Published on Show Me Mizzou Jan. 10, 2024
Story by Blaire Leible Garwitz, MA ’06
“We’re putting the research and theories we are teaching our students into practice in the real world,” says Joi Moore, associate dean for outreach. “Through our outreach efforts, we can both improve education around the state and also learn from our communities how to better train our future teachers and researchers.”
Engagement in rural areas is key as these communities are more likely to experience teacher shortages — especially in science, technology, engineering and math — and can lack technology resources.
“We can’t overlook rural areas,” Moore says. “By engaging with rural school districts, we can ensure equal access to knowledge and improve learning environments for all Missouri students.”
The map below shows the College of Education & Human Development’s outreach efforts occurring in each county.
Adventure Club is a before- and after-school enrichment program for elementary students in the Columbia Public School District. Mizzou students serve as site assistants to gain valuable childcare experience.
The Assessment Resource Center provides assessment and evaluation services to educational leaders so they can collect the information they need to make meaningful, data-driven decisions.
The Center for Family Policy and Research works to develop more effective public policies for children and families.
The Child Development Lab is a teacher-training and research
laboratory for Mizzou students to work with preschool children in an educational setting.
eMINTS Educator Training helps educators understand how to use technology effectively and meaningfully in the courses they teach.
Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center provides professional development opportunities for educators.
Missouri Prevention Science Institute works with schools and families to prevent behavioral problems and promote social and academic success.
Missouri Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support helps improve social and emotional outcomes for students by helping schools develop behavioral expectations and address behavioral issues.
Mizzou Academy educates more than 7,000 middle and high school students around the world through engaging online courses.
MU Partnership for Educational Renewal connects universities with pre-K–12 schools in all Missouri school districts to improve learning outcomes and ensure equal access to knowledge, especially in rural areas.
ParentLink provides free assistance to all Missouri families by connecting them to resources on parenting, family, home and daily living supports.
Pre-Employment Transition Services works with special needs high school students to help them gain skill sets and competencies necessary to secure jobs.
howMe Healthy Relationships is a five-year project funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen Missouri families, particularly low-resource families, by strengthening their relationships, parenting skills, personal well-being and economic stability.
Through all these outreach activities, the college is helping improve learning environments in Missouri and beyond. “Our faculty, staff and students who are involved in engagement and outreach are passionate about their work and are truly making a difference,” Moore says. “Our outreach efforts are changing lives in our communities and advancing education for all.”
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