Dr. Sue Wood
Assistant Professor
"I have always enjoyed learning and have always enjoyed helping others to achieve their maximum potential. I love that moment when I see that a student 'gets it', and I feel challenged to be sure that all students are engaged and achieving."
Degrees Held:
- Ed.D. in Educational Administration – University of South Dakota, 2006
- Ed.S. in Educational Administration – University of South Dakota, 1993
- MSEd. in Family/Consumer Science – University of Nebraska-Kearney, 1974
- BSEd. in Family/Consumer Science – University of Nebraska-Kearney, 1970
Career Highlights:
- Family and Consumer Science Teacher, 1970-1979
- Instructor/Consultant for Gifted Education, working at the University of Nebraska, Kearney, 1979-1986
- Coordinator of K-12 Gifted Programs, LeMars, Iowa, 1986-1993
- Director of Curriculum and Instruction at West Hancock School District in Britt, Iowa, 1993-1997
- Middle School Principal at West Hancock School District, 1995-2000
- Director of Curriculum-Instruction-Assessment, Fort Dodge Community School District, Fort Dodge, Iowa, 2000-2013
- Assistant Professor in Education at Northwest Missouri State University, 2013-Present
I began my career as a secondary Family and Consumer Science teacher, but soon became aware that there were many students who were bored with the traditional school setting and needed extra challenge. At that point I went back to school and studied the education of gifted and talented students and worked in that arena for 13 years. I soon learned that I could make a difference for all students by helping teachers learn how to develop curriculum and instruction that was challenging and engaging. I became a school administrator focusing on curriculum and instruction and have been working in some aspect of that field for the past 20 years.
In which online program do you teach?
Which classes do you teach online?
Trends and Issues in Curriculum and Instruction; Feedback and Goal Setting
In what ways do you connect with online students?
My courses have many opportunities for student collaboration through discussion board in which I participate as well as the students. I make personal contact with students through email and I provide a significant amount of feedback on each assignment.
What do you want your students to take away from class?
Each course in the MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction will have its own set of competencies and objectives. The overall program goals:
- The use of critical thinking skills to recognize and implement improvement practices related to curriculum and instruction
- The ability to manage information and analyze data to improve practices related to curriculum and instruction
- The ability to Integrate brain science research into improvement of practices related to curriculum and instruction
- Diversity, equity and inclusion through improvement of practices related to curriculum and instruction
Why did you start teaching?
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I have always enjoyed learning and have always enjoyed helping others to achieve their maximum potential. I love that moment when I see that a student 'gets it', and I feel challenged to be sure that all students are engaged and achieving.
What advice would you give to your online students?
Quality online learning requires that students are active participants in the process. Students should participate fully in any online discussion. Students should work diligently to complete assignments by required dates. Online students need to feel comfortable in reaching out to the instructor for assistance when needed.
What qualities make someone particularly successful as an educator?
The most effective educators are those who first and foremost care about the students they teach. Creating a positive environment for learning will lead to student success. Educators need to be proficient in content, but even more importantly, educators need to be proficient in pedagogy and the strategies that lead to student engagement and positive relationships.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
"Excellence Through Equity" by Blankstein and Noguera for a professional read. The "Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah for a personal read.
What do you do when you need a laugh?
Spend an evening with my 3-year-old grandson.
Tell us something your students may not know about you:
I have been in education for many years and have worked with students at every level from kindergarten through master's degree. I love to learn and even after all of these years I am enthusiastic about learning new ways to engage students and increase student achievement. On a personal note, my hobbies are traveling, gardening, reading and participating in 5K walk/run events.
