Judy McFerran

State:

Indiana

Testimonial from a participant

I have changed the way I teach! I normally lecture and give written tests, but now we are doing projects, doing research, making models and making presentations. I am enjoying watching my students come alive!

— K.E. Crawfordsville, Indiana

PLS courses I teach:

• Brain-Based Ways We Think and Learn®
• Purposeful Learning Through Multiple Intelligences®
• Reading to Learn: Comprehension Instruction™
• Succcessful Teaching for Acceptance of Responsibility®

Years with PLS:

Since 2002

Why I love teaching PLS courses:

PLS courses are so different than many graduate level classes because the content is so relevant, the research current, and activities are 'modeled' by the instructor. We have FUN while we learn!

A quote from a Greencastle student: "Wow! That's just about all I can say! Wow! The week has flown by and I feel like I have gained so much..." Another Pittsboro student says, "The best part of the class was that I was put in the role of the learner, which allowed me insight to some of my students' feeling and fears."

Education:

• B.S., Indiana State University 1965
• M.S., Indiana State University 1968
• Additional hours beyond Master's — Indiana State Univ. and Indiana Wesleyan University

Teaching experience:

I taught in Crawfordsville City Schools for 4 years and North Montgomery Community Schools for 26 years. I taught second grade for three years, fourth grade one year, and the remaining twenty-six years were spent in first grade.

Related experience, recognition, awards, etc.:

Nominated for Who's Who in American Teachers— 2003, 2004, and 2005. I have also been listed in Cambrige Who's Who. I taught summer school for 7 years doing remediation and also taught special courses for creative writing. I was part of a group that presented seminars for the state to model teaching remediation for ISTEP. Teaching has always been a large part of my role in churches. I have taught young children, middle school and high school students. I currently teach Bible studies and a women's Sunday school class.

What I love most about teaching:

I truly believe the expression that teachers touch eternity. Teachers don't just teach content; they teach individual, unique, valuable people. I began my teaching career nearly 40 years ago and have lived in the same community. I now see former students in various positions of responsibility. I see former students now parents and contributors to society. Even now, I often meet a former student who says "Oh, Mrs. McFerran, do you remember when... !" I believe I have made a difference.

My favorite moment in teaching:

It is so difficult to talk about just one special moment; there have been too many to count. I do remember one very troubled, child who hated school and everyone and had difficulty in so many areas. After many months had passed and I was wondering if anything I was doing mattered, I heard him say as he hugged me before getting on the bus "I wish I just lived here!" I believe school should be a safe, inviting, exciting and fun place. It is up to the teacher to help that happen.

Personal information:

In my retirement I have enjoyed pursuing my interest in my craft business. I was part owner of a gift store in downtown Crawfordsville which recently closed so I could spend more time with PLS! I do many craft shows including the Covered Bridge Festival. I am one half of a company called "The Rescued Bear." I am very involved with Women's Ministries in my community. I have one wonderful daughter and one fabulous grandson!