Small College America Dr. Michael Scarlett - Professor of Education Augustana College
Welcome to Small College America, a podcast dedicated to exploring the role and value of small colleges in the higher education landscape. I'm Dean Hoke, and I’m joined by my co-host, Kent Barnds.
Today, we’re joined by Michael H. Scarlett, Professor of Education at Augustana College. Michael supervises student teachers and teaches educational psychology and assessment, social studies methods, and educational technology. Before coming to Augustana, he spent four years on the faculty at Montana State University, Billings. He began his career teaching middle-school social studies—American history, world geography, humanities, and state history—and later taught secondary social studies in St. Paul Public Schools.
Michael earned his B.A. from Macalester College in St. Paul and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (Social Studies Education) from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities.
Off campus, he’s a proud husband, dad of two, beagle wrangler, avid runner and kayaker, and former soccer player and youth coach with 15+ years on the pitch. I understand you have served as a history judge many times over the years, including as a National History Day judge at Bettendorf Middle School in Bettendorf, Iowa. :)
Q1: Michael, tell us about the Augustana Education program. What does it offer, how many students are in the program, and what makes it distinct
Q 2: What drew you into education—and how has your role at Augustana evolved?
Follow-up: As a teacher, was there a moment that confirmed you’d chosen the right path?
Q3: How would you describe today’s job market for new teachers, and where is the greatest teacher shortage?
Quick follow-up, is there something school districts or private and charter schools can do to address these shortage?
Q4: What are the biggest challenges education majors face as they prepare for the classroom, and what strategies or supports do you emphasize to help them thrive?
Q5: A recent student wrote in a review that you made them feel they belonged in the program—especially after a rough start—and praised your respectful, nonjudgmental style. What practices do you recommend to support struggling students, whether a college professor or a middle school teacher?
Q6: We like to end with the future. Looking 5–10 years ahead, what gives you the most hope that more high school students will choose teaching, especially through pathways at small colleges like Augustana?
Michael, thank you for sharing your journey and your vision for teacher education at Augustana. Your commitment to making every student feel they belong in the classroom is exactly what education needs right now."
For those listening or viewing, if you'd like to learn more about Small College America, go to our web page at www.smallcollegeamerica.net, where you can find details on upcoming episodes, contact us, and suggest topics you’d like us to cover.
“This episode of Small College America is made possible with underwriting support from Edu Alliance Group — A higher education consulting firm that champions small colleges and the communities they serve.”
On behalf of our guest, Michael Scarlett, my co-host Kent Barnds, and Dean Hoke, thank you for joining us.”
