from the 235 teachers from around the world at the fifth Literacy in Motion conference.

“Doctorates don’t come out of nowhere — or anywhere,” said Will Friesen, Judson University provost and vice president for academic affairs. “They come because there’s excellence somewhere, and there’s certainly academic excellence at Judson University. In particular, there has been excellence now for a number of years in the master of education in literacy program.”

Seven teachers in Burlington Central School District 301 came out of that master’s program, according to District 301 Assistant Superintendent Esther Martin. They’re “our top of the top,” Martin said — speaking across the nation and leading professional development for other teachers in the Burlington district.

“I can’t imagine what we’ll gain from the doctorate program coming out of Judson University,” she said.

Lindsay Allen came out of Judson’s master of education in literacy program. Allen now is principal of Southbury Elementary School in Oswego — and she plans to apply for the first cohort of its doctor of education in literacy program, she said.

She was looking for a program “where I was going to learn and grow as an educator,” not just earn a master’s degree, and Judson delivered, she said. She liked the familial feel of the cohorts at the private Christian university, and feels like that will be important in a doctoral program, she said.

“Just the knowledge I have gained and the impact I have been able to have on my staff and my students and my community — I look forward to that and to continue to grow and strengthen,” Allen said.

Gillian Stewart-Wells and Steven Layne,  co-directors of Judson University’s Doctorate  of Education in Literacy program, announce  the school’s first-ever doctorate program  Monday morning at its Literacy in Motion  conference.

http://www.noodls.com/view/65EA83C81AF9D41AFE980B9223069E38E9A06BB0

Judson University Launches First Ever Doctorate Program in Literacy Education

(Elgin, IL - June 17, 2013) In the past 50 years since Judson University settled in Elgin, Ill., the strength and depth of the school's academics have grown into an evangelical Christian university of the liberal arts, sciences and professions offering more than 60 majors and minors to traditional undergraduate, graduate and adult professionals. Now, as the university celebrates its Golden Centennial, it is launching its first-ever doctoral program, a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Literacy. 

The formal announcement was made at 10 a.m. today in Judson's Lindner Commons as the School of Education kicked off its annual "Literacy in Motion" conference, a four-day seminar that invites literacy experts to speak to more than 200 educators annually. Dr. Steven Layne, author, literacy expert, and Director of Judson's Master of Education in Literacy Program, opened the conference with a stirring opening address that recalled the teachers that have made a lasting impact in his own life. Following that, he invited Dr. Gillian Stewart-Wells, fellow School of Education professor, to join him for their special announcement of the new EdD program, which the two have built together.

"Those of you that have been a part of Literacy in Motion since the beginning may remember us mentioning the possibility of a doctoral program back then," Dr. Layne reminded the crowd. "We are proud to announce that three and a half years of hard work has finally paid off. On May 31, 2013, Judson University's Doctor of Education in Literacy was approved by the Higher Learning Commission."

The audience erupted in applause at the announcement.

Prior to the public announcement at the Literacy in Motion conference, Esther Martin, assistant superintendent from Central Community Unit District 301, and Lindsay Allen, principal of Southbury School in Oswego District 308 were present for a press announcement, along with Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain.

Kaptain gave several remarks on the benefits of having Judson's EdD program in Elgin, saying that the endeavor aligned with the City Council's strategic goal to make education a key priority for the community. When people move to Elgin, he said, the City wants their children to get an excellent education in all areas of learning. Judson's new doctoral program will allow the City of Elgin to say that its residents can receive a quality education from preschool through the doctorate level, all within city limits, said Kaptain.

District 301 Superintendent Dr. Todd Stirn, who was unable to be present for the announcement, expressed his excitement in a statement to the university.

"I could not be more pleased to hear that Judson University was approved to offer a doctoral degree in Education with a focus on literacy," said Stirn. "The Judson Master of Education in Literacy Program is exceptional, as evidenced by how it has shaped the practice of Central teachers who have completed the program. I am grateful to Dr. Steven Layne, Dr. Gillian Stewart-Wells and Judson University for their partnership to improve literacy education across our region and look forward to the success of the new doctoral program."

An open house will be held from 4 - 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19 in the Lindner Commons for those interested in enrolling in the new EdD program. Several Judson faculty will be available to speak with doctoral candidates about the application process and academic requirements.

