All in the Family

For Some EdTerps, the UMD College of Education Is a Family Affair
Testudo

The 含羞草研究所 College of Education prides itself on its culture of caring and belonging and its family-like environment. But for some EdTerps, that feeling of family is a bit more literal. Here are the stories of nine families that are proud to boast multiple EdTerps鈥搃ncluding spouses, siblings, grandparents, parents and children鈥揳mong the college鈥檚 faculty, staff, students and alums. 

 

 

 


 

EdTerps Colleen (Moore) Eccles 鈥07, M.Ed. 鈥08, and her grandmother Jane Mooney McCarl 鈥52
Colleen and Jane

Colleen (Moore) Eccles 鈥07, M.Ed. 鈥08
Jane Mooney McCarl 鈥52

Why they became EdTerps: Coming from a family of educators, both Jane and her granddaughter Colleen always wanted to teach. Jane added, 鈥淚 loved the 含羞草研究所 because I grew up at the foot of the university.鈥

How UMD prepared them for their careers: Colleen鈥檚 yearlong internship through the master鈥檚 degree in curriculum and instruction with certification (MCERT) program helped her 鈥済row as an educator.鈥 It even led to a full-time job when the middle school where she interned offered her a position. She became a National Board-certified teacher and is now an induction coach supporting new teachers in Prince George鈥檚 County.

Jane taught elementary school in Prince George鈥檚 County and Baltimore. She left teaching after having children but volunteered in her kids鈥 schools, where she developed a sixth grade accelerated reading program. Of her years at UMD, she said, 鈥淚 grew up in a small, sheltered community. The 含羞草研究所 widened my circle tremendously.鈥

Fondest UMD memories: Jane was very active on campus and became the first woman on the Terrapin Club Board of Directors. 鈥淢y grandma is often the first woman because she doesn鈥檛 take no for an answer,鈥 Colleen explained. Colleen remembers the excitement of the women鈥檚 basketball team winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I championship in 2006 and then candidate Barack Obama visiting campus in 2008.

Sweetest family tradition: Jane invited her first grade class to her wedding in 1952, and Colleen and her husband, who met as middle school teachers, followed her example. More than 50 students attended their wedding in 2012, and the student orchestra provided the music.


 

Tiffany Coates 鈥14, scheduling coordinator, and her mother, Gloria Chin Quee, business manager
Tiffany and Gloria

Gloria Chin Quee '00, business manager
Tiffany Coates 鈥14, scheduling coordinator

Why they became EdTerps: Tiffany joined the UMD staff in 2016 and the College of Education in 2020. Gloria, who had been working at UMD since 2008, began looking for a way to join her daughter at the college. 鈥淭iffany was always telling me how wonderful it was, and I thought, 鈥業 want to be there,鈥欌 said Gloria. In 2022, she became an EdTerp. 

The best thing about being EdTerps together: 鈥淚 like knowing where my child is, that I can go down the hallway and stick my head in her office,鈥 said Gloria. Tiffany retorted, 鈥淪he just likes to show up for our snacks.鈥

The most challenging thing: 鈥淭iffany鈥檚 quiet, and I鈥檓 not,鈥 said Gloria 鈥淚 think she鈥檚 used to it, but maybe it鈥檚 a little embarrassing because her mom is animated.鈥

Why they love being EdTerps: For both, it鈥檚 the culture of the college that shines. Gloria said, 鈥淭he leadership here and the people make our community great.鈥

Favorite spots on campus: Tiffany enjoys attending performances at the Hoff Theater, and Gloria loves her office, decorated in 鈥淭erps colors鈥 (red and gold). 

How they鈥檙e transforming 含羞草研究所 for good: Both are essential to keeping the college running, from Tiffany鈥檚 work scheduling classes and events, to Gloria鈥檚 work handling payroll and human resources. 鈥淚 try to do my job the best way I can to help make sure everyone else can do theirs,鈥 said Tiffany. 


