MARY JO FINNEY, Ph.D.

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Reading and Language Arts, Oakland University, Rochester, MI. 1998

Dissertation: The Efficacy of Print and Video in Correcting Cognitive Misconceptions

in Science.

M.A.T. Reading and Language Arts, Oakland University, Rochester, MI. 1992

Thesis: A Feasibility Study of Distance Learning for Oakland University.

B.A. Telecommunication, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. 1979

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE

2012-present Chair, Education Department, University of Michigan-Flint

Major Responsibilities: Supervise 48 faculty members (18 tenured/tenure-track and 30 part-time

faculty) and four staff members. Oversee ten degree programs including two undergraduate

programs in early childhood and elementary education, six master’s degree (M.A.) programs in

literacy, technology, inclusive education, early childhood, mathematics for early childhood and

elementary educators, and alternate route in secondary education, a post-master’s degree (Ed.S.),

and a doctoral degree (Ed.D.) in educational leadership. Have primary authority for a ~$2.5

million annual budget. Conduct all faculty evaluations, manage the tenure process, and handle all

personnel matters. Serve as departmental representative to all external constituents.

Select Significant Accomplishments:

Successfully recruited and hired the largest and most diverse faculty in the 22 year history of

the department

Supported faculty to escalate scholarly productivity with publications increasing four-fold

Enlisted faculty to upgrade and create three new master’s degree programs in technology,

inclusive education, and mathematics for early childhood and elementary educators

Engaged in cross-unit interdisciplinary collaboration with the School of Nursing to create

and deliver a master’s degree curriculum for the Nurse Educator credential

Received $67,000.00 to fund Smart Teachers As Role Models program recruiting under-

represented African American males for elementary education careers

Awarded $300,000.00 grant to design and establish a Pop-Up School delivering high quality

early childhood education to at-risk children in local clinics, churches, shelters, daycare

centers, and neighborhoods. Key points include:

o Pop-Up School selected to be featured in “This is Michigan” ad campaign raising

visibility of Education Department acting as catalyst for recruitment

o To date, over 9,900 children in 41 community locations have been served

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o Training for parents/guardians seeking to advance parenting skills and disrupt cycle

of low literacy and poverty

2010-present Director, Secondary Master of Arts with Secondary Teacher Certification

Major Responsibilities: Co-designed and oversee all aspects of this two-year master’s degree

program with initial teacher certification in all secondary-level content areas. Forge all school

partnerships, manage clinical placements, advise all students, fulfill state reporting mandates,

and teach three courses per year.

Funded by a competitive economic-stimulus grant to enhance the quality of life in Detroit, the

curriculum was designed and approved under my deanship where I convened 22 Detroit teachers,

three administrators, and five faculty members to collaborate in designing an experiential-based

teacher preparation program to increase recruitment, better prepare, and advance retention of

urban educators.

Select Significant Accomplishments:

The Secondary MAC program is the most diverse program in the School of Education and

Human Services and is consistently among the top two highest enrolled programs in the

School

After initial $100,000.00 grant received while dean, I was subsequently awarded $35,000.00

in grant monies to create a psychological preparedness component addressing teacher

candidate psychological preparedness for work in challenging environments

Invited speaker at Alaska’s annual superintendents’ meeting in Anchorage, AK introducing

the Secondary MAC program as a progressive teacher preparation model addressing rural

and hard-to-hire school contexts

Scouted fourteen remote Alaska Native villages to determine feasibility of replicating

Secondary MAC program to address teacher shortage

Toured remote Alaskan villages videotaping interviews with Elders, students, teachers, and

parents to create recruitment video for Alaska Teacher Project

2009-2011 Dean, School of Education and Human Services, University of Michigan-Flint

Major Responsibilities: Supervised nine staff members and 45 faculty members in two academic

departments (Education and Social Work) along with the director and ten staff members in the

on-campus Early Childhood Development Center. Direct authority and fiduciary responsibility

for a $4.5 million budget in a newly enacted de-centralized budget model. Spearheaded faculty

tenure process and had direct oversight of the accreditation processes through the Council on

Social Work Education (CSWE) and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

(NCATE). Advocated for the School in achievement of its mission and vision while aligning to

the university mission and vision. Maintained collaborative relationships with deans, provost,

vice chancellors, and chancellor in advancing university-wide growth. Partnered with Michigan

Department of Education, school districts, and deans from the state’s 14 public universities to

advance K-12 education across the state. Stewarded potential donors and alumni to garner

support for scholarships, endowments, and gifts.

Finney CV 3

Select Significant Accomplishments:

Successfully led the School through a financial deficit equal to half its overall budget by

reducing expenditures and stopping deficit spending for the first time in seven years

Awarded $100,000.00 economic stimulus grant to identify and partner with a team of 22

Detroit high school teachers, three administrators, and five faculty in creation of an

experientially-based urban teacher preparation program which became the Secondary

MAC program

Received $108,000.00 grant for Great Start Readiness Initiative serving children from

financially impoverished families at the university’s on-campus Early Childhood

Development Center

Garnered the School’s first endowment earmarked for the University of Michigan-Flint

Reading Center servicing children and families in need of literacy support

Led successful accreditation of social work program through Council on Social Work

Education (CSWE)

Established joint education unit with College of Arts and Sciences to seek initial NCATE

accreditation

Convened and led team of superintendents from countywide schools in collaborative

curriculum design of the School’s first post-master’s (Ed.S.) and doctoral (Ed.D.) degree

programs in educational leadership that were approved and launched with double the

projected enrollment

2007-2009 Director, Thompson Center for Learning and Teaching, University of Michigan-

Flint.

