Louella Mack-Webster’s Portfolio
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Louella Mack-Webster’s Portfolio
Transcript of Louella Mack-Webster’s Portfolio
Louella Mack-Webster’s Portfolio
Table of Contents
Letter of application
Vita
Letters of recommendation on letterhead
GRE documentation of test registration
Education background
Education and/or Teaching philosophy based on a theorist
Professional background and goals
Professional Development and related activities
Research Interest or Agenda
Plans for Doctor of Education degree
Louella Mack-Webster
225 Essex Avenue
Jackson, MS 39206
(601) 622-6149
April 11, 2012
Doctoral Selection Committee
Early Childhood Education
Jackson State University
JSU Box 18380
Jackson, MS 39217
VIA – Email [email protected]
To the Committee:
Please accept this Letter of Application as my intent to pursue a Doctorate in Early
Childhood Education at Jackson State University. After reviewing the Ed .D Program
curriculum and discussion with other professors; it is evident that Jackson State
University has the excellent programmatic quality to meet my needs. Concurrently, I
have met the requirements of the Ed. D Program by completing the Ed. D Graduate
Application for Admissions; registered for the GRE, rendered official transcripts, earned
my Master’s degree including a scholarly project entitled “An Analysis of Pre-K
Enrollment and Academic Achievement.” Throughout my rigorous graduate
matriculation, I have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.917.
I have taught and worked many years with early childhood and pre-k programs. As
owner and director of Mack-It Developmental Learning Center; I worked closely with
children, parents, and the community that supported the facility. My experience in
elementary education spans more than twenty years. I serve as mentor in the Early Child
Care Department in the Jackson Public School Career Development Center. This hands-
on experience allows me to present workshops, presentations, and work with child care
faculty within the centers. Further, I assist in planning and, through program activities,
assist our students in preparation for their transition into kindergarten.
My commitment and dedication to the field of education encompasses my coursework,
educational background, and professional development. I am confident that Jackson State
University, my life skills, and on the job training has prepared me for the educational
challenges of the Ed. D. Program.
I seek the opportunity to continue my studies, and research; while learning from
professors that embrace the pedagogy and developmentally appropriate practices of early
childhood education. I hope that the skills and knowledge obtained during my graduate
coursework leads to an opportunity in the Early Childhood Doctorate Program. I thank
you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Louella Mack-Webster
Curriculum Vitae
Louella Mack-Webster Jackson State University
225 Essex Avenue 1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39206 Jackson, MS 39217
Profile:
Adept in developing and implementing communication plans. Organizational skills include
coordinating professional development and media relations. I have proven proficiency in
Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, Power Point, and Excel. Twenty years of service in the
educational and business fields with a solid background in administration and professional
development.
Education:
Masters: Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction: ‘Currently Seeking.’
GPA 3.91-cum-4.0, Degree Evaluation Date: Graduate-April. 2012
Jackson State University. 1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39217
Bachelor of Science: Professional Interdisciplinary Studies: GPA 3.79 Graduate Honors:
Magnum Cum Laud
Jackson State University. 1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39217
Elementary Education/U.S. History: GPA 3.0, 1996-2000
Mississippi College. 200 S. Capitol Street, Clinton, MS 39058
Professional Experience:
August 2007-Current-Technology Resource Specialist/District Liaison
Jackson Public School District- 622 South President Street, Jackson, MS 39201 (601) 960-
8700
Maintain and enforce Tech Prep resources for high schools and middle schools.
Assist focus teams in addressing challenges and developing Action Plans under HSTW
Key Practices.
Ensure that HSTW Reimbursement expenditures are within guidelines.
Implement Staff Development for teachers under the Tech Prep/HSTW Programs.
Work with new and integrated Technology Design Programs.
Ensure that district requirements are maintained in high schools and middle schools.
Oversee inventory for high schools and middle schools under the Tech Prep program.
Purchase Technology Education software, equipment and media tools required to
maintain high schools/middle schools.
Implement workshops and maintain inter district relationships with all technology
personnel.
Write, edit and produce documentation for (HSTW).
Maintain contact with the Mississippi State Department of Education as the district’s
liaison.
Ensure that materials are requested and programs are implemented in a timely manner.
