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Dr. Debra Buursma

Professor Emerita

Education

  • MA, Western Michigan University, 1989
  • PhD, Michigan State University, 2005
  • Learning disabilities advisor

Academic Interests

  • Developing literacy skills
  • Communicative competence
  • Higher order thinking of culturally diverse learners through Book Club discussions
  • Identity development
  • Schooling practices

Professional Services

  • Calvin Alumni Choir Board President May 2013- June 2015
  • Member of the Community Literacy Initiative Advisory Council 2013-2014 and 2015-2015

Presentations

  • Paxton-Buursma, D. & Loyd-Paige, M. (2016). Making it real: Ally stories. An invited presentation for Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Plan. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI (November 8, 2016).
  • Paxton-Buursma, D. (2016). Why diversity matters. An invited presentation for UnLearn Week. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI (October 13, 2016).
  • Paxton-Buursma, D. & Loyd-Paige, Michelle. (2016). Humanizing & Hope-filled Advocacy: The Power of Story. CCCU Diversity Conference, Nyack College, New York, NY (September 23, 2016).
  • Paxton-Buursma, D. (2016). The culturally competent classroom. An invited presentation for Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Plan. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI (September 15, 2016).
  • Paxton-Buursma, D., Verywys, S., Walcott, J. (2016). International Preservice Educator Dilemmas: EPIC Stories. An interactive workshop for Calvin College Education Program Conference. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI (August 25, 2016).

Awards

  • Paxton-Buursma, D. (2016). Entering in: Embodied, incarnate pedagogy. Writing Co-op. CCCS & Kuyers Fellows, Calvin College. May 2016.
  • Paxton-Buursma, D. (2016). Sacred Space Pedagogy & Hope Projects. Calvin Research Funding (1 CRF).
  • Paxton-Buursma, D. & Van Reeuwyk, J. (2016). Longing, Learning, and Leaning into Hope (Hope Project). Kuyers Travel Grant. Requested & Funded 3,000.00. July 2016.
  • Paxton-Buursma, D. & Van Reeuwyk, J. (2015). Longing, Learning, and Leaning into Hope (Hope Project). Kuyers Travel Grant. Requested & Funded 4,000.00. February 2015.
  • Paxton-Buursma, D. (2014). Indonesian Initiatives. Kuyers Institute: International Schools Fund. Requested & Funded 12,000.00. January 2014.
  • Paxton-Buursma, D. & Van Reeuwyk, J. (2011-2016). Sacred Space Pedagogy. Kuyers Institute Grant; Requested 18,500.00; funded $15,000.00.