Major Responsibilities: Supervised one staff member and led faculty-based Advisory Board with

$30,000.00 annual budget. Designed and coordinated all activity within this center for faculty

development serving approximately 550 faculty across the College of Arts and Sciences, School

of Management, School of Education and Human Services, and the School of Health Professions

and Studies. Enacted campus-wide events, teaching circles, pedagogical grant awards, faculty

development grant awards, teaching evaluations, faculty orientation and mentoring efforts,

course design and innovative pedagogical support, work-life balance workshops, and

pedagogical research.

Select Significant Accomplishments:

Hosted the university’s first interdisciplinary efforts through campus-wide convocations and

teaching circles facilitating cross-disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and intra-disciplinary

teaching

Served as co-chair for the interdisciplinary university-wide implementation team launching

the new general education plan establishing learning communities, interdisciplinary first

year seminars, and service learning

Partnered with faculty to conduct and publish disciplinary-specific pedagogical research

Established internal quarterly journal featuring faculty-authored pedagogical research,

essays on teaching and learning, and position papers on topics for civil debate

Designed and enacted a new teaching evaluation protocol where teams of professors across

disciplines observed colleagues and constructed theme-based evaluations for discussion

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Launched a video series featuring faculty teaching and then in on-camera interviews

discussing their andragogical intentions and strategies

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

2018-present Professor of Education (with tenure), Education Department, University of

Michigan-Flint

Select Significant Accomplishments:

Awarded 1st Place Provost Teaching Innovation Award (with M. Wyneken) for

interdisciplinary teaching project required of all students in Secondary MAC program

Established multi-year international student and faculty exchange with Charles University in

Prague, Czech Republic studying the role of place in cultivating teacher identity

2003-2018 Associate Professor of Education (with tenure), Education Department,

University of Michigan-Flint

Select Significant Accomplishments:

Awarded $143,500.00 to design and produce video and print materials educating parents and

caregivers of infants, toddlers, and pre-school aged children how to disrupt generational

illiteracy. Worked with local pediatrician to establish the “All Ready to Read: Early Literacy

Initiative” and, of note:

o Convened 18 member community Advisory Council to ensure widespread

dissemination of educational materials

o Wrote, directed, and produced a 38-minute documentary used in training workshops

demonstrating naturalistic literacy events within variable family structures

o Distributed 3,000 DVDs of documentary to pediatric clinics, daycare centers, social

service agencies, schools, and homes

o Authored ten articles reaching 30,000 citizens in Flint and local counties through

newsletters and workshops

o Translated documentary into Spanish, conducted a workshop in Spanish (with

support of native speaker), and produced additional video segments featuring young,

single mother demonstrating methods of supporting her infant’s literacy development

Hired as consultant conducting qualitative and quantitative research for Reading Recovery

and Don Johnston, Inc. examining product efficacy

Invited to serve as site director for the Oakland Writing Project (local affiliate of the

National Writing Project) and awarded $30,000.00 for program offerings

1998-2003 Assistant Professor of Education, Education Department, University of

Michigan-Flint

Select Significant Accomplishments:

Authored and received five-year $46,500.00 grant to establish the University of Michigan-

Flint Reading Center as a resource for children and families needing literacy support

o First-ever multiyear grant awarded by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint

o Now entering its 21st year in operation

Finney CV 5

o Expanded in year three to include parent education sessions

o Serves multi-generations, and families representing full spectrum of socioeconomic

backgrounds

Received $7,795.00 in grant support for children’s Reading Center scholarships

GRANTS

External

$300,000 Pop-Up Schools: Education Outside Your Door. Development of early childhood

curriculum and training of staff to deliver high-quality education to infants,

toddlers, pre-schoolers and their parents/caregivers in high-poverty locations

throughout the community. Community Foundation of Greater Flint and Carnegie

Foundation. 2017-present.

$10,000 Cultivating Student Volunteerism for Social Justice through Experiential

Learning. Design and piloting of internship program for undergraduate students to

work with children in trauma as preparation for teaching children in the urban

context. Community Foundation of Greater Flint. 2018-2019.

$15,000 National Writing Project: College Writing Readiness Project. Professional

development for teachers in six schools across three districts preparing them to

support young writers in college readiness. National Writing Project. 2018-2019.

$15,000 National Writing Project: Seed Grant for Summer Writing Institute. Design and

hosting of a summer writing institute aimed at inspiring pre-service and practicing

teachers writing identity to, in turn, strengthen student writing. National Writing

Project. 2018.

$10,000 The Detroit Teacher Project: Extending Psychological Preparation. Extended

psychological preparation model within Secondary MAC urban teacher preparation

program. Excellent Schools Detroit. 2015-2016.

$25,000 The Detroit Teacher Project: Psychological Preparation Pilot. Worked with

clinical psychologist/psychoanalyst to create a model for preparing future urban

educators to manage their own psychological trauma often encountered in the urban

context. Excellent Schools Detroit. 2013.

$100,000 The Detroit Teacher Project: Collaborative Curriculum Development. Collaborative development of clinically-based urban teacher preparation program

with 22 practicing Detroit high school teachers, three administrators, and five

university faculty. Michigan Future, Inc. 2010-2011.

$108,800 Great Start Readiness Program. Funding to support early childhood education

program offered at the University of Michigan-Flint Early Childhood Development

Center. Michigan Department of Education. 2011.

Finney CV 6

$34,106 Smart Teachers As Role Models (STAR). Continuation of recruitment and training

program for under-represented African American males to enter the elementary

teaching profession. C.S. Mott Foundation. 2010-2011.