Order and oversee state Assessments for high school seniors enrolled at HSTW sites.
Served as mediator for tech teachers and building administrators.
Maintain communication and ensure district and site accountability through scheduled
and unscheduled site visits.
Planned, organized the district’s Annual High Schools That Work Conference for sites
under the HSTW Program.
April 2000-October 2005-Owner and Director of a Child Care Facility:
Mack-It Developmental Learning Center-4438 Hanging Moss Road, Jackson, MS
39206 (601) 981-9544
Ensured the safety and protection of all children in our care.
Managed payroll, scheduling and staff development.
P. T. O. Organizer and Fundraising Chair.
Structured the daily operations of the facility.
August 1992-December 2000-Chapter 1/Kindergarten Assistant:
Jackson Public School District- 622 South President Street, Jackson, MS 39201 (601)
960-8700
Assisted the classroom teacher with daily activities and lesson planning.
Guided students below grade level in attaining levels required by the state and district.
August 1988-June 1992- Kindergarten Assistant:
Clinton Public School District- 203 Easthaven Drive, Clinton, MS 39056 (601) 924-
7533
Assisted the classroom teacher with daily activities and lesson planning.
Guided students below grade level in attaining levels required by the state and district.
Professional Development:
2000-Mississippi Department of Health-Playground/Safety Training-Lexington, Ms
2000-Classroom Management Training-Mack-It Developmental Learning Center,
Jackson, MS
Computer Base Learning Skills, (Venture Tech Computers)Mack-It Developmental
Learning Center-Jackson, Ms
2000-High Reach Learning Discover Training-Mack-It Developmental Learning Center,
Jackson, MS
2007-2009-Tech Prep/ HSTW In-District Workshops-
2007-2010- HSTW Point of Contact Meeting, MDE
2007-2009- Administrative Contact Meeting –Lake Tiak O’ Khat, Louisville, MS
Tech Prep Coordinators Meeting:
2007-2008-Hinds CC-Raymond, MS
2009-Hinds CC-Rankin/Pearl, MS
2010-Hinds CC- Jackson, MS
2011-Empowering Students to Achieve in School and Careers-Speaker, Jackson, MS-
Career Development Center
2011-Jobs for Mississippi Graduates-Keynote Speaker, Jackson, MS
High Schools That Work Conferences:
2011-Nashville, July-20123- TN-“Creating Learning Opportunities that make every
Student Extraordinary”
2010-Louisville, KY-July 14-17-“Designing Schools for the Future: Improving
Graduation Rates”
2009-Atlanta, GA, July 8-11-“Teaching Habits of Success”
2008-Nashville, TN, July 9-12- “Creating Technology Centers That Work”
2007-New Orleans, LA, July 11-14- “Effective Leadership Teams”
Tech Prep Conferences:
2011-Orlando, Florida, October 12-14-“Transforming Lives for a Strong America”
2010-Dallas, TX, October 20-23 “Achieve Success: Connecting Education and Employment”
2009-Atlanta, GA, September 30-October 3- “Student Career Portfolios”
2008-Cincinnati, OH, October 22-25- “Collaborating with Community Colleges”
2007-Louisville, KY, October 10-13- “Building Your Program with Dual Enrollment”
Activities and Honors
Former Certified Child Care Owner/Director-2000-2005
PTSA Fundraising Chair-2005-2006
PTSA Vice President 2006-2007
PTSA President 2007-2008
JPSD Executive Board Member 2005-2008
JPSD Site Council Chair 2005-2008
Graduate Honors: Magnum Cum Laud Jackson State University
Member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society
Affiliations:
Member of National Tech Prep Leadership
Member of National Career Pathways
Member of Mississippi Association of Career and Technical Educators
References:
Mrs. Sherry Franklin
Director of Student Services
Vocational/Technical Education
3805 Hwy 80 E Pearl, MS
(601) 936-5535
Mrs. Carolyn B. Mack
Director of Non-Academic Credit Programs
Jackson State University
College of lifelong Learning
3825 Ridgewood Road-Box 23
Jackson, MS
(601) 432-6302
Dr. Michelle King
Assistant Superintendent Elementary Education
662 South President Street
Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 960-8921
Dr. Calvin Lockett
Principal-Bailey Magnet High School
1900 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 960-5343
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Name: Louella Mack-Webster
Address: 225 Essex Avenue
Jackson, MS 39206
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Work/Day Phone: 601-918-7405
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Appointment Date: 28 Apr 2012
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Louella Mack-Webster
225 Essex Avenue
Jackson, MS 39206
(601) 622-6149
Educational Background
Masters: Early Childhood Education, graduation-April, 2012. GPA-3.917 cum-4.0
current. Jackson State University.1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39217
Bachelor of Science: Professional Interdisciplinary Studies: May, 2008. GPA-
3.79. Honors-Jackson State University, 1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS
39217
Elementary Education: GPA-3.0, 1996-2000. Mississippi College, 200 S. Capitol
Street, Clinton, MS 39056
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that parents are the first and best teachers. Like Lev Vygotsky, I believe that
children develop their knowledge base through social interactions and their experiences. I have
always wanted to teach. I wanted to help children reach their maximum developmental and
academic potential. This desire led me to become the teacher and educational facilitator that I am
today.
