New education professor coming

Julie Finnern has been hired as Visiting Assistant Professor of Education/Reading and Field Experiences Coordinator. She grew up in Northfield, Minn. She attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. From there, she attended the University of Minnesota and got her Master's degree in Elementary Education with a curriculum and literacy focus. She continued her education and experience for a K-12 literacy specialist license.

Finnern has experience in teaching grades 1, 2, 4 and 5. She has also been in charge of leading school districts as they design K-12 curriculum and instruction, both in the area of literacy and other content areas.

During this time, she was employed by Hutchinson school district in Minnesota and was also consulted for other school districts.

"One of the most fun roles I've played was to help plan a charter Middle School/High School that was sponsored by Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn," Finnern said.

Finnern currently lives in Spencer. Since moving there, she has been a school improvement consultant with the Area Education Association and is currently the District Reading Specialist for Spencer Community Schools.

"In my current role I provide support to teachers and administrators so that we can implement a research-based, comprehensive literacy program. It is very difficult and rewarding work!" Finnern said.

At BVU, Finnern will be teaching classes in the education department that relate to literacy. She will also be the director of field experiences.

"In that role I will work to make sure that BVU students have the most beneficial experiences as possible when they are working in schools, and that the schools also gain from having our students in their buildings," Finnern said.

Finnern values her experiences she received while attending undergraduate school at Wheaton, a small private liberal arts college.

"Combining high academics expectations with strong faculty/student relationships was life changing for me. I see that happening at BVU and am very excited to be part of a community that truly learns and grows together. Becoming an educator is an important and challenging profession. I am honored to help future teachers along that path," Finnern said.

"I am also really looking forward to participating in the cultural, academic, and athletic events at BVU. Those are great advantages for us as students, staff, and faculty," Finnern said.

Finnern had a number of positive experiences at BVU that led to her interest in the job opening. A few years ago, she was part of a team that combined the professional development that school districts were doing as part of Reading First grants and other courses at BVU for a Master's program.

She also had a positive experience when she co-authored and taught a new on-line course in the education department.

"My interest came from many different angles - positive past experience, a love for teaching, and a passion for impacting future teachers that will teach throughout the world," Finnern said.

Finnern says she is excited to work with BVU students who care about what they are learning and how they will impact the lives of their future students, a beautiful campus, welcoming faculty, and technology integration and support.

"I'm excited for the leadership within the department, and at the University level, that is visionary and wants to ask the hard questions in order to continue to improve the education and experience we provide to students at BVU. BVU has a history of excellence, and an even brighter future!" Finnern said.

Finnern will officially begin her roles in Aug., but is planning to start getting settled into her office sometime in June.

"My mind is already starting to think about information and ideas with my new role in mind," Finnern said.