$32,906 Smart Teachers As Role Models (STAR). Recruitment and training program for

under-represented African American males to enter the elementary teaching

profession. C.S. Mott Foundation. 2009-2010.

$37,500 All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative - Phase II. Translate into Spanish,

duplicate, and deliver DVDs, workshops, and print materials for Spanish-speaking

families of infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. Community Foundation of Greater

Flint. 2004.

$5,000 All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative - Phase II. Create and produce

additional educational materials for distribution through the All Ready to Read:

Early Literacy Initiative network. Stella and Frederick Loeb Charitable Trust Fund.

2003.

$40,000 All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative. Engage community in systemic effort

to address low literacy levels by educating parents in methods of supporting their

infants’, toddlers’, and preschoolers’ literacy development through production of

educational documentary and print materials distributed through training

workshops. Community Foundation of Greater Flint. 2002.

$46,500 University of Michigan-Flint Reading Center. Design and launch a university-

based reading center serving families in Flint and Genesee County in need of

literacy support taught by graduate students studying to become reading specialists.

Community Foundation of Greater Flint. 1999.

Internal

$17,000 SEHS Dean’s Grant. Expansion of literacy support for impoverished families in

urban and rural contexts through enhanced teacher preparation. 2016-present.

$10,000 Montreal Alternative Spring Break. Service learning trip for undergraduate and

graduate students to work in social service agencies in high-need neighborhoods in

Montreal. University of Michigan-Flint Annual Fund. (with M. Hilton Watson).

2009.

$500 Scholarship awards for children from Boys and Girls Club of Flint to attend the

University of Michigan - Flint Reading Center. University of Michigan - Flint K-

12 Partnership Grant. 2009.

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$1,500 Scholarship awards for children from Westwood Heights Community Schools to

attend the University of Michigan - Flint Reading Center. University of Michigan

- Flint K-12 Partnership Grant. 2007.

$1,500 Scholarship awards for children from Flint Community Schools to attend the

University of Michigan – Flint Reading Center. University of Michigan - Flint K-

12 Partnership Grant. 2006.

$1,500 Scholarship awards for children from Westwood Heights Community Schools to

attend the University of Michigan - Flint Reading Center. University of Michigan

- Flint K-12 Partnership Grant. 2006.

$2,500 Support for Michigan Storytellers Festival and associated university course. University of Michigan - Flint Special Events Grant. 2006.

$2,795 Scholarship awards for children from Flint Community Schools to attend the

University of Michigan - Flint Reading Center. University of Michigan - Flint K-

12 Partnership Grant. 2005.

$1,000 Support for Michigan Storytellers Festival and associated university course. University of Michigan-Flint Special Events Grant. 2005.

$3,000 Video production support to enhance All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative

- Phase II. University of Michigan - Flint Special Projects Grant. 2004.

$3,000 Support to develop website All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative - Phase

II. University of Michigan - Flint Technical Assistance Grant. 2004.

$3,000 Support for Michigan Storytellers Festival and associate university course. University of Michigan - Flint Special Events Grant. 2004.

$15,000 All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative. University of Michigan-Flint Annual

Fund Grant. 2002.

$40,000 All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative. Produce educational documentary

and print materials distributed through training workshops aimed at helping at-risk

families support their infant, toddler, and pre-school aged children’s literacy

development. University of Michigan-Flint Research Excellence Funds. 2002.

$450 Sponsorship of Fourth Annual Genesee Early Literacy Conference. University of

Michigan-Flint Annual Fund Grant. 2002.

$450 Data analysis and display work on collaborative classroom study with graduate

student. University of Michigan-Flint Technical Assistance Grant. 2002.

Finney CV 8

$1000 Summerfield Writer’s Workshop conducted with graduate students and third

graders. University of Michigan-Flint K-12 Partnership Grant. 2002.

$1000 Family Writing Project. Designed and conducted school-based writing program for

children and family members to engage collaboratively in writer’s workshop.

University of Michigan-Flint K-12 Partnership Grant. 1999.

AWARDS

2019 Provost’s Teaching Innovation Award, 1st Place

2015-2019 University of Michigan-Flint Golden Apple Teaching Awards

2011 Genesee County Priority Children Children’s Champion Award, nominee

2009 YWCA Woman of Achievement, nominee

2006-2008 University of Michigan-Flint Golden Apple Teaching Awards

2007 YWCA Woman of Achievement, recipient

2005 Celebrate Literacy Award, International Reading Association, Flint Area

Reading Council, recipient

2005 Distinguished Professor Award, University of Michigan-Flint Student

Government Council, nominee

SCHOLARLY CONTRIBUTIONS

Articles

Finney, M. J. (2017). Relevance, the agora, and directing a center for teaching and learning. Journal for Centers on Teaching and Learning, 9, 4-22.

Moyo, O. N. & Finney, M. J. (2016). Creating healthier academic work environments:

Exploring best practices at the department level. The Department Chair, 27(2), 22-25.

Finney, M. J. & Novotna, M. (2016). How I´m Becoming a Teacher – profesní identita

studentů učitelství Zakotvená teorie a její využití v didaktice výtvarné výchovy.

(Translation): The professional identity of student teachers: Grounded Theory and its use

in the teaching of art education. Charles University Faculty of Education International

Research Projects Proceedings, Prague, Czech Republic.

Finney, M. J. (2014). Location as informant: How an urban venue transformed my teaching. Language Arts Journal of Michigan, 29(2), 54-61.