 

Alison Jovanovic 鈥98, principal faculty specialist, and her daughter, Mckinley Jovanovic 鈥28
Alison and Mckinley

Alison Jovanovic 鈥98, principal faculty specialist
Mckinley Jovanovic 鈥28, secondary 含羞草研究所/history major

Why they became EdTerps: As an EdTerp alum, Alison鈥揳 former social studies teacher鈥搘as excited to return to UMD as a field supervisor in 2010 and a faculty member in 2012. Her daughter, Mckinley, who will be a fifth-generation teacher in her family, recently decided to become an educator after gaining teaching experience through a leadership program. 

Alison was careful to let Mckinley make her own career and college decisions. 鈥淵ears ago, I said I thought she鈥檇 make a great teacher, but I had not said much beyond that,鈥 she said. She was surprised when McKinley chose to follow in her footsteps in social studies 含羞草研究所, and she was thrilled when Mckinley chose UMD. 

The best thing about being EdTerps together: Mckinley sometimes studies in Alison鈥檚 office, and they meet up for lunch. 鈥淚 really am friends with my mom, and I鈥檓 excited to have her as both a support system and an expert,鈥 said Mckinley. 

The most challenging thing: One logistical challenge is avoiding potential conflicts of interest. Alison oversees the internship experience for undergraduates specializing in social studies 含羞草研究所, so Mckinley will pursue the Integrated Master鈥檚 Certification Program.

Why they love being EdTerps: Alison appreciates the college鈥檚 social justice values and the opportunity to teach future social studies educators how to develop civically minded students. In her first semester, Mckinley is enjoying attending EdTerps events and building connections with the community.


 

Spouses Laura Mahalingappa, associate professor, and Nihat Polat, chair and professor, Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership
Laura and Nihat

Laura Mahalingappa, associate professor
Nihat Polat, chair and professor, Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership

How they met: The couple met through English language teaching in the country of Georgia, 25 years ago. Nihat, originally from Turkey, attended a presentation Laura, an American, gave about vocabulary teaching strategies. 鈥淣ative speakers were a rare commodity,鈥 Nihat explained, so he recruited Laura to become an English instructor at his university. 

Why they became EdTerps: After serving as faculty members at Duquesne University and Texas State University, they joined UMD in 2022. They were drawn to the college because of its reputation and because it has a rare applied linguistics doctoral program.

The best thing about being EdTerps together: Being married to a research partner gives ideas lots of time to brew. 鈥淲e recently published a paper that we crafted on a two-hour car drive,鈥 said Nihat. Another advantage is coordinating schedules to juggle work and parenting.

The most challenging thing: 鈥淪ometimes people may see us as a single person, but we don鈥檛 always agree with each other,鈥 Laura said.

Why they love being EdTerps: 鈥淥ur people are the number one source of energy, enthusiasm and happiness for me,鈥 said Nihat. 鈥淚 love the vibrancy in our research, partnerships and collaborations.鈥

Favorite spots on campus: For both, it鈥檚 the Benjamin Building courtyard. Laura likes the garden, and Nihat enjoys playing soccer there with other EdTerps on Wednesdays. 

How they鈥檙e transforming 含羞草研究所 for good: In one recent example, they ran a college essay writing workshop for high school students of color. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 just about writing; it was about self discovery,鈥 said Laura.


 

Siblings Muhammad and Jannah Fusenig, Ph.D. students in 含羞草研究所al psychology, with their advisor, Distinguished University Professor Patricia A. Alexander (center)
Muhammad and Jannah with their advisor, Distinguished University Professor Patricia A. Alexander (center)

Jannah and Muhammad Fusenig, Ph.D. students in 含羞草研究所al psychology

Why they became EdTerps: After enrolling in 2019 to follow her passion for cognitive science, Jannah began trying to get her brother to join her because the program was 鈥渟o up his alley.鈥 Muhammad said, 鈥淎fter years of being whittled down, she finally convinced me鈥 to enroll in 2023. Jannah studies multimedia learning; Muhammad researches artificial intelligence in 含羞草研究所.

