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Articles by Megan Simpson
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Crunch Schererville is officially open, and we marked the occasion with a Schererville, Indiana Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting! ✂️🎉 On August 4, we gathered with local leaders, Chamber representatives, and members of our Crunch team to recognize the opening of our newest location serving the Schererville community.
Austin Peay professor publishes new volume on teaching labor history
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Dr. Adam Attwood, associate professor in the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University, has published a new edited volume, Teaching Labor History in the United States, 1850-2020, released this month by Peter Lang as Volume 9 in the Teaching Critical Themes in American History Series.
APSU teacher candidates earn highest first-time pass rate on state’s literacy assessment
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Teacher candidates in Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education achieved the highest first-time pass rate among Tennessee educator preparation providers (EPPs) on the Tennessee Early Literacy Assessment (TELA), according to a recent report to the State Board of Education. Austin Peay candidates achieved a 64% first-time pass rate for tests taken between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, well above the statewide average of 43% for Tennessee teacher candidates.
APSU launches Tennessee’s first Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education recently launched Tennessee’s first Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program (PRAP), a groundbreaking initiative to train the next generation of school leaders through a federally approved “earn while you learn” model.
APSU’s Eriksson College of Education receives $1 million Grow Your Own grant
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education was recently awarded a $1.025 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Education to provide funding for teacher apprentices through July 2027. “We are thrilled to receive this funding from the Tennessee Department of Education,” said Dr. John R. McConnell III, the Eriksson College of Education’s interim dean. “It will allow us to remove barriers and increase access to our high-quality teacher preparation program.
Austin Peay’s Eriksson College of Education appoints Barnett as associate dean
CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University has appointed Dr. Laura Barnett as its new associate dean of recruitment and partnerships. Barnett, an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Specialties and coordinator of the Master of Arts in Education in educational leadership studies, brings a unique combination of academic excellence and real-world leadership experience to the role.
APSU welcomes 48 new teacher residents to Grow Your Own Teacher Residency
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education celebrated the future of Tennessee education with its annual Grow Your Own Teacher Residency signing events, hosted July 21-22 in the Morgan University Center Ballroom.
APSU Eriksson College of Education celebrates excellence at annual awards ceremony
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education highlighted outstanding student achievements at its annual Awards & Recognition Ceremony, hosted on April 28, 2025, in the Morgan University Center Ballroom. The ceremony honored students and community partners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to education and the college’s mission of preparing dynamic teachers and educational leaders.
APSU’s Eriksson College of Education gains national recognition for teacher apprenticeship
CLARKSVILLE, TN − A recent Forbes article examining how apprenticeship degrees create new pathways in higher education highlighted Austin Peay State University’s groundbreaking teacher apprenticeship program. In his Forbes article “Is Experience Via Apprenticeship Degrees A New College Degree Pathway?”, Bruno V. Manno highlights APSU’s historic achievement.
Austin Peay’s STEA student group invites community to discuss ‘Hidden Figures’ at spring book club
CLARKSVILLE, TN − The Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA), an organization for aspiring teachers at Austin Peay State University, is hosting its spring book club event on March 27. Community members — especially teachers and school system workers — are encouraged to attend the free event.
Austin Peay State University nontraditional student earns statewide leadership role
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Sarah Earls took a winding path to Austin Peay State University, but the senior elementary education major and mother has found her place as a leader for aspiring educators on campus and across the state. Earls, who grew up in rural Arkansas, faced hardships in her teenage years, including the loss of her brother and bullying. However, her high school history teacher recognized her struggles and profoundly impacted her life trajectory.
Free registration available for Austin Peay State University’s Rural Education Conference
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Registration is open for the fifth annual Rural Education Conference, hosted virtually by the Center for Rural Education at Austin Peay State University from 8 a.m. – noon, March 18.
APSU’s Eriksson College of Education names new associate deans
BY MEGAN SIMPSON Austin Peay State University Dr. Charles Gonzalez Dr. Christi Maldonado The Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University has named two new associate deans: Dr. Charles Gonzalez and Dr. Christi Maldonado. Both began their roles this month. Gonzalez is the new associate dean of belonging and student success.
APSU’s Eriksson College of Education names new associate deans
CLARKSVILLE, TN − The Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University has named two new associate deans: Dr. Charles Gonzalez and Dr. Christi Maldonado. Both began their roles this month. Gonzalez is the new associate dean of belonging and student success. He currently serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, coordinates the Master of Arts in Teaching degree programs, and facilitates Inclusivity Initiatives for the Eriksson College of Education.