Finney CV 9

Finney, M. J. (2012). Teacher formation: Professionals collaborating in the field. (Translation)

Formacion docente centrada en el auda: Colaboracion entre academicos y profesores. Proceedings of the XVII Seminario Internacional Consejo Nacional de Educacion, Santiago,

Chile.

Finney, M. J. & Mazumder, Q. (2010). Fostering passion among first year engineering

students. American Journal of Engineering Education, 1(1), 21-34.

Mazumder, Q. & Finney, M. J. (2010). Factors affecting passion toward learning in

engineering classrooms. Annual proceedings of the Canada International Conference on

Education. Toronto, Canada.

Finney, M. J. (2006). A voice to be heard. Michigan Reading Journal, 38(2), 27-28.

Finney, M. J. (2005). The state of reading in the state of Michigan: Rocking boats and ruffling

feathers. Michigan Reading Journal, 37(3), 41-42.

Finney, M. J. (2005). Taking the plunge: Become a teacher who writes. Michigan Reading

Journal, 37(2), 48-51.

Finney, M. J. (2003). A bumper sticker, Columbus, and a poem for two voices. The Reading

Teacher, 57(1), 74-78.

Finney, M. J. (2002). “If I didn’t let it go, it would just stick on my chest”: From language to

silence. Language Arts Journal of Michigan, 18(20), 11-14.

Finney, M. J. (2002). “Journaled to death”: Reviving student interest in written reflection. Michigan Reading Journal, 34(3), 33-37.

Finney, M. J. (2002). The role of print and video in changing science misconceptions. The

Electronic Journal of Literacy through Science, [Online serial], 1(2). Available FTP: Hostname:

sweeneyhall.sjsu.edu Directory: ejlts/vo11-2.html.

Finney, M. J. (2000). Hearing our voices: A family writing project. Michigan Reading Journal,

33(2), 15-21.

Finney, M. J. (2000). The efficacy of print and video in correcting cognitive misconceptions in

science. (University Microfilms No. 9983674)

Book Reviews

Finney, M. J. (2005). Review of Peter H. Johnston’s Choice words: How our language affects

children’s learning (Stenhouse, 2004) in Michigan Reading Journal, 37(1), p. 87.

Finney CV 10

Finney, M. J. (2004). Review of Janice Hartwick Dressel’s Teaching and learning about

multicultural literature: Students reading outside their culture in a middle school

classroom (International Reading Association, 2003) in Michigan Reading Journal, 36(3), p. 92.

Finney, M. J. (2004). Review of Bill Moore and David Booth’s Poems please! Sharing poetry

with children (Pembroke, 2003) in Michigan Reading Journal, 36(2), p. 88-89.

Finney, M. J. (2003). Review of Debra Rader and Linda Harris Sittig’s New kid in school:

Using literature to help children in transition (Teachers College Press, 2003) in Michigan

Reading Journal, 36(1), p. 54-56.

Finney, M. J. (2003). Review of Edward T. Sullivan’s Reaching reluctant young adult readers:

A handbook for librarians and teachers (Scarecrow Press, 2002) in Michigan Reading

Journal, 35(4), p. 73-74.

Conference Presentations

Wyneken, M. & Finney, M. J. (March 2020). Developing academic misconduct procedures.

Annual International Conference on Academic Integrity. Portland, OR.

Finney, M. J. & Lesinski, C. (February 2020). Maternal perspectives on raising children in

poverty: Outcomes of a Pop-Up School. 32nd Annual Ethnographic Qualitative Research

Conference. Las Vegas, NV.

Finney, M. J. & Lesinski, C. (2019). Building trust, hope, and healing through play: A

community Pop-Up School. 10th Anniversary Conference on the Value of Play. Clemson, SC.

Finney, M. J. (2019). From urban to rural: Preparing teachers for indigenous education. 17th

Annual Hawaii International Conference on Education. Honolulu, HI.

Finney, M. J. & Lesinski, C. (2019). Reaching children in need: Learning from a Pop-Up School

Model. 17th Annual Hawaii International Conference on Education. Honolulu, HI.

Finney, M. J. (2017, Fall). Traversing the increasingly complex terrain of assessing student

professional dispositions. International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning,

Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Finney, M. J. (2017). The Detroit Teacher Project: Partnering for transformative teacher

preparation. National Association for Alternative Certification. 27th Annual Conference. San

Antonio, TX.

Finney, M. J. (2016). “Perfection” viewed through three lenses: Reading, writing, and urban

education. Academy of Educational Studies Fall Conference. Salt Lake City, UT.

Finney CV 11

Finney, M. J. (2016). Assessing and advancing professional dispositions: Beyond the rubric.

Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Fall Conference. Washington D.C.

2016.

Moyo, O. N. & Finney, M. J. (2016).Creating healthier academic work environments: Exploring

best practices at the department level. 33rd Annual Academic Chairpersons Conference.

Charleston, SC.

Finney, M. J. (2015). From Prague to Detroit: Exchanging stories of becoming a teacher.

Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.

Finney, M. J. (2015). The making of a university-based reading center. Hawaii International

Education Conference. Honolulu, HI. 2015

Finney, M. J. (2015). Urban, clinically-based and real: Transformative teacher preparation. Hawaii International Education Conference. Honolulu, HI.

Finney, M. J. (2014). The Detroit Teacher Project: Transformative civic engagement. Institute

for Innovation in Education. Prague, Czech Republic.

Cherem, B. & Finney, M. J. (2011). Collaborative curriculum development for an online

graduate education leadership program: Filling the vacuum left in Michigan schools. Phi

Delta Kappan. Atlanta, GA.