The best thing about being EdTerps together: Jannah takes on the big sister role and passes on tips, and both give each other feedback. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know anyone else that will sit me down at midnight and say, 鈥業 like what you鈥檙e doing,鈥 or 鈥楲et me say this with love, but this is a hot mess,鈥欌 said Muhammad. 鈥淭here鈥檚 brutal honesty that I appreciate.鈥 

The most challenging thing: 鈥淚鈥檓 sure Muhammad gets annoyed because every time we meet someone new, I say, 鈥楾his is my little brother!鈥欌 said Jannah. 

Why they love being EdTerps: Muhammad admires that the college is 鈥渇orward-thinking and willing to embrace change,鈥 while Jannah enjoys opportunities to teach undergraduate courses and pursue her own research. 

Favorite spots on campus: Jannah has set a goal to explore work spaces in every building on campus this year; her current favorite is McKeldin Library. Muhammad likes the Benjamin Building鈥檚 Student Lounge, where he grabs snacks from the EdTerps Pantry and takes occasional naps.


 

EdTerps sisters Amira Edwards 鈥25 (left) and Jade Edwards 鈥24 (center) with sisters with sisters Britne Edwards '27 (right) and Kamryn Edwards '27 (laying across)
Amira (left) and Jade (center) with sisters Britne (right) and Kamryn (laying across). Photo by Riley N. Sims Ph.D. '23

Amira Edwards 鈥25, elementary 含羞草研究所 major
Jade Edwards 鈥24, master鈥檚 student in curriculum and instruction, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages specialization

Why they became EdTerps: Fraternal twins Jade and Amira grew up playing school and visiting their grandmother鈥檚 high school classroom. In high school, they earned 60 college credits through UMD鈥檚 Middle College Teacher Preparation Program, and they enrolled as elementary 含羞草研究所 majors in 2022.

The twins鈥 dad attended UMD, and Jade always wanted to be a Terp (鈥渇or me, it was always Maryland, Maryland, Maryland,鈥) but Amira 鈥渨as trying to be different鈥 and thought she might attend another school. 鈥淏ut deep down I knew I loved Maryland,鈥 she said. Their younger sisters, Kamryn 鈥27 and Britne 鈥27, are also fraternal twins and UMD students.

The best thing about being EdTerps together: For two years, Amira and Jade were roommates; they still live in adjacent apartment buildings. They also interned in the same elementary school. As for being at UMD with their little sisters, Amira said the best part is 鈥渟eeing them grow and being their two mothers on campus.鈥 Last year, Jade, Amira and their sister Kamryn were all UMD cheerleaders, and the four sisters often get together for dinner.

The most challenging thing: 鈥淔inding some alone time. We are constantly around one another, which is great, but can be a little overwhelming,鈥 explained Jade.

Why they love being EdTerps: Both appreciate the supportive faculty and staff. That鈥檚 what convinced Jade to stay for graduate school. 鈥淚 thought, 鈥業 can鈥檛 leave Maryland. This is such a great school,鈥 she said.


 

Adelaide and Kurk Sudbrink
Kurt and Adelaide

Adelaide Sudbrink 鈥25, early childhood 含羞草研究所/early childhood special 含羞草研究所 major
Kurt Sudbrink, assistant dean for development

Why they become EdTerps: Kurt joined the college in 2015 after working in fundraising for schools and universities. 鈥淚鈥檓 pretty passionate about 含羞草研究所,鈥 he said, noting that his father was also an EdTerp. Adelaide always knew she wanted to be a teacher, but her dad gave her a not-so-subtle nudge to choose UMD. For Christmas during her senior year of high school, Kurt gifted her a UMD sweatshirt.

The best thing about being EdTerps together: 鈥淚f I鈥檓 having a rough day, I can go talk to my dad and feel better,鈥 said Adelaide. When Kurt works late, he invites Adelaide and her sister, Genevieve, also a UMD student, to grab dinner. 