Austin Peay State University’s education programs experience unprecedented growth
CLARKSVILLE, TN − The Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University is experiencing unprecedented enrollment growth, with graduate programs running double cohorts and the nationally recognized Grow Your Own Teacher Residency program anticipating its largest-ever class of more than 70 new apprentices.
APSU, partnering organizations host Grow Your Own Teacher Residency signing events
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education joined with its community college and school district partners to celebrate the future of education with a series of signing ceremonies hosted July 30 – Aug. 1. The events introduced new participants to the Grow Your Own Teacher Residency program, which now includes Overton County Schools and Putnam County Schools as partner districts.
APSU’s teacher residency expands into rural counties with latest graduates
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education graduated its largest class yet on Friday, Aug. 2, including the third cohort from its Grow Your Own Teacher Residency – the nation’s first federally registered teaching apprenticeship program. This year also saw Grow Your Own’s first graduates from four rural Tennessee partner counties: Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman and Robertson.
Austin Peay State University Eriksson College of Education recognizes exemplary students
CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University celebrated its top students and graduates at the Spring 2024 Awards and Recognition Ceremony on April 30 at the Morgan University Center. “Congratulations to the award winners on all your accomplishments,” said Dr. Prentice Chandler, Eriksson College of Education dean.
APSU professor’s research highlights importance of goal-setting in increasing health care workforce
CLARKSVILLE, TN –A recent study by Dr. Terri A. Clark, associate professor of nursing at Austin Peay State University, emphasizes the importance of healthcare institutions setting goals to increase the percentage of bachelor’s degree-prepared registered nurses (RNs) in the workforce. Clark’s study was completed as part of her dissertation for the Eriksson College of Education’s Ed.D. program.
Austin Peay’s Teacher Externship program forges academic-industry partnerships in Clarksville
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Teachers are stepping out of the classroom and into the workforce through an innovative externship program offered by Austin Peay State University’s Jack Hunt STEM Center, gaining hands-on experience to enhance their STEM lessons. The idea for teacher externships was born after two Moore Magnet Elementary School teachers connected with the center’s co-director, Dr. Donna Short, in spring 2023. They arranged to visit several STEM-related programs on Austin Peay’s campus.
Austin Peay State University unveils VR-driven Furniture Connection EdTech Studio
CLARKSVILLE, TN – The immersive capabilities of virtual reality — once thought to be just for gamers — are making their way into classrooms nationwide. Thanks to a generous gift from Furniture Connection, these technological innovations are now available for college students at Austin Peay State University (APSU). University officials ushered in a new era in teacher preparation with the grand opening of the Furniture Connection EdTech Studio on March 11.
Targeted News Service
APSU-Funded Study Reveals Socioeconomic Status Impacts Elementary Science Achievement March 16, 2024 CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee, March 16 (TNSres) -- Austin Peay State University issued the following news: A new study led by Dr. Zachary Barnes, an assistant professor in the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University, revealed that U.S. students from higher socioeconomic status (SES) families are more likely to score higher in science than their lower-income peers.
APSU breaks down barriers to support early childhood educators
APSU TECTA Coordinator Gerrika Calloway works with students during an Infant/Toddler Orientation session hosted on Feb. 22. SEAN MCCULLY, APSU The Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) program at Austin Peay State University is helping child care professionals advance their careers through affordable education and training.
APSU program breaks down barriers to support early childhood educators
CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) program at Austin Peay State University is helping child care professionals advance their careers through affordable education and training. TECTA provides a statewide support system for students working in early childhood education, including financial assistance for tuition, textbook loans, tutoring and more.
APSU College of Education emphasizes collaboration during spring partnership meeting
CLARKSVILLE, TN – The power of partnerships is more than a talking point for Dr. Prentice Chandler, dean of the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University. These partnerships are elevated, celebrated and taken seriously, and this attitude was fully apparent as the College of Education hosted its semiannual Partnership Advisory Council Meeting on Feb. 15. “These two meetings that we have each year are some of the most important work in the college,” Chandler said.
Targeted News Service
Austin Peay Education Professors Release Trauma-Informed Practices Book February 06, 2024 CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 6 (TNSres) -- Austin Peay State University issued the following news: A new textbook - edited by Dr. Benita Bruster and Dr. Cheryl Lambert from the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University - offers research-based strategies to help teachers effectively manage disruptive student behaviors by incorporating trauma-informed practices.
