GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College has awarded a teaching innovation grant through the Judge and Mrs. George H. Rowley Endowment for Teaching Excellence to support curriculum enhancements in the College’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.
The award supports a project led by Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Clinic Director Julie Kobak and Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Program Director for the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Amy Tepper, Ed.D. that strengthens the integration of academic instruction and clinical practice through evidence-based shared interactive book reading and narrative-based intervention strategies.
“This project allows our students to connect what they learn in the classroom directly to the children and families they serve,” Tepper said. “By using research-based tools in both coursework and clinical settings, we can strengthen student preparation while providing consistent, developmentally appropriate support for young learners.”
The initiative focuses on revising two core graduate courses to better align classroom learning with hands-on clinical application. Children with language and literacy impairments represent a significant portion of school-based speech-language pathology caseloads, and research has shown that persistent language difficulties can affect later reading development. This online course is for graduate students in speech-language pathology and practicing early intervention professionals. Content is based on the latest developmental, communication, and intervention sciences and is directly related to intervention practices.
Through the Rowley Endowment award, the faculty will integrate Rebecca Landa’s Bundles of Learning materials and the Early Communication Intervention Online Interactive Course into coursework and clinical training. These resources provide structured, research-supported approaches that integrate language, literacy, play, and social communication, while supporting consistent implementation and effective parent coaching. Bundle of Learning books, story-related toys, and educational materials are specially designed to promote child brain development. Kobak and Tepper will embed the materials into coursework through guided discussion, reflective assignments, and supervised clinical application at the Thiel Center for Speech-Language Services. Graduate student clinicians will apply the interventions during individual and group therapy sessions, translating academic instruction into clinical experience.
The project supports multiple outcomes. Children participating in services through the Thiel clinic will engage in interactive, story-based literacy activities targeting vocabulary, syntax, narrative development, and social interaction. Graduate students will gain experience implementing evidence-based interventions aligned with current language and literacy research, while faculty will establish a revised and sustainable curriculum model that supports teaching excellence.
Curriculum revision is underway with implementation planned for summer 2026. Additional interdisciplinary collaboration with education students is planned for fall 2026, followed by the dissemination of outcomes to faculty colleagues.
About The Judge and Mrs. George H. Rowley Endowment for Teaching Excellence
The Judge and Mrs. George H. Rowley Endowment for Teaching Excellence supports faculty-driven initiatives that advance curriculum development, instructional innovation, and student learning across Thiel College. This project advances Thiel College’s commitment to teaching excellence by revising the master’s of speech-language pathology curriculum and integrating evidence-based interventions that bridge academic knowledge with clinical practice. By adopting the Bundles of Learning and Early Communication Intervention Online Interactive Course, we will strengthen graduate student preparation, improve pediatric client outcomes, and foster interprofessional collaboration. Support from the Rowley Endowment will ensure these research-based tools enhance our academic curricula and clinical training for years to come.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.