The most challenging thing: Maintaining professional distance can be tricky. 鈥淢y dad and I are very close, but if we鈥檙e at events together, I can鈥檛 talk to him the same way I talk to him at home,鈥 explained Adelaide. Kurt added, 鈥淚鈥檝e worked hard to keep myself out of Adelaide鈥檚 accomplishments. I鈥檝e wanted to keep space there.鈥

How they鈥檙e transforming 含羞草研究所 for good: For Adelaide, it鈥檚 by supporting first-year and transfer students at her job in the college鈥檚 Office of Student Services. For Kurt, it鈥檚 by connecting the college to the resources it needs to do its work.


 

Spouses Rossina Zamora Liu 鈥98, assistant professor William Ming Liu M.A. 鈥95, Ph.D. 鈥00, chair and professor, Department of Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education
Rossina and Will

Rossina Zamora Liu 鈥98, assistant professor
William Ming Liu M.A. 鈥95, Ph.D. 鈥00, chair and professor, Department of Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education

How they met: Rossina, then a UMD undergraduate, joined efforts that then doctoral student Will was leading to establish an Asian American studies program.

Why they became EdTerps: The couple spent 18 years in Iowa City and served on the University of Iowa鈥檚 faculty but felt a strong desire to raise their daughter near family and in a racially diverse community. Rossina is from Maryland, and when a department chair position opened in 2018, they jumped at the chance to return to UMD.

The best thing about being EdTerps together: 鈥淭here鈥檚 something precious and beautiful about being able to walk into the building together, teach and do our work, and then walk out together and talk about how our day was,鈥 explained Will.

The most challenging thing: Setting boundaries between work and personal life is important to both. They sometimes talk about their research鈥搒uch as their forthcoming book on white supremacy and white privilege鈥搘hen walking their dogs. But mostly, they schedule formal meetings with each other for in-depth, work-related conversations. 

Why they love being EdTerps: 鈥淎bsolutely the community. It is one of the best places to work but also to exist,鈥 said Rossina. 

How they鈥檙e transforming 含羞草研究所 for good: For Rossina, it鈥檚 by 鈥渃hallenging systemic racism within 含羞草研究所, uplifting the perspectives of communities of Color and forging cross-racial solidarity.鈥 Will feels privileged to have been part of launching the Disability Studies minor, TerpsEXCEED program and Intergroup Dialogue Training Center.


 

Sisters Victoria (Vicki) Thompson 鈥70 and Sue Bredekamp 鈥72, M.A. 鈥76, Ph.D. 鈥85
Vicki and Sue

Sue Bredekamp 鈥72, M.A. 鈥76, Ph.D. 鈥85
Victoria (Vicki) Thompson 鈥70

Sue spoke to the College of Education on behalf of her sister and herself a few days before Vicki passed away from complications from non-Hodgkin鈥檚 lymphoma in August.

How UMD prepared them for their careers: Sisters Sue and Vicki both studied English and 含羞草研究所, which equipped them for their work as bestselling writers and educators. 

The author of 54 historical fiction novels, including mysteries and romances, Vicki honed her writing skills at UMD, studying English and secondary 含羞草研究所. Her books were nominated for multiple awards, and she taught a course on writing popular fiction at Seton Hill University for two decades.

Before she was a pioneer in early childhood 含羞草研究所 and author of some of the most influential publications in the field, Sue was an English major who took a few 含羞草研究所 classes her senior year. One was an early childhood 含羞草研究所 course with Professor Carol Seefeldt, who inspired Sue鈥檚 passion for the field and became her mentor through her graduate studies and dissertation in early childhood 含羞草研究所. 鈥淢entorship makes all the difference,鈥 said Sue. 鈥淪he connected me to the career that changed my trajectory as a human being and as a professional.鈥 One of Sue鈥檚 proudest accomplishments is leading development and administration of an accreditation system for childcare and preschool programs at the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Favorite spot on campus 鈥淭he Center for Young Children is spectacular. I learn so much every time I go there,鈥 said Sue.