UW-Stevens Point
Katz Distinguished Professor of Psychology
Wisconsin Teaching Fellow, 2006-07
Wisconsin Teaching Scholars, 2010-11
Participation in the Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars (WTFS) Program as both a Fellow and Scholar was instrumental in the overall development of my teaching career, scholarly productivity, and professional networking. As a social scientist, the ability to be supported and inspired by colleagues in the application of my research knowledge to teaching and learning has been invaluable.
Participation as a junior faculty member afforded me the opportunity to progress in my teaching and research career tracks simultaneously through conducting research on the key tasks at hand for novel faculty, namely, developing new courses and learning outcomes, building a solid tool kit of teaching and learning strategies, and creating inclusive classroom spaces. Being able to refine and expand upon my learning as a WTFS Fellow when I returned years later as a Scholar, further advanced my career in terms of service roles on campus, scholarly publications and presentations, and ongoing improvements in my teaching that were recognized at UWSP as well as by various outside professional organizations.
As a result of exposure to SoTL via the WTFS Program, I adopted many teaching and learning strategies ranging from the use of clicker classroom response systems to partner testing to large-scale service-learning projects. Research on these teaching and learning methods resulted in multiple scholarly presentations at local, state, national, and international conventions. An early career highlight was being an Invited Presenter at the International Positive Psychology Summit and Gallup Global Well-Being Forum to present my research on service-learning and other applied exercises for teaching positive psychology as part of a panel alongside multiple prominent leaders in the field of positive psychology.
As a WTFS Scholar, I ventured more deeply into research on inclusive excellence and intellectual safety. My work in this area resulted in additional scholarly presentations, publications, leadership roles on multiple committees, including Co-Chair of the UWSP Diversity Council and Inclusive Excellence Community, and the role of primary researcher for assessing campus climate in 2015. I am certain that my knowledge of SoTL and participation in the WTFS Programs played a strong role in various honors I have earned for high quality teaching as evidenced by recognitions on campus (4 University Excellence in Teaching Awards; 5 University Leadership-Mentor Awards), in the community, and at the state, national, and international levels.
More important than the recognitions, publications, and leadership positions I gained via adopting a scholarly approach to teaching are the personal connections and intellectual insights I have been able to foster with students via application of action-teaching strategies. The engagement of students as active learners in my courses is exemplified in student feedback such as the following:
- “I really liked this service-learning project and think it should be mandatory that every college student take this class. It makes you a better person without you even realizing it. It brings out the best in you by allowing you to find your strengths and capitalize on them. I am very thankful for this class and the S-L project because it touched my heart the way no other college course has. Because of this class, I have never been happier in my life. For this, I am very grateful.”
- “There are many ways to make yourself happier, with volunteering being one of them; people really can make the world a better place. If it wasn’t for this S-L project, I don’t think I would have really understood the concepts of broaden-and-build & the feel-good-do-good phenomenon. I understood the concepts from what I learned in class, but it takes on a completely different meaning when it can be applied to your own life. This project helped me take positive psychology to heart & I look forward to using it throughout the rest of my life.”
- “I feel I have lived most of my life in a bubble that has kept me unaware of real problems occurring within my hometown. I thought homelessness was something that only occurred in big cities. I had no idea that it happens everywhere.”
- “Before taking this class, I did not even know there was a homeless shelter in the area. I guess I was so wrapped up in my own life as a student that I did not really realize what life is like for community members… and if there are problems with poverty and homelessness in this city, just think what issues exist elsewhere. I realize I really need to look beyond myself and consider what I can do to make the world a better place for others.”
Without knowledge of SoTL and support from the WTFS Program, I likely never would have tried novel teaching and learning approaches in my classrooms. I am grateful to have participated in the WTFS Program for the confidence I gained in my teaching and for the wealth of collegial support provided from folks across UW campuses. I am most grateful, however, for the students who have been able to grow and develop in meaningful ways as a result of the applications of my learning from engagement with SoTL.
Biography:
Dr. Jeana L. (Magyar-Moe) Council is a Katz Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. She is also a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience. Dr. Council earned her degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and Past-Chair of the Positive Psychology Section of the Society of Counseling Psychology. Dr. Council teaches courses in Positive Psychology, Psychopathology, Theories of Personality, Counseling Practicum, and Career Development in Psychology, and is the Coordinator of the UWSP Psychology Human Services Internship Program. Her areas of research include positive psychology, the scholarship of teaching and learning, counseling process and outcome, and multicultural competence/inclusive excellence. She is the author of a book entitled “Therapist’s Guide to Positive Psychological Interventions.”