"Judson's first doctoral program is responding to both a need our data has evidenced and a request our constituency has made," explained Layne, who co-directs the program with Stewart-Wells.

The EdD in Literacy grows out of the university's Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Literacy program, which launched in 2008. Building on the strength of its bachelor's program, the School of Education established the M.Ed. in Literacy to provide certified teachers with extensive experience and research in reading and writing methodology. Along with the Masters of Education in Literacy program, Judson offers graduate degrees in Architecture and Organizational Leadership.

The EdD spent three years in the hands of a design team led by Layne and Stewart-Wells, with a goal of creating a doctoral program in literacy education that is totally unique. Layne says the committee was intentional about their decision not to model the doctorate after other institutions' literacy programs.

"Our EdD in literacy was designed to blend best practice and scholarly proficiency," said Layne. "Our purpose is to graduate literacy leaders who are equipped to serve their schools and communities and who are interested in contributing to the profession in significant ways. Judson has the people, the plan, and the reputation in literacy to make it all happen in a way that honors God."

Candidates accepted into the three-year EdD will be part of distinct cohorts made up of only seven to nine participants. The dissertation component will be faculty and peer-supported throughout the duration of the program to encourage a robust and pragmatic research experience, says Stewart-Wells. Other highlights of the program are trips to the International Reading Association and the Literacy Research Association's national conferences, a nearly-weeklong "writer's retreat," with published authors, and Skyping sessions with authors and experts in the field of literacy.

"Candidates can expect a great deal from the courses as well, each one designed by a scholar who has remained current in the field and who is a gifted teacher in his or her own right," explained Stewart-Wells. "Graduates will complete this program, not only as leaders in the field of literacy, but confident in their writing, speaking, and research practice as well."

Dr. Gene Crume, Judson's President, summed up the excitement of the university's first doctoral program by tying it to the university's namesake, Adoniram Judson, the first American missionary abroad in Burma.

"The announcement could not have come at a more blessed time for Judson as we celebrate our Golden Centennial. When I think about Adoniram Judson and the Bible that he translated for the Burmese people, I feel a deep resonance that this announcement of Judson's new Doctor of Education in Literacy feels so purposeful."

Those interested in learning more about Judson's new EdD can visit JudsonU.edu/literacydoctor.

- See more at: http://www.noodls.com/view/65EA83C81AF9D41AFE980B9223069E38E9A06BB0#sthash.XCDRKLsE.dpuf

Fall 2012 degree candidates with majors 11 30 12

http://www.oswego308.org/schools/southbury/school_info/administration.aspx

Lindsay Allen Principal email

My name is Lindsay Allen, and this is my fourth year as the Principal of Southbury Elementary School. I am very excited about the school year and look forward to working with the students, families, and staff members in this community!

Here is a little bit about myself. I grew up in Upper Sandusky, Ohio and ultimately moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan. While there, I received a Bachelor of Arts in French and ESL from Eastern Michigan University. After graduation, I had the remarkable experience of teaching for two years in France, where I helped students in grades 6-12 become fluent in the English language. In 2002, I returned to the United States to obtain an elementary teaching certificate at North Central College. In 2008, I graduated from Aurora University with a Masters degree in Educational Leadership.  During the summer of 2012, I finished my studies at Judson University in the Masters of Literacy Program.

This is my tenth year in the Oswego school district. I spent my first four years teaching 2nd Grade at Lakewood Creek Elementary School, and it was an absolute pleasure working so closely with the families in that community. For two years, I was the Assistant Principal at both Old Post and Grande Park Elementary Schools, as well as Southbury Elementary School. This was also a wonderful experience, and I truly enjoyed getting to know the children and families. This will be my fourth year as the Principal of Southbury Elementary School.

 Currently, I reside in Plainfield with my wonderful husband, Brian, who is the Industrial Arts Teacher at Oswego High School.  We enjoy working on our house, traveling, and playing with our energetic puppy, Bailey.

My philosophy of education is that children are my top priority, and I will do whatever I can to make sure that every student is reaching her/his potential. I know that by working together, we can make sure our children are successful and thrive in a safe, comfortable, and caring learning environment!