Dr. Sandra H. Seipel
Assistant Professor
"A successful early childhood educator is passionate about young children and creates a safe and trusting environment where children and explore, experiment and take risks."
Degrees Held:
- Ed.D. Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis – University of Missouri-Columbia, 2018
- Ed.S. Principal-Secondary – Northwest Missouri State University, 2008
- MSEd. Teaching Educational Use, Computer – Northwest Missouri State University, 1992
- B.S. Early Childhood Education/Elementary Education – Northwest Missouri State University, 1986
Career Highlights:
- Parents as Teacher Educator, six years
- Kindergarten teacher, 10 years
- Principal, 12 years; with four of these at Horace Mann Laboratory School at Northwest Missouri State University
- Assistant Professor Early Childhood Education, 2018-Present
- Coordinator of Reggio Emilia, Italy Study Abroad experience at Northwest Missouri State University
In which online program(s) do you teach?
Early Childhood Education
In what ways do you connect with online students?
I want students to have opportunities to collaborate via online discussions and email. I am available to web conference with students if needed.
What do you want your students to take away from class?
Students in the MSEd. in Early Childhood Education will gain advanced knowledge in supporting and facilitating young children's learning in early childhood education settings. Through discussions and reflections about current issues and new discoveries, students will gain a deeper understanding of the whole child. Each course in the MSEd. in Early Childhood Education has its own set of competencies and objectives.
Why did you start teaching?
I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was a cadet teacher in high school. I helped in the third grade and knew immediately that is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I enjoyed helping children with learning and providing strategies to help them achieve success. Each day is a new adventure with children. Their excitement for learning new things is contagious!
What advice would you give to your online students?
Be an active participant in the online learning process to ensure you will gain valuable information from the course. Commit to learning something new each time you are participating in a discussion, reading or working on a project. This program is designed for you to work full time while taking courses, so your life will be busy. Make the most the learning opportunities. Set aside time to be fully present with the course material. Always ask questions when you aren't sure about something.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in the field in which you teach?
A successful early childhood educator is passionate about young children and creates a safe and trusting environment where children and explore, experiment and take risks. Being responsive to children and engaging in a problem-solving atmosphere helps children gain confidence, social skills and positive relationships with peers.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
“The Art of Awareness” by Deb Curtis and Margie Carter.
What do you do when you need a laugh?
Have dinner with my husband, three children and their families! It is never dull, and we laugh so much. It makes my heart happy.
Tell us a story:
I am a first-generation college student from immigrant parents. My hobbies include traveling and gardening.
Visiting my cousin one summer, we were able to take a hot air balloon ride near Mount Rushmore. It was early morning, the air was still and the trees were majestic. We could touch the tops of the trees with our fingers. I can still smell the crisp morning air! The trip took a turn when the wind picked up and my husband and cousin had to jump out holding the ropes to bring us to the ground. It was quite a memorable experience!