Finney, M. J. (2009). Compelling questions about comics from a reading perspective. American

Educational Research Association. San Diego, CA.

Finney, M. J. (2008). Seeing is believing: Fostering reflective teaching through video. International Lilly Conference on Learning and Teaching. Oxford, OH.

Finney, M. J. (2007). Literacy Arts Comic Book Project. Michigan Department of Education

Kaleidoscope of Best Practices. Lansing, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2007). Comics and reading comprehension – not simply a laughing matter. Michigan Reading Association Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2006). Creating a video story of emergent literacy in urban and suburban homes. National Reading Conference. Los Angeles, CA.

Finney, M. J. & Gallant, P. (2006). Teacher as editor. Michigan Reading Association Annual

Conference. Detroit, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2006). Miscues and misunderstandings. Reading Association Annual Conference.

Detroit, MI.

Finney CV 12

Finney, M. J. (2005). All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative. Michigan Reading Association

Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI.

Gallant, P. & Finney, M. J. (2005). Diddle diddle dumpling runs through the school: Poems we

love to read and write. Vermont Council on Reading Spring Conference. Stowe, VT

Finney, M. J. (2002). Allowing and expecting students to write using self-selected topics. Michigan Reading Association Annual Conference. Detroit, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2002). Connecting science to self: Making science relevant through students’

metaphors. Michigan Reading Association Annual Conference. Detroit, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2002). Taking the plunge: Becoming a writing teacher who writes. Michigan

Reading Association Annual Conference. Detroit, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2001). A K-12 writing project: Lessons in collaboration. Michigan Association of

Colleges for Teacher Education Spring Conference. Pontiac, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2001). Expanding students’ perspectives: The power of poems for two voices. Michigan Reading Association Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2001). Mining the field of teacher student collaborations: Finding the treasure.

Michigan Reading Association Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2000). Using the think-aloud strategy while teaching writing: An issue of privacy. Michigan Reading Association Annual Conference. Detroit, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2000). When poetry and science collide. Michigan Reading Association Annual

Conference. Detroit, MI.

Finney, M. J. (1999). The efficacy of print and video in correcting cognitive misconceptions.

National Association of Research in Science Teaching Annual Conference. Boston, MA.

Finney, M. J. (1999). Writing together, writing apart: The family writing project. Michigan

Reading Association Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI.

Finney, M. J. (1998). The role of print and video in changing misconceptions. National Reading

Conference. Austin, TX.

Poster Presentations

Lesinski, C. & Finney, M. J. (February 2020). The concept of child’s play in a city’s healing.

32nd Annual Ethnographic Qualitative Research Conference. Las Vegas, NV.

Finney CV 13

Finney, M. J. (2017). Leading a center for teaching and learning: Looking back, looking

forward. International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Calgary, Alberta,

Canada.

Finney, M. J. & Novotna, M. (2015). How I’m becoming a teacher: Prague Detroit stories.

Institute for Innovation in Education, Ann Arbor, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2015). Cultivating transformative moments in study abroad: A case study. 27th

Annual Ethnographic & Qualitative Research Conference. Las Vegas, NV.

Invited Keynote Addresses

Finney, M. J. (2015). Trauma vs. hope: Where do we go from here? Flint Genesee Literacy

Network. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2012). Teacher formation: Professionals collaborating in the field. XVII

Seminario Internacional Consejo Nacional de Educacion. Santiago, Chile.

Finney, M. J. (2006). The University of Michigan-Flint Reading Center. A Run for the Roses

Annual Fundraising Event. University of Michigan-Flint University Outreach. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2005). Reading beyond (and between) the lines. Genesee Intermediate School

District’s Annual Early Literacy Conference. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2004). It’s as easy as ABC! 4Cs Annual Conference. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2004). Inferencing: The neglected aspect of learning to read. Flint Area Reading

Council Annual Awards Banquet. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2003). All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative. Community Foundation of

Greater Flint Annual Luncheon. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2002). Assessment driving instruction: Who’s behind the wheel? Third Annual

Genesee County Early Literacy Conference. Flint, MI.

Commissioned Research Reports

Finney, M. J. (2019). Pop-Up School: Education Outside Your Door interim report 2017-2019. Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2013). Exploring technological innovations in Reading Recovery teacher training

final report 2012-2013. Reading Recovery Council of North America. Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2008). Literacy Arts Comic Book Project final report. ArtServe Michigan.

Southfield, MI.

Finney CV 14

Finney, M. J. (2008). Social studies literacy research project report 2005-2008. Don Johnston,

Inc. Volo, IL.

Finney, M. J. (2004). All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative ten articles series. Community

Foundation of Greater Flint. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2004). Begin with Books II: The effects of becoming a storyteller on adult and

child literacy final report. Flint Public Library. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2003). Begin with Books: The effects of becoming a storyteller on adult and child

literacy final report. Flint Public Library. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2001). Literacy program review: Buell Elementary School. University of

Michigan-Flint, Projects for Urban and Regional Affairs. Flint, MI.

Non-commissioned Research Reports

Finney, M. J. (2008). First year experience pilot courses: What are we learning? University of

Michigan-Flint. Flint, MI.

Finney, M. J. & Gillespie, C. (2008). University of Michigan-Flint General Education Design

Team final report. University of Michigan-Flint. Flint, MI.

Editorships

Finney, M. J. (2007-2009).The Scholarship of Teaching, founding editor of this internal

publication featuring faculty scholarship.