Selected SoTL Scholarship:
Publications:
Book Chapters:
Magyar, J. L. (in press). Putting Positive Psychology into Action: Helping Others Helps Oneself. In S. Plous (Ed.), Action Teaching: Creating a Better World Through Transformative Education. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2015). Positive psychology 101. In R. Hetzel, J. Wade, & L. Marks (Eds.), Positive Psychology on the College Campus, (pp. 57-80), New York: Oxford University Press.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2015). Positive psychology in the college classroom. In R. Hetzel, J. Wade, & L. Marks (Eds.), Positive Psychology on the College Campus, (pp. 133-166), New York: Oxford University Press.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2013). Hope projects to one’s future self. In J. Froh & A. Parks (Eds.), Activities for Teaching Positive Psychology: A Guide for Instructors, (pp. 137-142). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2013). Incorporating positive psychology content and applications into various psychology courses. In Parks, A. C. (Ed.), Positive Psychology in Higher Education. London: Routledge.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2008). Academic advising with Division 3 student-athletes. In A. Toogood & E. Gill (Eds.), Advising student-athletes: A collaborative approach to success. (pp. 107-111). Manhattan, KS: National Academic Advising Association.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2008). Creating an undergraduate psychology peer mentoring program: Challenges and rewards. In S. A. Meyers & J. R. Stowell (Eds.), Essays from e-xcellence in teaching (Vol. 7, pp. 43-46).
Journal and Newsletter Articles:
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2011). Incorporating positive psychology content and applications into various psychology courses. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 6, 451-456.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Pedrotti, J. T., Edwards, L. M., Ford, A. I., Petersen, S. E., Rasmussen, H. N., Ryder, J. A. (2005). Perceptions of multicultural training in pre-doctoral internship programs: A survey. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36, 446-450.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. & Lopez, S. J. (2009, Fall). Teaching positive psychology: An opportunity for increasing knowledge and well-being. Newsletter of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology, 4-5.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (Ed.) (2007). Teaching positive psychology across developmental stages: An introduction to the newsletter. Naming and Nurturing, 4, 1.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2007). Teaching positive psychology to undergraduate college students. Naming and Nurturing, 4, 3-6.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (November 2007). Creating an undergraduate psychology peer mentoring program: Challenges and rewards. E-xcellence in Teaching.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2004, Summer). Developing an undergraduate positive psychology course. Naming and Nurturing, 1, 5.
Presentations:
Council, J. L. (2024). How to respond to unreasonable student requests with validation and empathy while also requiring accountability. Break-out session presented at the 28th Annual UWSP Teaching Conference. Stevens Point, WI. January 2024.
Palmer, D, Magyar, J.L, & Mattioli, G. (2021). Positive psychology and challenges for college students. Poster presented at the 2021 Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) Convention. Orlando, FL. March 2021.
Magyar, J.L. (2020). Do teacher’s words matter? Effects of inclusive language use on student perceptions. Poster presented at the National Institute for the Teaching of Psychology Annual Conference. St. Pete Beach, FL. January 2020.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Parks, L., Pzybilski, M., Van Gompel, G., Weirzba, B., & Purdy, A. (2016). Effects of Inclusive Language Use on Student Perceptions of Instructors and Classroom Climate. Poster presented at the 124th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Denver, Colorado. Summer 2016.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2014). Positive Psychology 101. Presented as part of a symposium on Positive Psychology on the College Campus at the 122nd Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, Summer 2014. Co-Presenters: John Wade, Rod Hetzel, and Larry Marks.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2014). Positive Psychology in the Classroom. Presented as part of a symposium on Positive Psychology on the College Campus at the 122nd Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, Summer 2014. Co-Presenters: John Wade, Rod Hetzel, and Larry Marks.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2014). Utilizing Positive Psychology in Career Development and First Year Seminar Courses. Presented as part of a symposium on Career Counseling Reimagined at the 122nd Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, Summer 2014. Co-Presenters: Tom Krieshok, Mark Savickas, and Rhea Owens.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Palmer, D., Frazer, L., Sabin, C., Parks, L., Sherman, S., Oblak, B., & Lombness, A. (2014). What works to motivate students to participate in service-learning: A follow-up study. Presented at the 122nd Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, Summer 2014.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2013). Teaching Positive Psychology to Undergraduates with a Focus on Application. Poster presented at the Third World Congress on Positive Psychology, Los Angeles, California, Summer 2013.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Palmer, D., Fraser, L., Lor, M., Majewski, A., Peterson, S., Allen, B., Jones, S. (2013). What Works to Motivate Students to Participate in Service-Learning? Poster presented at the 121st Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Honolulu, Hawaii. Summer 2013.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Butler, J., Eriksson, N. J., Heiman, K., Morrow, C. M., & Titel, B. (2012). Assessing Intellectual Safety in the College Classroom. Poster presented at the 33rd Annual National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology, St. Petersburg, Florida, Spring 2012.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., & Warren, D. (2012). Intellectual Safety and Intellectual Virtues. Break-out session presented at the 16th Annual UWSP Teaching Conference, Stevens Point, WI. Spring 2012.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Butler, J., Eriksson, N. J., Heiman, K., Morrow, C. M., & Titel, B. (2012). Assessing Intellectual Safety in the College Classroom. Poster presented at the 16th Annual UWSP Teaching Conference, Stevens Point, WI. Spring 2012.
