Leadership, Research & Innovation in Education 2023 is a celebration of creativity among faculty, students and alumni of Orlean Beeson School of Education.
This award-winning publication is a testament to the innovative work and leadership of our school that combines faith and learning to make a positive impact on our communities across the globe. The type and scope of scholarship you will read about is appropriate for a teaching-focused institution and translates to the quality of teaching and learning taking place in our classrooms. The goal of our effort is to model continuous learning, thereby benefiting our students and the professional community and ultimately bringing glory to the kingdom of God.
Anna McEwan, Ph.D. - dean and professor
Education Faculty Present Groundbreaking Framework for Effective Teaching in New Book
Samford’s Amy Hoaglund and Karen Birkenfeld wrote the book on effective teaching, literally. In 2023, the two professors of teacher education published The Commitment-Based Teacher: Cultivating Professional Character for Lasting Impact. Every member of the department of teacher education contributed to the work, a significant milestone in the field. The Commitment-Based Teacher represents a groundbreaking school of thought, holistically preparing educators’ hearts and minds for the challenges faced in schools across the globe. More than a guide, their new book is a call to action for educators to find their “why” in teaching and to commit to creating a better future for students.
Alumna's Servant Leadership Shatters Glass Ceilings at State Dept. of Education
All Autumm Jeter Ed.S. ’06, Ed.D. ’12, ever wanted to be was a teacher, she never imagined that this calling would carry her to the role of assistant state superintendent with the Alabama State Department of Education. Here, she is impacting the state’s school systems at the highest levels through her vital work. While Jeter was a graduate student in Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, her vision for leadership in the field of education began to center around the idea of service—an idea that has shaped how she leads and impacts Alabama’s schools.
Answering the Call: Samford Education’s Leaders of Tomorrow
Samford University is ranked #10 of all colleges and universities in the United States for the quality of career preparation provided to its students according to a new ranking published in The Wall Street Journal. At Orlean Beeson School of Education, students are provided with tailored educational experiences that lead to high employment and graduate school acceptance rates. With 100% of the school’s programs incorporating field, clinical, practicum and internship experiences and 100% of graduates employed or pursuing graduate studies within three months of graduation, the School of Education remains a force for producing the highest quality professionals to meet some of the world’s most important challenges.
School of Education Earns Top National Distinction
Samford is one of only two schools in the United States to have earned an A+ distinction for preparing aspiring teachers in the most effective methods for teaching reading.
Education Alumni Honored at Annual Awards Dinner
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education had the distinct pleasure of beginning the fall semester with the school’s annual Learning for Life Awards Dinner.
Education Students Set Apart in Unique Partnership with Local School
Orlean Beeson School of Education transformed its teacher preparation program through what is now a long-standing partnership with Trace Crossings Elementary School.
Change from the Top Down
In 2014, dynamic leaders in the field of education began touting the need for high-level and innovative leadership across Alabama’s school systems. The response was the development of the Transformation Leadership Academy (TLA), the brainchild of Ruth Ash, former dean of Orlean Beeson School of Education.
Samford Alum Honored with National Award
Lindy Cleveland ’14 is this year’s winner of the 2024 Council for Christian Colleges & Universities Young Alumni Award.
Education Alumna Shatters Glass Ceilings
Autumm Jeter EdS ’06, EdD ’12, is impacting the state of Alabama’s school systems at the highest levels through her vital work as assistant superintendent with the Alabama State Department of Education.
Education Faculty Present Groundbreaking Framework for Effective Teaching in New Book
Orlean Beeson School of Education’s and Amy Hoaglund and Karen Birkenfeld wrote the book on effective teaching, literally.
Character Scholar in Residence
Character education is a movement in educational contexts emphasizing values and the expression of attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that exemplify virtues and living a life that counts for good.
Answering the Call: Samford Education’s Leaders of Tomorrow
Samford University is ranked #10 of all colleges and universities in the United States for the quality of career preparation provided to its students according to a new ranking published in The Wall Street Journal.
Faculty Highlights 2023
At Orlean Beeson School of Education, faculty are encouraged and empowered to explore innovative and leading opportunities in research to advance the mission of Samford University.
Play for Keeps: How Fun and Connection Forge Stronger Parent-Child Bonds
The innovative research of Faith Jones ‘23 highlights the pivotal role that play has in shaping family dynamics and children's development.
2022-23 Undergraduate Senior Research
At Orlean Beeson School of Education, students majoring in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) are required to complete an original research project in order to graduate.
Impact of Patriarchal Beliefs on Opportunities
Recent years have seen a spike in Christian women embarking on journeys to pursue education and career opportunities, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations. These women have been at the forefront of a social and cultural shift, but what motivates them to defy historical norms and pursue their ambitions?
The Key to Unlocking Academic Resilience
In the bustling landscape of urban middle schools, where challenges often outweigh resources, the pursuit of academic success can be a daunting journey for many high-risk students.
Yakimowski’s Stewardship at the AERA
Mary Yakimowski, professor and director in Orlean Beeson School of Education’s educational leadership program, is passionate about many things, musical theatre, traveling, landscaping, but perhaps most noteworthy is her passion for her students and for research.