Finney, M. J. (2008). Michigan Reading Journal, 40(2). Juried journal of the Michigan Reading

Association-a division of the International Literacy Association.

Finney, M. J. & Gallant, P. (2005-2008). Michigan Reading Journal.

Finney, M. J. & Gallant, P. (2003-2005). Michigan Reading Journal, Professional Books of

Interest.

Newspaper and Media Publications

Finney, M. J. (2015, August 13). Reading to your baby. Latino Press, XXI (33), 5.

Finney, M. J. (2015, June 11). Teaching your baby to read. Latino Press, XXI (24), 14.

Finney, M. J. (2013). The Detroit Teacher Project. [DVD]. (Writer/Producer/Director). Nitty

Gritty Productions. Detroit, MI.

Finney CV 15

Finney, M. J. (2006). Todos listos para leer: El canto, la conversacion, la seleccion, la lectura.

(Translation) All Ready to Read: Singing, Talking, Choosing, Reading. [DVD].

(Writer/Director). VIDCAM Productions. Grand Blanc, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2006). All Ready to Read: Singing, Talking, Choosing, Reading. [DVD].

(Writer/Director). VIDCAM Productions. Grand Blanc, MI.

Finney, M. J. (2004). All Ready to Read. [DVD]. (Writer/Director/Host). VIDCAM Productions.

Grand Blanc, MI.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

International Service Learning in Kenya. 2018. (with L. Knecht). Interdisciplinary academic

experience jointly planned for nursing and education students to work side-by-side at a high

school for homeless students and remote healthcare clinics. Prior to departure, violent unrest in

Kenya closed the high school cancelling the trip for education students.

Detroit-Prague Teacher Preparation Exchange Program. 2014-2016. Prague, Czech Republic.

(with M. Novotna). Multi-year virtual and face-to-face student exchange program exploring the

role of place in becoming a teacher.

Beijing Royal School. 2014-2016. Beijing, China. (with M. Chen). Student teaching and summer

camp counselor program collaboratively developed for students in the Secondary MAC program.

Immigration and migration: Research in the international context. 2013. Utrecht,

Netherlands. Study abroad trip leading 17 students studying immigration and migration with

students from 14 countries hosted at Utrecht University.

Canterbury Christ Church University. 2012. Canterbury, Kent, England. (with D. Adams, R.

Barnett, S. Knight, and S. Thwaite). Faculty team member exploring partnership opportunities.

Montreal Alternative Spring Break. 2009. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (with M. Hilton-

Watson). Service learning experience for 19 students at social services agencies in Montreal,

Quebec, Canada.

LITERACY CONSULTANCIES

Learning from my family: An Alaskan cultural ethnography. 2019-present. Iditarod School

District, AK. Teaching of educators in eight remote Alaskan villages serving indigenous

populations to cultivate oral stories from Elders as told to adolescents.

Writing across the curriculum: The arts. 2008-2009. Michigan Department of Education, Lansing,

MI.

Literacy arts comic book professional development series. 2006-2008. Detroit Public Schools,

Detroit, MI.

Finney CV 16

Poetry slam design and training. 2006. University of Michigan – Flint Center for Service Learning

and School Partnerships, Flint, MI.

Writer’s workshop in 5th through 8th grade. 2004. Clio Community Schools, Clio, MI.

Language arts assessment in 5th through 8th grade. 2004. Clio Community Schools, Clio, MI.

Understanding language arts grade level content expectations in 5th through 8th grade. 2004. Clio

Community Schools, Clio, MI.

COMMISSIONED PRESENTATIONS

Pop-Up School parent training: Focus groups I & II. 2019. Flint, MI.

Pop-Up School Parent Training: Observing, responding, and talking to your child. 2019. Flint,

MI.

The Alaska Teacher Project: Iditarod School District summer teacher orientation. 2019.

Anchorage, AK.

Is it a reading problem or lack of interest (and what can I do about it)? 2013. Flushing

Community Schools, Flushing, MI.

All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative Workshop. 2012. Northridge Academy. Flint, MI.

Social studies literacy research results. 2007. Lapeer Community Schools, Lapeer, MI.

Literacy arts professional development series. 2006-2007. Detroit Public Schools, Detroit, MI.

On the road. 2006-2007. UM-F Student Recruitment. Lakeville High School, Lakeville, MI.

You and your notebook: Writer’s workshop. 2006. Lapeer Community Schools, Lapeer, MI.

Writer’s workshop in action. 2006. Lapeer Community Schools, Lapeer, MI.

Grant writing for classroom teachers: A workshop series. 2006.

Hamady Elementary School, Westwood Heights Schools, Mt. Morris, MI.

Hamady Middle School, Westwood Heights Schools, Mt. Morris, MI.

Hamady High School, Westwood Heights Schools, Mt. Morris, MI.

Westwood Heights Elementary School, Westwood Heights Schools, Mt. Morris, MI.

All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative Workshop. 2006. Genesee County Childcare Directors Association. Goodrich, MI.

Genesee Intermediate School District Project SKIP, Bendle Elementary School, Burton, MI.

Greater Holy Temple Ministries Literacy Series. Flint, MI.

Finney CV 17

Todos listos para leer. 2006. Washington Elementary School, Flint Community Schools. Flint, MI.

Turning on the TV. 2005. Genesee Intermediate School District Project SKIP, Bendle Elementary

School. Flint, MI.

Becoming a storyteller. 2005. SKIP, Mt. Morris Community Schools, Mt. Morris, MI.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Professional Development Day. 2005. Swartz Creek Community Schools,

Swartz Creek, MI.

All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative Workshops. 2005.

