November 2025 Recap

Congratulations to one of CEPS's recent graduates, Samuel Cosby, for receiving the Etowah Middle School 2025 Teacher of the Year Award. He is currently in his second year teaching 8th grade math.

Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!

Culinary Master, Dr. Diane Best, helped dish up the night's fun for the Child Developement Center's "Cooking Up Connections" event. The littles were excited to make their own empanadas, and parents picked up some extra tips on how to make cooking fun and educational.

Dr. Torsten Dryden's proposal titled "Leveling-Up: World-Building Through Video Games in Counseling" was accepted for the 2025 Alabama Counseling Association Conference. He will be joined by two Jax State Alumni who are also graduates of the Counselor Education program: Ms. Kaitlyn Williams, MS, ALC, NCC, and Mr. Emmanuel Rock, MS, LPC, NCC.

This presentation examines the practical application of the video game Minecraft in clinical mental health counseling settings through the integrated lens of reality therapy and narrative therapy.

Congratulations, Dr. Dryden!

Dr. Weathers and Dr. Cannon presented at the ACTM conference on how generative AI and Snorkl can support the Alabama Numeracy Act.

Their session showed practical ways teachers can use these tools to save planning time, differentiate for every learner, and highlight student thinking in real time.

They also shared examples of engaging math activities that build number sense and deepen understanding for K through 6.

Drs. Alvidrez, Troncale, and Johns presented at the ACTM conference in Montgomery on Thursday, November 14. Their session focused on integrative lesson ideas for connecting mathematics standards from the Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics with real-world applications in science and social studies, while also exploring AI tools that support lesson design, differentiation, and student engagement.

They connected with colleagues from AMSTI and former Jax State students who are now classroom teachers during their session and at the conference.

Drs. Aimee Weathers, Krista Gilliand, and Jessica Cannon represented Jax State's College of Education & Professional Studies at the Faculty Research Symposium with their presentation, “Where Joy Meets Literacy: Bridging Literacy, Technology, and STEM in the Modern Classroom."

Congratulations to one of the CEPS's Early Childhood Program (ECP) program undergraduate teacher candidates, Amelia Jordan for being chosen as an Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ACTM) 2025 Scholarship Winner!

Cassie Ward, Jax State Instructor of Business and current EdD student, was recognized with the Best Long Presentation award in the Changemakers Track at the 2025 JSU Faculty Research Symposium.

Her presentation, “Societal Impact in AACSB-Accredited Business Schools: Lessons for Higher Education,” highlighted how business programs strengthen communities through service and experiential learning, ethics-based curriculum, faculty engagement, and regional partnerships.

Her research demonstrates how institutions across all disciplines can connect mission, teaching, and scholarship to meaningful outcomes for people and communities.

Congratulations, Cassie!

Barbie Norvell

Trey'Vionne Marshall

Kelly Paynter

Kelly Murray

Priscilla Wilson

Barry Cooper

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