Phillip-Immel, K., Magyar-Moe, J. L., Lebaum, M., Van Auken, P., & Slagter, T. (2011). Lessons learned as a Wisconsin Teaching Scholar. Panel participant for a break-out session presented at the 2011 Conference for the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Fall 2011.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Butler, J., Eriksson, N. J., Heiman, K., Morrow, C. M., & Titel, B. (2011). Perceptions and Use of Positive Psychology in Research, Teaching, and Practice by Counseling Psychologists. Presented as part of a symposium on The State of the Art in Positive Psychology at the 119th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C. Summer 2011. Co-presenters: Shane Lopez and Danny Singley.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2011). Putting Positive Psychology into Action Via Service-Learning. Presented as part of a symposium on Teaching and Learning Excellence: Focus on Service-Learning at the 119th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C. Summer 2011. Co-presenters: Kathleen Hughes De Sousa, Judy Wilson, Jerry Rudman, Fernando Ortiz, Katherine Wickes, and Kris Leppien-Christensen.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Butler, J., Eriksson, N. J., Heiman, K., Morrow, C. M., & Titel, B. (2011). Assessing Intellectual Safety in the College Classroom. Poster presented at the 119th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C. Summer 2011.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Butler, J., Eriksson, N. J., Heiman, K., Morrow, C. M., & Titel, B. (2011). Assessing Intellectual Safety in the College Classroom. Poster presented at the UW System President’s Summit on Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Madison, Wisconsin, Spring 2011.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Palmer, D., Rosenberg, H., & Kienzle, J (2010) Ways to Implement Service-Learning With and Without Formal Campus Support. Symposium presented at the UW System President’s Summit on Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Madison, Wisconsin, Spring 2010.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. Becker, K., Rubow, L., Semling, J., & Simmerman, D. (2010) Effects of Service Learning on Well Being and Learning Outcomes. Poster presented at the UW System President’s Summit on Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Madison, Wisconsin, Spring 2010.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Becker, K., Burek, C., McDougal, A., & McKeel, A. (2010) Effectiveness of Clicker Classroom Response Systems in Small College Courses. Poster presented at the UW System President’s Summit on Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Madison, Wisconsin, Spring 2010.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Becker, K., Burek, C., McDougal, A., & McKeel, A. (2010). Outcomes For College Students Participating in Mandatory Team Testing. Poster presented at the UW System President’s Summit on Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Madison, Wisconsin, Spring 2010.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2009). Teaching positive psychology to undergraduates with a focus on application. Break-out session presented at the 32nd Annual Convention of the National Wellness Institute, Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., & Palmer, D. (2009). Service-Learning 101. Break-out session presented at the 9th Annual Wisconsin System Enhancing the Teaching of Psychology Conference, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. Becker, K., Rubow, L., Semling, J., & Simmerman, D. (2009). Service-Learning in Positive Psychology: Learning and Personal Outcomes for Students. Poster presented at the 117th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, Canada.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. Becker, K., Rubow, L., Semling, J., & Simmerman, D. (2009). Service-Learning in Positive Psychology: Learning and Personal Outcomes for Students. Poster presented at the 2009 University of Wisconsin System Posters in the Rotunda: A Celebration of Undergraduate Research, Madison, Wisconsin.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2009). Changes in Positive Emotions, Happiness, and Understanding Through a Positive Psychology Service-Learning Experience. Poster presented at the 31st Annual National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2008). Service-Learning in Positive Psychology: Deepening Knowledge and Changing Lives. Poster and power point slide show presented at the College of Letters and Science All-Star Line-Up of Scholarly Presentations for the 2008 University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents Annual Meeting, Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Becker, K., Burek, C., McDougal, A., & McKeel, A. (2008). Effectiveness of Clicker Classroom Response Systems in Small College Courses. Poster presented at the 116th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Boston, Massachusetts.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2008). Service-Learning in Positive Psychology: Deepening Knowledge and Changing Lives. Workshop presented at the 116th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Boston, Massachusetts.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Becker, K., Burek, C., McDougal, A., & McKeel, A. (2008). Team-Testing: Does it Increase Positive Emotions Which Broaden and Build? Poster presented at the 116th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Boston, Massachusetts
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2008) Changes in Positive Emotions, Happiness, and Understanding Through a Positive Psychology Service – Learning Experience. Workshop presented at the 2008 Service-Learning Faculty Symposium and Showcase, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Becker, K., Burek, C., McDougal, A., &McKeel, A. (2008) Changes in Positive Emotions, Happiness, and Understanding Through a Positive Psychology Service – Learning Experience: A Showcase. Poster and powerpoint slideshow presented at the 2008 Service-Learning Faculty Symposium and Showcase, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2008). Developing global citizenship through service-learning in positive psychology at UWSP. Presented at the Twelfth Annual University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point Teaching Conference, Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2007). Service-Learning and Other Applied Exercises for Teaching Positive Psychology in the College Classroom. Invited presentation at the 2007 Gallup Global Well-Being Forum and Positive Psychology Summit. Washington, D.C.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Denk, N., Bol, C., Sheehan. C., & Owens, R. (2007). Mandatory team-testing in the college classroom. Poster presented at the 115th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, California.