I embrace the practices of the Bank Street (developmental interactive) Piagetian model in
encouraging social responsive learning that fosters learning in the child as well as the adults in
their environment. As the adults in their lives models skills, behaviors, and language acquisition;
the learner eventually develops his/her own problem solving skills. Therefore, teachers should
work to create a community base learning environment within the classroom. Parental
involvement in the classroom is imperative in fostering a community of learners. As children see
their parents, teachers, and communities take responsibility for their success, the child will
become an active participant in their own academic success.
I am a role model. My students will inevitably learn from me. As a teacher, my role is
one of a facilitator that encourages children to experience and choose their path to learning. This
is an effective tool in problem based learning.
The children represent various socio-economical and geographic cultures. Many of these
children are not exposed to early language acquisition, computers, proper health/nutrition,
shelter, books, or other education resources. Efficient teachers know how to use the resources,
materials, and support of parents, family, and administrators to assess children as they enter the
early childhood program. Comprehension of growth, developmentally appropriate practices and
other variables that affect child development are equally important as children work within their
Zone of Proximal Development. Scaffolding a child until he/she reaches the cusp of learning a
new skill is imperative. Early childhood educators should encourage interactions between
children, use developmentally appropriate practices, materials, resources, and lots of
encouragement to actively engage and reinforce learning.
Jerome Bruner focused on the learner’s active engagement. Thus the curriculum should
provide structure, options in exploratory learning, and attainable yet challenging goals for the
learner. As the child manipulates his/her environment through experimentation and play and
under the authoritative guidance of the facilitator, the child builds the foundation for future
learning. The responsibility of the early childhood educator is to create an emotionally safe
social and academic environment that encourages children’s affective, cognitive, and physical
growth by practicing the theories of child development. Therefore, my philosophy of education
encompasses teaching the whole child the skills necessary for a successful life.
Louella Mack-Webster
225 Essex Avenue
Jackson, MS 39206
(601) 622-6149
Professional Background and Goals
Professional Background:
Technology Resource Specialist/District Liaison -2007-current. Jackson Public
School District, 622 South President Street, Jackson, MS 39201. (601) 960-8700
Owner/Director: Child Care Facility-April, 2000-October, 2005. Mack-It
Developmental Learning Center. 4438 Hanging Moss Road, Jackson, MS 39206.
Chapter 1/Kindergarten Assistant-August, 1992-December, 2000. Jackson Public
School District, 622 South President Street, Jackson, MS 39201.
Kindergarten Assistant-August, 1988-June, 1992. Clinton Public School District,
203 Easthaven Drive, Clinton, MS 39056.
Goals:
To attain a Doctorate degree in Early Childhood Education from
Jackson State University.
To become a professor in the Early Childhood Education Department
at Jackson State University.
To continue research an Analysis of African-American children
enrolled in pre-k program and academic achievement.
To represent my God, myself, and Jackson State University to the best
of my ability.