Argentine Elementary School, Linden Community Schools, Linden, MI.

Genesee County Childcare Directors Association, Goodrich, MI.

Greater Holy Temple Ministries Literacy Series, Flint, MI.

Hamady Elementary School, Westwood Heights, Mt. Morris, MI.

Fenton Montessori, Fenton, MI.

Men at Work, Fenton Lawn Academy, Flint, MI.

Helping Hands Home Daycare, Lapeer, MI.

All Ready to Read: Early Literacy Initiative Workshops. 2004. UAW-GM Early Childhood Center – 1st Shift, Flint, MI.

UAW-GM Early Childhood Center – 2nd Shift, Flint, MI.

Motherly Intercession, Flint, MI.

Flint Community Schools Early Childhood Program, Flint, MI.

Flint Family Road – Ready, Set, Grow Passport, Flint, MI.

4Cs Child Development Associates, Flint, MI.

4Cs Daycare Providers, Flint, MI

4Cs Directors, Flint, MI.

SKIP Family Support Paraprofessionals, Flint, MI.

Champions in Christ Church, Flint, MI.

Foss Avenue Baptist Church, Flint, MI.

Focus on writing K-2. 2004. Swartz Creek Community Schools, Swartz Creek, MI.

Learning to read: Is it as easy as ABC? 2004. Flint Public Schools, Flint, MI.

Focus on writing grades 3-5. 2004. Swartz Creek Community Schools, Swartz Creek, MI.

Improving writing from kindergarten through third grade. 2004. Montague Elementary School,

Mt. Morris, MI.

Bringing voice and organization to kindergarten and third graders’ writing. 2003. Pinehurst

Elementary School, Mt. Morris, MI.

Finney CV 18

Exploring written retellings across the curriculum. 2003. Clio-Davison-Kearsley Professional

Development Seminar, Kearsley Community Schools, Kearsley, MI.

Shared writing and workshop. 2003. Clio-Davison-Kearsley Professional Development Seminar,

Kearsley, MI.

NON-COMMISSIONED PRESENTATIONS

The Secondary MAC Program: Alaskan Possibilities. 2018. Annual Alaskan superintendents’

meeting. Anchorage, AK.

Teaching challenges: Feeling empowered as new faculty. 2014. Faculty Mentoring Program

Workshop. University of Michigan-Flint. Flint, MI.

The Detroit Teacher Project. 2014. University YES Academy, Detroit, MI.

The Detroit Teacher Project. 2013. Michigan Future, Inc. Ann Arbor, MI.

The Detroit Teacher Project. 2013. University High School, Ferndale Community Schools.

Ferndale, MI.

Teaching and learning: Best practices of learners and teachers. 2013. University of Michigan-

Flint Faculty Research and Creative Activities Summit. Flint, MI. (session moderator)

Literacy milestones to notice and nurture. 2008. Genesee County Association for Education of

Young Children. Flint, MI.

Speaking and listening with literacy in mind. 2008. Greater Flint Association for Education of

Young Children. Flint, MI.

Speaking and listening for literacy in young children. 2008. Genesee County Association for

Education of Young Children. Flint, MI.

Vocabulary development in young children. 2007. Genesee County Child Care Directors

Association. Goodrich, MI.

Greater family literacy project. 2006. “Live” radio interview, WFLT 1420AM, Flint, MI.

Teacher training workshop series. 2006. Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, Flint, MI.

So. . . you want to be an author. 2006. Greater Holy Temple Ministries Literacy Series. Flint, MI.

Mining language and story in young children. 2005. UAW-GM Early Childhood Center, Flint,

MI.

A gift to you. 2005. Greater Holy Temple Ministries Literacy Series. Flint, MI.

Finney CV 19

So. . . you want to be a reader. 2005. Greater Holy Temple Ministries Literacy Series. Flint, MI.

Raising a star student: What parents can do. 2004. Flint Public Library, Flint, MI.

Becoming a storyteller. 2004. SKIP, Genesee Intermediate School District, Flint, MI.

Learning reading miscue inventory. 2004. Genesee Intermediate School District, Flint, MI.

TEACHING

Graduate Degree Programs Developed

The Alaska Teacher Project, Secondary Master of Arts with Certification (MAC). 2019-

present. Replication of master’s degree focused on rural teacher preparation in partnership

with remote Alaskan villages (i.e., Galena, Grayling, Holy Cross, McGrath, Nikolai,

Shageluk, and Takotna) serving indigenous populations.

The Flint Teacher Project, Secondary Master of Arts with Certification (MAC). 2019. Replication of master’s degree focused on urban teacher preparation in partnership with the

Flint Community Schools.

Education Doctorate (Ed.D.) 2013. Doctoral degree with leadership and curriculum tracks co-

developed with local superintendents and University of Michigan-Flint faculty.

The Detroit Teacher Project, Secondary Master of Arts with Certification (MAC). 2010.

Master’s degree with secondary teacher certification focused on urban teacher preparation co-

developed with 22 practicing urban teachers, three school administrators, and five University

of Michigan-Flint faculty.

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) 2009. Post-master’s degree with leadership and curriculum tracks

co-developed with local superintendents and University of Michigan-Flint faculty.

