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News and Communications

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Govs Teach Unplugged

Discover the Conversations Shaping Education Today

Welcome to Govs Teach Unplugged, the official podcast of Austin Peay State University's Eriksson College of Education. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of education through insightful conversations, inspiring stories, and practical wisdom from educators, students, and experts in the field.

What You'll Hear
  • Latest College News: Stay informed about initiatives, events, and developments at the Eriksson College of Education

  • Student Spotlights: Hear from aspiring educators about their journeys, challenges, and triumphs

  • Faculty Insights: Learn from experienced professors sharing their expertise and research

  • Teaching Tips & Strategies: Gain practical advice you can implement in your classroom immediately

Featured Episode


Navigating Ethical AI Use in Education with Dr. Allison Oliver

In the Season 1 wrap-up, Megan welcomes Dr. Allison Oliver, assistant professor of special education at Austin Peay State University. Drawing on her 17 years in public education, Dr. Oliver explores two transformative topics: ethical AI implementation and the future of special education.

Discover how Dr. Oliver views AI as both a powerful teaching tool and a potential challenge, advocating for its use as a "thought partner" rather than a replacement for authentic learning. Learn about her new AI workshop for undergraduates that models responsible usage while promoting deeper thinking.

The conversation shifts to Tennessee's critical special education teacher shortage, with Dr. Oliver — whose research focuses on educational equity and teacher development — passionately describing special educators as "super teachers" who close opportunity gaps. She outlines essential strategies for districts and teacher preparation programs, including APSU's revamped approaches, to better support and retain these vital educators.

Dr. Oliver also shares how her commitment to serving marginalized populations through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. aligns with her educational mission.

How to Listen

Subscribe to Govs Teach Unplugged on your favorite podcast platform:

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Join the Conversation

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Explore the achievements, innovations, and stories of our faculty, staff, and students from the 2023-2024 academic year. Learn how we're shaping the future of education and making a difference in our community.

View Our Annual Report

If you are a student, alumni, faculty or staff member in the Eriksson College of Education, we want to hear your stories! If you receive a promotion, publish research, or plan a special event or classroom activity, let us know. Director of Communications Megan Simpson is here to help. Please email Megan by clicking the button below. 

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Austin Peay's Eriksson College of Education appoints Barnett as associate dean

Barnett, an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Specialties and coordinator of the Master of Arts in Education in educational leadership studies, brings a unique combination of academic excellence and real-world leadership experience to the role. Under her leadership, the educational leadership studies program has experienced a 147% growth in enrollment over the past five years.

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Brunson-Chapman Family Memorial Scholarship to support elementary education students at APSU

To qualify for the scholarship, recipients must be enrolled in the Eriksson College of Education with an elementary focus, maintain full-time enrollment status, have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and demonstrate financial need.

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Say Yes to Recess: APSU community sparks national movement after state legislature extends recess time

Rachel Bush, a graphic design professor at Austin Peay State University, cofounded the Say Yes to Recess advocacy group with Clarksville mothers Morgan Garner and Kathryn Truman. Now, they're building chapters across the U.S., championing recess in grades 6-12, and working to fund playground equipment for low-income schools.

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