Open Educational Resources (OER)

The Enduring Legacy: Structured Inequality in America's Public Schools by Dr. Mark Edward Ryan from SCOE

Enduring Legacy describes a multifaceted paradox—a constant struggle between those who espouse a message of hope and inclusion and others who systematically plan for exclusion. Structured inequality in the nation's schools is deeply connected to social stratification within American society. This paradox began in the eighteenth century and has proved an enduring legacy. Mark Ryan provides historical, political, and pedagogical contexts for teacher candidates—not only to comprehend the nature of racial segregation but, as future educators, to understand their own professional responsibilities, both in the community and in the school, to strive for an integrated classroom where all children have a chance to succeed. The goal of providing every child a world-class education is an ethical imperative, an inherent necessity for a functioning pluralistic democracy. The challenge is both great and growing, for teachers today will face an evermore segregated American classroom.

Dr. Mark Ryan has taught at all grade levels from elementary classes to university seminars.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz, a Master of Education degree from the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, and a Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education from Arizona State University at Tempe.  He was awarded the President’s Distinguished Teaching Award at National University.  Dr. Ryan wrote Ask the Teacher: A Practitioner’s Guide to Teaching and Learning in the Diverse Classroom, (2000, 2001, 2002, 2008) a book that speaks directly to the teacher candidate with a wealth of tips about educational issues in foundations, history, psychology, curriculum, methodology, classroom management, and family involvement. His latest book The Enduring Legacy: Structured Inequality in Americans Schools (2020), contains a foreword by Secretary Leon Panetta.

Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment for LGBTQIAA+ Individuals by Dr. Gary Walker-Roberts from SCOE

The OER white paper project Dr. Gary embarked on covered the following topics: LGBTQIAA+ key terms, gender nonconforming brief history, and gender nonconforming issues in online education contributing to attrition rates. The purpose of the educational white paper, with practice materials, is to serve as an educational foundation in present matters facing gender nonconforming LGBTQIAA+ folks and online students. The educational white paper presents best practices for creating an inclusive and encouraging e-learning environment to increase a sense of belonging and inclusivity in this community. Lastly, there is a review of six PRIDE flags that are used to represent critical members of the community.

Dr. Gary Simeon Walker-Roberts, Ph.D. (they/them/theirs), is a proud LGTBQIAA+ scholar and an accomplished award-winning Professor at National University (NU). They began their educational journey at the local community college in California. After earning an Associates of Arts in Arts and Humanities at Los Medanos College, Dr. Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies, Gender and Sexualities at California State University, East Bay (CSUEB). Thereafter, they earned a Master of Arts in English at Arizona State University and obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in E-Learning at legacy Northcentral University, now known as National University. Dr. Gary is a Professor in the Global Innovation, Social Emotional Learning, and Education Technology Department of the Sanford College of Education at NU. Dr. Gary enjoys their role as Professor, Dissertation Committee Chair, and Subject Matter Expert where they successfully facilitate doctoral candidates to reach their terminal degrees. Lastly, Dr. Gary is a proud delegate of National University System’s Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (S-JEDI) Office where they champion the Inclusive Excellence Framework with a focus on LGTBQIAA+ inclusion and equity at NU.

Developing Yourself as a Doctoral Learner by Dr. Brian Allen and Dr. Marie Bakari

This three-part presentation demystifies strategic elements of the doctoral mindset needed to understand and succeed along the doctoral journey. The presentations cover the foundational elements of education that bring most learners to the doctoral level of academic effort. We address the key skills of linking and aligning learning, decision-making, and accepting the gift of feedback. We review the danger of applying logical fallacies, identifying a problem, and narrowing the score of research for success. We cover the principles of time management and logical organization of reviewed literature. We examine how conducting a personal SWOT analysis can help doctoral students focus on research within their respective domains toward developing a solutions mindset. Finally, we address the need for full ownership and stewardship of the doctoral student as the agent of their own educational success.

Dr. Brian Allen has a Doctor of Business Administration in Technology Entrepreneurship, an MBA, and a Master of Project Management. He is currently serving as the Associate Dean of Faculty in the School of Health Professions at National University. His research interests center on organizational development, entrepreneurship, project management, strategic planning, international business, business information technology leadership, and applied research for solving real-world business problems. Brian has broad experience in educational leadership, information technology, e-commerce, telecommunications, international sales, operations management, and international project management. His experience includes work leadership in 38 countries throughout the Americas, Western Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Dr. Marie Bakari has a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Leadership, a Doctor of Business Administration in Multicultural Entrepreneurship, an MBA, and a Master of Science in Accounting. She currently serves as a program director for the MBA in the College of Business, Engineering, and Technology at National University. Her research interests include diversity, equity, and inclusion, accounting, and leadership. Marie became a professor in 2014 after a 20-year career in the dental field. Today, she enjoys mentoring students through their dissertation journey.