Lopez, S. J., Magyar-Moe, J. L., Pedrotti, J. T., & Pawelski, J. (2007). Teaching positive psychology to undergraduate and graduate students. Symposium presented at the 115th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, California.
Pedrotti, J. T., Edwards, L. M., & Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2007). Strengths of Our Heritage: Teaching From a Strengths Perspective in Multicultural Courses. Symposium presented at the 115th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, California.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Ackerman. C., Papp, E., Kraus, E., Hertrampf, M., & Nemuth, R. (2007). Creating an undergraduate psychology peer mentoring program: Challenges and rewards. Symposium presented at the 115th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, California.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2007). Learning (and other) outcomes when college students test in teams. Poster presented at the 2007 University of Wisconsin System Office of Professional and Instructional Development Spring Conference, Madison, Wisconsin.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Denk, N., Owens, R., Sheehan, C., & Bol, C. (2007). Outcomes for college students choosing team testing: A follow-up study. Poster presented at the 2007 University of Wisconsin System Posters in the Rotunda: A Celebration of Undergraduate Research, Madison, Wisconsin.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2007). Outcomes for and characteristics of college psychology students choosing team-testing. Poster presented at the 29th Annual National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology, St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.
Magyar-Moe, J. L., Hoffman, S., & Kline, A. (2006). Outcomes for college students choosing team testing: A follow-up study. Poster presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Psychological Association, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Magyar-Moe, J. L. (2006). Outcomes for and characteristics of college students who choose team testing. Poster presented at the Tenth Annual University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point Teaching Conference, Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Magyar-Moe, J.L., Clemins, J., & Krueger, M. (2004). Outcomes for and characteristics of college students who choose team testing. Poster presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Honolulu, Hawai
SoTL – Related Awards/Recognitions:
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point University Excellence in Teaching Award, 2022 Recipient, 2013 Recipient, 2006 Recipient
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point University Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship, and Service Award, 2017 Recipient
University of Wisconsin Regents’ Excellence in Teaching Award – University Nominee Fall 2017
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point College of Letters and Science Katz Distinguished Faculty Award, 2010 Recipient
University of Wisconsin Teaching Scholars Program, 2010 – 2011 Scholar
Portage County United Way, Special Recognition Award, 2012 Recipient
Social Psychology Network Action Teaching Award, 2010 Honorable Mention Recipient (see http://www.socialpsychology.org/action/2010honor1.htm)
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point University Service Award, 2009 Recipient
American Psychological Association’s Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP) Honorary Membership for Infusing Diversity into Teaching, 2009 Recipient
Wisconsin Campus Compact Community-Based Service-Learning Practitioner Award, 2008 Recipient
Seventh International Positive Psychology Summit and Gallup Global Well-Being Forum Invited Speaker, 2007 Speaker
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point University Scholar Award, 2007 Recipient
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point University Leadership Outstanding Mentor Award, 2007 Recipient; 2008 Recipient; 2009 Recipient; 2010 Recipient; 2011 Recipient
University of Wisconsin Teaching Fellows Program, 2006 – 2007 Fellow
The 2nd Annual Portage County Volunteers Rock Celebration Adult Volunteer Group Award, 2008 Recipient (for Leading Fall 2007 Positive Psychology Class Service-Learning Projects).