Austin Peay education professors release trauma-informed practices book
CLARKSVILLE, TN – A new textbook – edited by Dr. Benita Bruster and Dr. Cheryl Lambert from the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University – offers research-based strategies to help teachers effectively manage disruptive student behaviors by incorporating trauma-informed practices. “Classroom Management: Trauma-Informed Practices” provides practical guidance for aspiring and experienced teachers on creating and maintaining supportive learning environments for all students.
APSU professors selected as inaugural ICBTE Faculty Fellows
CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Grow Your Own Center’s (TNGYOC) Institute for Competency-based Teacher Education (ICBTE) has named six faculty members from Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education as inaugural Faculty Fellows.
Weather Wednesday: Winter solstice
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — We are on the eve of the winter solstice and the beginning of winter. In meteorology, winter begins on Dec. 1, yet Thursday, Dec. 21 is the most widely recognized day when winter starts for the northern half of our planet. The winter solstice marks the beginning of the astronomical winter season and the shortest day in the northern hemisphere.
17 Days of Christmas Toy Drive makes holidays brighter for families in need
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — For many already struggling financially, Christmas can be difficult, especially when you have little ones. That’s why KGET is teaming up with The Open Door Network and the Boys and Girls Club to make sure parents have gifts to give their kiddos this holiday season. There is just one day left to donate to our 17 days of Christmas Toy Drive.
Kern cancer survivor encourages men to get screened
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — November is also known as “Movember” and the goal is to encourage men to talk about their health and take action. About one in every eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. The good news is doctors say if caught early it can be treatable. A local prostate cancer survivor says men tend to look the other way when it comes to this topic but he says get over yourself and do it for those you love.
Memphis-Shelby County principal named APSU College of Education Leadership Fellow
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Dr. Robert Gordon Jr., a principal in the Memphis-Shelby County School System, was recently named the second Eriksson College of Education Leadership Fellow at Austin Peay State University. The fellowship began as a way to intentionally connect practicing school administrators with current and aspiring educational leaders.
Bakersfield author, illustrator shed light on animal rescue
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — For those who have adopted or rescued an animal: have you ever wondered what happened to these pets before they wandered into your life? That thought sparked a local author and illustrator to create a series of children’s books, the latest celebrating a musical style unique to Bakersfield.
APSU joins national teacher apprenticeship collaborative
CLARKSVILLE, TN – This week, the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University joined the National Registered Apprenticeship in Teaching Educator-Preparation Program Collaborative. The newly launched organization, co-led by Deans for Impact and the National Center for Grow Your Own, is designed to: Build understanding of regulatory and financial considerations for launching and sustaining Registered Apprenticeships in teaching.
APSU education professor presents at international peacemakers conference
CLARKSVILLE, TN –Dr. Andrea Lee, assistant professor in the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University, approaches teaching from an international perspective. Drawing from her extensive experience as a college professor in South Korea, she is interested in promoting both peace education and refugee integration through her academic work.
Collaborative Research Labs enhance academic experience at APSU
CLARKSVILLE, TN –Austin Peay State University students are working side-by-side with Eriksson College of Education faculty members to produce original, scholarly research through four Collaborative Research Labs, which have produced multiple presentations and publications. New students are now being accepted to join these labs, which provide resume enhancement, foster academic support and offer valuable mentoring opportunities. Drs.
Meet Hannah Amick: 4-H teen spending months raising animals for Kern County Fair
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Hundreds of kids will be showing their animals at the fair in hopes of taking home a prize, but there’s a lot of work that goes into prepping for the fair, one teen has been doing it for more than a decade. Up before the sun, 18-year-old Hannah Amick isn’t your typical teenager. She spends countless hours dedicated to caring for animals she will show at the fair.
Video shows car crashing into home as frustrated neighbors push for change
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A neighborhood in southwest Bakersfield was shaken last week after a car missed a turn and crashed into a home — and the whole phenomenon was caught on camera. People who live in the neighborhood just yards down the street from Christa McAuliffe Elementary School said the car accident on Sept. 4 isn’t the first time this has happened. Now, they want to see something done about it. “All of a sudden, we just heard this boom,” said Keith Zimmerman, a local resident.
