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Washington State University
College of Education

#FacultyFriday: Susie Skavdahl

Suzie Skavdahl

#FacultyFriday with Susie Skavdahl – October 29, 2021

Faculty role: Assistant professor, career track, Special Education

Why did you choose to do what you do?

My original career as a Special Ed teacher was chosen from my desire to make a difference in children’s lives, especially those struggling with a disability. After teaching in the Pullman public schools for a number of years, I felt it was time to complete a graduate degree. My degree was completed at UI and shortly after that, I was hired by the Teaching and Learning program to teach the Tech Ed course. This was a new subject for me and a bit of a challenge at first, with a big learning curve. I am thankful for the many opportunities I have had to attend tech conferences where I have learned some valuable information regarding technology in the classroom. Over the 10 years I have been at WSU, I have designed my tech course around many of the newer classroom technologies, like robotics and coding, Makerspaces, designing a webpage, and the creating of dynamic presentations  using Prezi or Emaze.

What has been your favorite thing about WSU, as well as the College of Education?

One of my favorite things about WSU and the College of Education is my colleagues. I am a very social person and have really enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had over the years to get to know the wonderful people I work with.

What responsibility comes with working for a land-grant university? Why is being a land-grant special?

The responsibility of working with a land-grant university is the students.

If you could improve one thing about WSU, what would it be?

The one thing I would change is employee encouragement. I have been concerned over the years by the fact that I haven’t seen much effort made on the part of the leadership to encourage employees across the campus. I have spoken with many employees that feel taken for granted. More work needs to be done to reach out to the teaching faculty and support them. So many of us feel that the only people receiving accolades are those bringing in big money to the university.

What makes you an agent of change?

As a teacher, I feel that I have been an agent of change in my students’ lives. It is very important for me to not only teach technology but to encourage each student in their gifts and abilities. I often discuss with them the importance of finding their “why”, adding good things to their story, and seeking ways to influence those around them for good. Some of the questions I ask them are, “what fills you up and makes your day?” and “What are you thankful for?” I also encourage them to think about goals for their futures and make steps in that direction.

How do you celebrate heritage in your classes?

My students create an “about me” presentation in my class where they are encouraged to discuss their culture and heritage. The students of all cultures share their family backgrounds, traditions, and celebrations. I encourage all the students in the course to share what makes their growing up special.

Favorites:

Food: Seafood

Restaurant in Pullman: Birch and Barley

Book: Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings

Band: My kids’ bands, Joel and Ian Skavdahl

Song: To The Morning by Dan Fogelberg, and gospel and praise music

Movie: Benny and Joon, with Johnny Depp and Mary Steward Masterson

TV show: Father Brown on Britbox

Coug sport: Women’s soccer

Hobby: Skiing

Vacation Spot: Priest Lake

Dream vacation spot: Scotland or Costa Rica