Education Studies Major
This program has been developed for the student who would like to develop teaching skills, but does not plan to pursue a position in a school where a teaching license would be required. This might include obtaining positions working in some private schools, curriculum writing, camp staff positions, training postings, or working with children outside of public education.
Concentrations
1
Christian Ministry
Deep dive into Christian philosophy, understand the ramification of discipleship and evangelism, and expand knowledge in principles of Christian leadership and service, and experiential education.
2
Intercultural Studies
Study interpersonal communication, cultures, international relations and community development.
3
TESOL
Learn classroom strategies, major theories and foundations of the English language for teaching functional English to learners of all ages.
4
Young Adult Education
Become introduced to young adult literature, learn the principles of teaching secondary education, and examine the types of exceptionalities in children to teach learners of Special Education needs within public schools.
Visualize and Practice Teaching in Model Classrooms in the Learning Resource Center (LRC).
Meet our Education Faculty
Connie Matchell
Department Head, Teacher Education
Professor of Teacher Education
Dr. Connie Matchell started her career with JBU as the Head of the Graduate Education program in 2015. Graduating from JBU in 1977, Dr. Matchell has always maintained strong ties with the university. She draws from 30 years of public school experience as a high school teacher, middle school principal, and district curriculum director to provide a rich foundation for her Graduate Teacher Education classes.
Dr. Matchell's accomplishments include serving as an Arkansas Department of Education Praxis III Assessor, an Arkansas Department of Education Scholastic Audit Team Member, an AdvanceEd team member, a Math Crusade Trainer, NEWMAST participant, Teacher of the Year, and the Arkansas Middle School Association Principal that Makes a Difference.
Brian Herndon
Associate Professor of Teacher Education
Dr. Brian Herndon has been in education for over 20 years. He has served as a classroom teacher in Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade. He has also served as an elementary principal, elementary assistant principal, and the director of an early childhood special education preschool, where he served as a Local Education Authority (LEA) for hundreds of special education IEP meetings. As a classroom teacher, he developed a special interest in the teaching of reading and language arts and has studied extensively in these areas. Dr. Herndon’s experience in education is complimented by the fact that he is the father of four children, one of whom has Down syndrome. So, education is not just a professional calling for him, it is a personal calling as well.
Curtis Cunningham
Dr. Curtis Cunningham holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with emphasis in Early Childhood from Southwest Baptist University, a Masters in Education with emphasis in Gifted Education from Drury University and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Gifted Education from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. At JBU, he is responsible for teaching classes related to classroom management, curriculum design, differentiated instruction and human development for students in the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Prior to coming to JBU, Dr. Cunningham worked for fourteen years in private and public schools. He has experience teaching Kindergarten, third and fourth grade in the regular classroom and teaching second and fifth grades in a program for gifted and talented students. He supported early-career teachers for six years as an instructional specialist before coming to JBU. He is excited to bring his expertise in curriculum design and differentiated instruction to JBU as we prepare the next generation of educators.
Kimberly Murie
Dr. Kimberly Murie joined the Department of Teacher Education at John Brown in 2015. Dr. Murie earned a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas. After teaching science in two large public high schools for over ten years and serving as a department chair for eight years, God opened the door for Dr. Murie to resume the role of student herself. She returned to school to fulfill a lifelong dream of being an educator of teachers. Dr. Murie graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2015, earning a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Science Education.
Working in a public school setting for many years has given Dr. Murie a passion into the importance of having Christian educators engaged in public education. It is a great honor and privilege to be able to instruct and encourage future educators on how they can be the hands and feet of Christ to a student, a classroom, and a community.
