University of Findlay College of Education

06/17/2026

Our COE Alumni Spotlight this week is on Gina Dunn (Brown), congratulations Gina!
Graduation or year you completed licensure: 2013
Licensure area: Early Childhood Education (Pk-3)
Where you teach and what grades or subjects: I’ve had the privilege of teaching diverse student populations across the United States including Ohio, Arizona, and Florida and currently teach kindergarten in North Carolina.
What advice would you give to future teachers:
Welcome to one of the most rewarding journeys you will ever take! As you step into your first classroom, keep these three golden rules in mind to help you thrive:
Set Firm Boundaries with a Warm Heart: Start the school year strong by establishing clear, firm expectations. Pair this consistency with genuine relationship-building. When students know you care about them individually, they will trust you, feel safe, and genuinely want to learn with you.
Protect Your Time (and Your Sanity): It is incredibly easy to take the classroom home with you, but burning out in your first year won't help anyone. Be intentional about leaving work at school. Finding a healthy work-life balance early on is a superpower that will keep your passion alive.
Keep Joy in Your Routine: Don't let the job overtake your entire life. Make sure to carve out time for yourself, lean into your hobbies, and find fun ways to destress.
Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is a vital part of taking care of your students!
What are you most proud of in your teaching career: If I had to pinpoint what I’m most proud of, it is being a steady, reliable anchor for my students while watching them find their own "lightbulb" moments.
Alongside that, I am incredibly proud of the diverse student populations I’ve taught over the years. Embracing their unique backgrounds and perspectives didn't just help them learn it allowed them to teach me, constantly pushing me to grow both personally and professionally. Ultimately, my greatest joy is knowing I created a classroom where every student felt seen, while continuously evolving into the educator they deserved.

06/14/2026

We love to celebrate our students and are proud to give a shout out to one of principal licensure candidates, Kelly Proestos. She was just hired as Assistant Principal at Fassett Junior High in Oregon City Schools. Congratulations Kelly!

Hometown: Toledo
What you enjoy about the graduate program at The University of Findlay: What I love most about this program is how practical it is—the topics and assignments apply directly to real-world scenarios. The online format has also been a game-changer, allowing me to complete courses while still being fully present for my work and family!

06/12/2026

https://newsroom.findlay.edu/university-of-findlay-recognized-for-excellence-in-undergraduate-teacher-preparation-2/

Colleges of Distinction has named the University of Findlay a 2026-2027 Education College of Distinction.

06/11/2026

Our education students wrapping up week two! We have enjoyed a full schedule with Unicollege, visiting schools and clinics while meeting teachers, therapists, and individuals with disabilities. And of course, gondola rides and gelato make the learning even sweeter! 🇮🇹 Also, the book written with last year’s group has been published thanks to Unicollege University Press!

06/10/2026

Our COE Alumni Spotlight this week is on Alyson Combs Geise, congratulations Alyson!
Graduation or year you completed licensure: B.S. ‘13, M.A.Ed. ‘17
Licensure area: Early Childhood (P-3) with Prekindergarten Special Needs Endorsement
Where you teach and what grades or subjects: I am a Preschool Intervention Specialist for Findlay City Schools!
What advice would you give to future teachers: Relationships are everything! Lean on your mentors and peers for support, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and always be open to feedback and learning from others. Value challenges as opportunities to grow. In your classroom, make an intentional effort to foster meaningful connections with your students and their families; it truly makes all the difference.
What are you most proud of in your teaching career: My students! I get to witness hundreds of lightbulb moments and firsts. It is so special to be a child’s first teacher during these early years of development and I love laying the foundation for their learning. Seeing them enter school for the very first time and leave 9 months later ready for kindergarten is so rewarding. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with both my students and their families that allow them to be successful, and so thankful for the opportunity to be the start of their education journey.

06/04/2026

Alissa Beck and Dr. Munger presented at the Ohio Literacy Academy in Columbus today! Governor DeWine and ODEW Director Stephen Dackin spoke prior to Kareem Weaver’s keynote.

06/03/2026

Proud of this new name for our beloved building🧡🖤

Generous alumni and friends of the University of Findlay have donated and pledged more than $2.64 million to name the Davis Street building in honor of President Emeritus Katherine Fell, Ph.D., and her husband Roger Fell.

06/03/2026

A group of undergraduate and graduate students are in Italy for their course on inclusion. Today they are in Florence touring the city! Dr. Wysocki is pictured below with Hannah Hill, she returned for a second year to conduct her research for her school psychology doctorate. She begins interviews with neuropsychiatrists tomorrow!

Doctoral students: Hannah Hill, Kirsten Dunsford, Nicole Gregio and Faith Meraz; Undergraduate students Ashlyn Nichols and Natalie Shuck - two weeks with Unicollege and a very full exciting itinerary!

06/03/2026

Our COE Alumni Spotlight this week is on Morgan (Rogers) Sherman, congratulations Morgan!
Graduation or year you completed licensure: 2013
Licensure area: 4-9 Middle childhood (social studies/ELA focus, reading and generalist endorsement)
Where you teach and what grades or subjects: Kenton Elementary School-5th grade science and social studies
What advice would you give to future teachers: Trust yourself to make relationships with students and staff members, and be true to who you are no matter the time of year or circumstance.
What are you most proud of in your teaching career: I am proud of the lasting relationships I have developed with students. I love when former students stop me whenever they see me to tell me how they're doing or just want to catch up. What could be better than knowing your former students are happy and successful!

06/01/2026

Congratulations Mr. Hirschy!

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools) Congratulations to this year’s Liberty-Benton High School Golden Eagle Award winner, Chad Hirschy! Mr. Hirschy has made an incredible impact on students, staff, and the Liberty-Benton community through his dedication, leadership, and commitment to helping studen...