McDowell Institute for Teacher Excellence in PBIS
Be Here/Be Ready ... Be Responsible ... Be Respectful
The Challenge
More than 60 percent of first-time teachers say they’re not sufficiently prepared to face the challenge of addressing the social and emotional needs of today's students in tandem with achieving academic learning outcomes, according to the U. S. Department of Education.
The Response
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework is increasingly implemented and sustained in school systems throughout the United States to promote academic and behavioral success for ALL students. Application of MTSS is an essential element in pre-service and in-service professional development in schools.
Mission Statement
The mission of the McDowell Institute is to cultivate excellence in current and aspiring educational professionals by developing strong ethical standards and skills to address non-academic barriers to learning emphasizing promotion and prevention activities to support healthy development and learning by all children in order to improve and enhance quality of life in an ever-changing society.
Executive Director
Tim Knoster | 570-389-4081
Director, School Based Behavior Health
Danielle Empson | 570-389-5221
Administrative Assistant
Jeanne Dayhoff | 570-389-5124
214 Navy Hall
570-389-5222
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training
• Two hour suicide prevention training held on 2/16/2018, 3/23/2018, and 4/13/2018 from 3pm-5pm
• Free of charge to Bloomsburg University students, faculty, and staff
Please note that spaces are limited and registration will be on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested in receiving QPR Training please fill out the application form and submit to the McDowell Institute at McDowell@bloomu.edu
Reasons to Live!
“I kept living because my life and mental health are worth fighting for, no matter how hard it may be.” —anonymous
These are our Reasons to Live!
Please click on the link below to view, save, and share the photos taken during McDowell Institute's Mental Health Awareness events at Bloomsburg University.
McDowell Fellow's research showcased at state forum
According to the U.S. Department of Education, more than 60 percent of first-time teachers say they’re not sufficiently prepared to face the challenge of addressing the social and emotional needs of today’s students in tandem with achieving academic learning outcomes.
Ashley Smith, a senior early childhood and special education major, will not be one of them.
The recent graduate has spent the past two years as a Fellow with Bloomsburg University’s McDowell Institute for Teacher Excellence in Positive Behavior Support, where she has been focused on researching positive behavioral interventions. Her work will be showcased this spring statewide at the 2017 PA PBIS Implementers’ Forum. She is the first BU undergraduate ever to do so, according to Timothy Knoster, Ed.D., executive director of the McDowell Institute and professor of exceptionality programs.