Diane Yendol-Hoppey, Professor of Education in the College of Human Resources and Education at West Virginia University, serves as the Coordinator of the PK/20 Initiatives and Director of the Benedum Collaborative. I
n this role, she provides leadership for the partnership focused on the NCATE PDS Standards and the 10 Goals identified in the Five-Year Strategic Plan.
Before joining the Benedum Collaborative, Diane worked at the University of Florida and the Pennsylvania State University creating Professional Development Schools. Diane began her career in education by spending more than a decade as a public school teacher in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Diane’s professional interests include: practicing and prospective teacher inquiry-oriented professional development that strengthens both teacher leadership and school improvement.
Sarah Steel, a clinical instructor in the College of Human Resources and Education at West Virginia University, serves as the PDS Clinical Experiences Coordinator. In this role, she serves as Program Coordinator for the Five-Year Teacher Education, coordinates the Professional Development Schools network, and coordinates clinical experiences in the Five-Year Teacher Education Program. Before joining the Benedum Collaborative in 1989, she taught elementary school in both Preston and Monongalia Counties in West Virginia.
Kaye McCrory, recently retired from public school teaching in Monogalia County, has joined the Collaborative staff on a part-time basis. She is responsible for approving the volunteer experience hours that are required by applicants before entering the Five-Year Teacher Education Program. She also serves as a liaison and supports the seminars and clinical experiences of the tutors and participants.
John Stallings, recently retired from public school administration in Taylor County, has joined the Collaborative staff on a part-time basis. He is responsible for coordinating with Judy Abbot and Diane Yendol-Hoppey the Preston County Deep Literacy Initiative. John also serves as a liaison and seminar facilitator.
Jason Jude Smith, a clinical instructor in the Curriculum, Instruction, & Literacy Studies Department is responsible for coordinating the research efforts of the Collaborative. He also is a member of the “Teacher as Researcher” faculty, is a co-coordinator with Dr. Adriane Williams of the new “Teacher as Advocate” initiative, serves as a liaison, and is the lead developer of our Teacher Leadership Program. Jason brings a great deal of knowledge to the collaborative related to practitioner inquiry, curriculum development, and policy. He is also pursuing his PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of Human Resources and Education.
Joan Gibson, Program Assistant, is responsible for all the budgetary and payroll activity for the Benedum Collaborative. She processes all forms that deal with purchasing, travel, payroll and new employees. She acts in an advisory capacity to staff on policies and procedures; provides guidance and training to graduate assistants, work study students and student workers who perform clerical duties. Joan also composes and/or edits reports for the Director. She communicates with the twenty-eight Professional Development Schools (PDSs), five county board offices, the Human Resources and Education Dean’s office, and other West Virginia University offices
Lisa Barnette, Program Assistant, is responsible for coordinating communication for all members of the Benedum Collaborative and the Benedum Center including: the faculties of 31 PDSs, the Cross Site Steering Committee, Coordinator Network, WVU PDS Liaisons and Benedum Advisory Board. Along with this, she documents the meetings of these groups. She coordinates meetings, workshops and conferences for both the Benedum Collaborative and the Benedum Advisory Board. She provides support to the HR&E and PDS faculty for grant writing related to the work of the Collaborative. She also provides administrative support to the Director of the Benedum Collaborative.
Rejoyce Milam is a graduate research assistant, liaison, and seminar facilitator. As a former member of the Peace Corp and a researcher in the areas of equity and diversity, she brings a wealth of knowledge related to diversity and equity in teacher education.
Cheng-Hsien Wu is a graduate research assistant and technology integration specialist. She brings a wealth of experience to the collaborative in the area of Technology, Learning and Culture.
Aimee Morewood, Curriculum & Instruction/Literacy Studies
David Hoppey, Special Education
Meadow Graham, Curriculum & Instruction/Literacy Studies
Adriane Williams, Educational Leadership Studies
Ugur Kale, Technology, Learning & Culture
Ted Price, Educational Leadership Studies
