D47 Educators Accepted into Judson University Doctoral Program

Three District 47 educators - Anastasia Gruper (assistant principal, Glacier Ridge Elementary), Gretchen Thomas (fourth grade teacher, Glacier Ridge Elementary), and Mal Keenan (literacy coach, Bernotas Middle School) - have been accepted into the Doctor of Education in Literacy Program at Judson University.

According to its website, the university’s new EdD program launched in June 2013 with a mission “to graduate exemplary leaders prepared to make substantial contributions to the literacy profession as writers, speakers, teachers, and researchers.” The program consists of classroom teachings, conferences, seminars, workshops and an writer’s retreat to northern Wisconsin. In addition, candidates are given opportunities to meet and interact with prominent authors and researchers.

The busy trio will begin the program in April, attending classes one night a week and one Saturday per month with an expected graduation date of May 2020. The three candidates were among 11 chosen for the program’s spring cohort. When asked about what moved them to embark on the challenge, Gruper replied, “We’re elated to begin this journey together to enhance our contributions to the field of education, especially in the area of literacy. Our passion to grow as learners and share our knowledge with students, colleagues, and families is what prompted us to pursue this journey. Our hope is to enhance the literacy lives of others.”