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Concordia Nebraska's Dr. Keith Kerschen selected as Richardson Endowed Professor

by Amy Crawford

Seward, NE (08/19/2024) — Dr. Keith Kerschen, associate professor of education and director of data and assessment, has served at Concordia University, Nebraska since 2018. He teaches a variety of classes including introduction to education, instruction and assessment for middle and secondary students, secondary mathematics methods and a graduate level instruction and assessment course. Kerschen has been selected as the university's most recent Richardson Endowed Professor.

In 1992, Willard and Leitha Richardson established and funded the Richardson Professorship of Education. The endowed professorship has a three-year term. Since its founding, numerous members of the education department have held this professorship. According to the donor's wishes, during the professorship the faculty member will develop and fulfill a special project or projects with the funds generated from this endowment.

"Thanks to the generosity of the donors of this endowment, these funds will be used to help support the development of the Concordia University, Nebraska Early Career Teacher Academy," he said. "Concordia University, Nebraska Associate Professor of Education and Middle Level Program Director Dr. Amy Stradtmann and I are developing and designing the Early Career Teacher Academy as a professional development opportunity for teachers in the early years of their career."

Their idea for the academy was developed in response to the nationwide teacher shortage in both public and Lutheran schools. While there are many reasons for this shortage, a major driver of the issue is the lack of teacher retention.

"The first three to five years of a teacher's career are crucial for their retention," said Kerschen. "Prior research has shown that providing specialized support to early career teachers at this time can support their retention. Thus, the goal for the Early Career Teacher Academy is to provide support and mentoring for Concordia University, Nebraska graduates in their beginning years of teaching. This academy will bring our graduates back to campus for this professional development, where they will also collaborate and reconnect with their fellow Concordia University, Nebraska teacher education alumni. Dr. Stradtmann and I are so thankful for the commitment of the donors of this endowment that will allow us to use the funds to provide a meaningful professional development that will help support and grow the wonderful teachers that graduate from the university."

Kerschen has a bachelor of science in secondary education from Kansas State University and a master of arts in education from Baker University. In 2018, Kerschen earned his doctorate in curriculum and teaching with a cognate in mathematics education from Baylor University.

When he is not in the classroom, Kerschen also serves as data and assessment director, which involves collecting and analyzing data from both the undergraduate and graduate education programs and working closely with the head of teacher education on accreditation requirements. He also oversees the performance assessment that student teachers complete, and he serves as a supervisor for student teachers.

"Without a doubt, the students and my colleagues make Concordia University, Nebraska a special place to work" he said. "We have amazing students here who are not only outstanding scholars, but passionate about serving the Lord in various ways. This can be seen in how they interact with each other, the faculty, the local community, and the world. Our education students have a heart for serving others and their dedication to improving and growing as teachers makes coming to work every day a blessing. What makes our students special is their commitment to improving as teachers even after graduating. As the director of data and assessment, I collect data from administrators across the country on our graduates who are teaching in their schools. Each year, similar themes emerge from this data. Our graduates are passionate about working with their students, growing as professionals, and in our Lutheran schools, living out and sharing their faith. This type of commitment from our students and graduates encourages me to continue to grow and improve as a teacher and helped inspire the idea of the Early Career Teacher Academy."

Kerschen is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the School Science and Mathematics Association (SSMA). He enjoys collaborating on multiple research projects related to mathematics education, which has led to several publications in peer-reviewed journals.

"I am very blessed to work with amazing colleagues, both in the education department and across campus," added Kerschen. "My education department colleagues are not only experts in their fields, but amazing role models for our students. During my time at the university, I have witnessed the dedication my colleagues have towards their work, as they take on additional roles without complaining or demanding recognition. There is no posturing or trying to compete with one another. This is a department that truly works together to ensure our students have the best preparation for teaching possible."

Kerschen grew up on a dairy farm outside Garden Plain, Kansas. Following graduation from Kansas State University, he taught high school math and coached seventh grade volleyball. After completing his master's degree at Baker University, he moved to Waco, Texas, to work on his doctorate.

"During my time at Baylor, I served as a research assistant for two outstanding professors in mathematics education. I also had the opportunity to teach several undergraduate courses at Baylor in teacher education, as well as serve as a supervisor for student teachers," he said.

He completed his doctorate in August 2018, then was hired at Concordia University, Nebraska. His work and research in mathematics education has led to numerous presentations at state and national conferences. His research has also been published in a variety of peer-reviewed mathematics education and teacher education journals, and he will have two book chapters published in the upcoming year.

"Concordia University, Nebraska's commitment to its Lutheran identity and mission make it a special place to work," he said. "Concordia University, Nebraska is a place where your faith can grow and flourish. Working in an institution that will never compromise on its Lutheran Christian convictions is a blessing. This can be seen in the generosity of the donors as well, as their gifts allow us to share the Concordia experience with more and more students, impacting them in the classroom and beyond."

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

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