Professional Development/Activities
2000-Mississippi Department of Health-Playground/Safety Training-Lexington, Ms
2000-Classroom Management Training-Mack-It Developmental Learning Center,
Jackson, MS
Computer Based Learning Skills, (Venture Tech Computers)-Mack-It Developmental
Learning Center-Jackson, Ms
2000-High Reach Learning Discover Training-Mack-It Developmental Learning Center,
Jackson, MS
2000-2005- Certified Child Care Owner/Director
2005-2006-PSTA Fundraising Chair
2005-2008-JPSD Executive Council Member
2006-2007-PSTA Vice-President
2007-2008-PTSA President
2007-2009-Tech Prep/High Schools That Work In District Workshops
2007-2009-Administrative Contact Meeting-Lake Tia O’ Khat, Louisville, MS
200-2010-HSTW Point of Contact Meeting, Mississippi Department of Education
2007-2001-High Schools That Work Conferences
2007-2011-Tech Prep Conferences
2008-Graduate with Honors, Jackson State University
2008-Member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society
2007-2011-Member of National Tech Prep Leadership
2007-2011-Member of National Career Pathways
2007-2011-Member of Mississippi Association of Career and Technical Educators
2011-Empowering Students to Achieve in School and Careers-Speaker, Jackson, MS
2011-Jobs for Mississippi Graduates-Keynote Speaker, Jackson, MS
Research Interest
I would like to continue my research in pre-k enrollment and academic achievement. I recently
completed a graduate project on “The Analysis of Pre-K Enrollment and Academic
Achievement.” I have experienced educational transitions on each level. I have worked as a child
care director/facilitator, kindergarten assistant and currently middle and high school coordinator.
Each experience has allowed me to conceptualize education as a whole. “It is better to build a
foundation early in childhood or pay for structural damages later” (Webster, 2000). Early
childhood education is foundational in child development. The focus of education should be on
the child not the material or test.
My undergraduate and graduate research has always focused on assessment in early childhood.
Recent research has ignited a desire to learn more about the correlation between pre-k enrollment
and academic success. There are several worthy pieces of literature on the subject, such as;
‘’Increasing Pre-K Enrollment: Small Investment, Big Benefits “(Public Assessment Institute
2010), “Misconceptions of Achievement Testing” (Michael Martin, 2012), and Getting Reason-
able About the Evidence of Quality Pre-K” (Sara Mead, 2008). These articles caused me to
question the effectiveness of standardized testing, developmentally appropriate assessment tools,
what institutes a ‘quality’ pre-k program, funding, and the educator’s role during this process.
As graduate students, we often discuss the correlation between pre-k enrollment and third grade
academics. School districts are always focused on meeting state and federal testing requirements.
The Mississippi Curriculum Test (MCT II), coupled with exhausting staff meetings during which
administrators and state officials remind us that by third grade we can project state numbers for
criminal institutions, graduation rates and unemployment. Of course the common denominator is
always funding.
The role of pre-k, assessment tools, SES, enrollment, availability of resources, funding, and
family participation in a child’s education are all valid reasons for further research. I would like
to produce articles and write books on the importance of quality pre-k programs. Valid data on
the subject would assist us in understanding how, when, and why we should invest in such
programs. While this subject requires an open forum addressing the really tough questions, we
should hold educators, administrators, state and local authorities accountable for planning,
funding and implementing developmentally appropriate early childhood curricula and programs.
The pinnacle of my research will validate developmentally appropriate ‘quality’ pre-k programs
as a worthy experience.
Plans for a Doctorate of Education degree
My plans are to use my Doctorate degree in Early Childhood Education and teach as a
college professor. To teach in the early childhood department at Jackson State University would
be the manifestation of a dream. I would like to work with early childhood students on any
academic level. I pray that the journey in which I have taken, my dedication and commitment to
the field of education will shine through me as a beam for teachers in this program. Teaching is
not easy. Loving what you do is half the battle. I love working and learning for those who enter
my life daily. I would also like to continue research on pre-k enrollment. Ultimately, I would like
to write and publish articles and books that assist students and practitioners, my colleagues, and
the nation understand the importance and benefits of early childhood programs. Like this
portfolio, I am a work in progress. I am committed to being a lifelong learner, sharing my
knowledge and experiences thus leaving my mark in early childhood education.