Bakersfield SPCA Long Timers are looking for homes
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — There’s a heartwarming yet concerning story unfolding at our local SPCA. A group of animals have been waiting for their forever homes for far too long and shelter staff are working tirelessly to find them the loving homes they deserve. “We got some that have been here over 400 days. we are working on well over a year. we want to find them a home. We don’t want to keep them here that long,” Kristen White, Bakersfield SPCA Communication Specialist, said.
APSU’s Grow Your Own Teacher Residency hosts signing events
CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Grow Your Own Teacher Residency, a program launched to combat the teacher shortage and create more accessibility to the education profession, continues to expand. More than 165 teacher residents are enrolled in the accelerated, three-year program. This fall, a new cohort of teacher residents begins working in five Tennessee counties: Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Montgomery and Robertson.
Love of teaching: Teachers around Kern prepare for the first day of classes
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — As kids around Kern County wrap up their summer vacation and get ready to head back to school next week, teachers have already begun preparing for a new school year. Teachers with decades of experience have found it’s a labor of love in hopes inspiring future generations. “You know when you are little and you wake up and you’re like ooohhhh what’s there, what’s there… that’s how I feel on the first day when my kids are coming in,” Michelle Whieldon said.
Robert Price’s new book adds Bakersfield to ‘Images of America’ series
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Robert Price has already written one book on the Bakersfield Sound, but his latest project takes you on a trip back in time as the city of Bakersfield is added to the Images of America series. A history lesson told through stories, Price’s second book “Images of America — Bakersfield” looks back at the beginnings of Bakersfield. This new book, by Arcadia Publishing, is now part of a series along with other local cities and counties.
APSU professor judges Rural Tech Project at White House
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Dr. Cheryl Lambert, an associate professor and the coordinator of the Center for Rural Education at Austin Peay State University, visited the White House on July 12 as part of her judging responsibilities for the Rural Tech Project. The Rural Tech Project, funded through the U.S. Department of Education, is meant to connect innovative educators with the means to implement technology education programs that might typically be out of reach.
Bakersfield digital artist creates La Rosa commercials
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — La Rosa Fruit Bars and Ice Cream is a family-owned business that’s been around for more than 40 years. Now new commercials are getting attention and creating a buzz around their hometown brand. When you think of cold La Rosa bars, you often think of the iconic La Rosa push carts, but now they might be known for their entertaining advertising.
APSU's Prentice Chandler to speak on Grow Your Own program at congressional briefing
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Dr. Prentice Chandler, dean of the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University, will participate in an educator preparation congressional briefing in Washington, D.C., at the Capitol Visitor Center, Room 215, at 11:30 a.m., July 18. Chandler is one of a handful of higher education experts scheduled to speak in the nation’s capital.
APSU professor joins Council for Exceptional Children board
CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Eriksson College of Education’s Dr. Allison Oliver, a first-year assistant professor at Austin Peay State University, will serve on the executive board of the Tennessee Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Oliver, who teaches special education courses, will serve as the membership services chair.
APSU's Teaching English as a Second Language program prepares teachers for diverse careers
CLARKSVILLE, TN – In the 2019-20 academic year, about 7.7% of students enrolled in Tennessee schools were classified as English Language Learners (ELL), according to the state Comptroller of the Treasury’s Office of Research and Education Accountability. In addition, Clarksville and the state continue attract more international industries, such as Hankook Tire, LG Electronics and others.
Nationally renowned scientist talks racism, genetics at APSU
CLARKSVILLE, TN –Austin Peay State University hosted “Racism not Race: A Scientific Approach to the Myth of Race and the Cost of Racism,” a lecture by renowned geneticist Joseph L. Graves Jr., March 21 at the Jack Hunt STEM Center. As an expert on human genetic variation and what it means to be human – both biologically and socially – Graves addressed the myths of race and the social construct of racism.
Megan Simpson, Kelli Caseman: Helping to fix local communities
Fred Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” West Virginia’s communities continue to see their share of scary things. While the roots of addiction issues have historically run deep in Appalachia, no one was prepared for the millions of prescription pills that flooded our state between 2008 to 2017.
Pre-Parade SpiritFest Promises Fun, Family-Friendly Activities
The Third Annual SpiritFest – a holiday event from 2 until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 – will offer a bounty of free activities, including visits with Santa Claus, rides on the International Express Bus, four kids’ inflatables, live music on the new Downtown Commons stage, ice skating, art and gift markets, food trucks and a live nativity with animals.
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