Courses Designed and Taught

Educational Leadership (post-graduate)

EDL 700 Contemporary Leadership Issues in Education (hybrid)

EDL 703 Survey of Advanced Leadership (hybrid)

Secondary Education (graduate)

EDE 540 Classroom Management (co-taught)

EDE 670 Research Seminar (online and hybrid)

EDS 515 Urban Education (hybrid)

EDS 580 Independent Study

Finney CV 20

EDS 585 Special Topics: Universal Methods of Teaching (hybrid)

EDS 665 Alternate Route Student Teaching I

EDS 667 Alternate Route Student Teaching II

EDS 668 Student Teaching I

EDS 669 Student Teaching II

EDS 698 Student Teaching Seminar I (hybrid)

EDS 699 Student Teaching Seminar II (hybrid)

Reading Education (graduate)

EDR 535 Folklore and Storytelling (hybrid)

EDR 540 Assessment-based Literacy Instruction for Elementary Students (hybrid)

EDR 541 Assessment-based Literacy Instruction for Secondary Students (hybrid)

EDR 543 Foundations of Literacy (hybrid)

EDR 544 Integrated Language Arts throughout the Curriculum: Theory into Practice (hybrid)

EDR 548 Reading and Writing Across Content Areas (hybrid)

EDR 646 Literacy Assessment in the Elementary/Middle School (online)

Nursing Education (graduate)

NUR 660 Facilitating Learning (online)

NUR 662 Assessment and Evaluation Strategies in Nursing Education (online)

NUR 663 Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes in Nursing Education (online)

Reading Education (undergraduate)

EDR 343 Literacy Learning in the Elementary and Middle School

EDR 344 The Integrated Language Arts: Reading, Writing and Oral Language

EDR 435 Folklore and Storytelling

Doctoral Student Supervision (Ed.D.)

Chair, Dissertation Committee for Rajah Smart (graduated spring 2019)

Dissertation Title: Comparing resource-allocation practices on student performance between

charter public schools and traditional public schools

Chair, Dissertation Committee for Dallas Lintner (graduated winter 2018)

Dissertation Title: Measuring the perceived effectiveness of concussion legislation in Michigan’s

schools

Chair, Dissertation Committee for Theresa Hausenauer

Dissertation Title: Measuring primary teachers perceived sense of self-efficacy when teaching

expository text during their literacy block

Chair, Dissertation Committee for Gayl Beals

Dissertation Title: Comparing reading digital vs. paper in the adult automotive classroom

Finney CV 21

Member, Dissertation Committee for Anthony Sedick

Dissertation Title: Priority school priorities: Motivation and morale –a multi-case study

SERVICE

Current

National

Site Visitor, Council on Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), since 2013.

University

Member, Faculty Grievance Committee, since 2018.

Member, Graduate Program Advisory Board, since 2013.

School of Education and Human Services

Member, Strategic Planning Leadership Team, since 2018.

Education Department

Ex-officio, Curriculum Committee

Nominating Committee

Policy and Assessment Committee

Professional Dispositions Committee

Scholarship and Awards Committee

Student Review Panel

Past (alphabetical, by category)

National

Reviewer, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

Reviewer, Sage Publications

State

Member, Michigan Department of Education Early Literacy Committee

Member, Michigan Department of Education School Administrator Stakeholder Group

Reviewer, Michigan Department of Education School Administrator Preparation Programs

University

Chair, Graduate Program Committee

Finney CV 22

Chair-Elect, Graduate Program Committee

Co-Chair, General Education Reform Steering Committee and Design Team

Co-Director, Living Learning Community in First Street Residence Hall

Co-Director, University of Michigan-Flint Faculty Learning Seminars

Founding

Director, University of Michigan-Flint Reading Center

Founding

Mentor, Faculty Mentoring Program

Member, Academic Assessment Committee

Member, Budget Priorities/Chancellor Advisory Committee

Member, Campus Master Planning Committee

Member, Dining Services Advisory Board

Member, Director of Research Committee

Member, English Language Program Advisory Board

Member, Executive Director of Development Search Committee

Member, Extended Learning Task Force

Member, Fee Committee

Member, Global Diversity Curriculum Stimulation Grant Selection Committee

Member, Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Writing Team

Member, HLC Self-Study Team

Member, Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Member, IRB Ad-Hoc Committee on Classroom Activity

Member, Mid-Career Writing Assessment Team

Member, Provost Search Committee

Member, Strategic Planning Steering Committee

Member, Strategic Planning Task Force on Scholarship, Teaching, and Professional

Development

Member, Thompson Center for Learning and Teaching Advisory Board

School of Education and Human Services

Chair, Summer Interim I Committee

Co-Chair, Dean Search Committee (sixth dean search)

Master of

Ceremony, School of Education and Human Services Graduation Celebration

Member, Academic Standards Committee

Member, Code Revision Committee

Member, Dean Search Committee (third dean search)

Member, Executive Committee

Member, Nominating Committee

Member, Retreat Planning Committee

Member, Strategic Plan Stewardship Committee

Education Department

Chair, Scholarships, Honors and Awards Committee

Finney CV 23

Member, Early Childhood Search Committee

Member, Literacy Search Committee

Member, Mathematics Education Search Committee

Member, Policy and Assessment Committee

Community

Member, Flint School Code of Conduct Review Team, Flint Community Schools, Flint, MI.

Member, Fourth Annual Genesee Early Literacy Conference Planning Committee, Flint, MI.

Member, Northend/Central Detroit Local College Access Network Leadership Team,

Detroit, MI.

Presenter, So you want to be a reader: An adult literacy workshop series. University of

Michigan-Flint Reading Center Flint, MI.

Presenter, Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Literacy Progress. University of

Michigan-Flint Reading Center Annual Parent Education Seminar Series. Flint, MI.

Sponsor, Flint Area Reading Council’s Young Author’s Conference, Flint, MI.

Tutor, Reading tutor for adult community members, Flint, MI.