Loss to Legacy: Bader Scholarship Supports Future Educators like Kelsey Craner ’21

Although the Rowan community has mourned the losses of August “Gus” (2020) and Janice Bader (2015), their legacy at the University lives on.

“While I was saddened that we lost such a dear friends, I was inspired at the thought of how many students will be impacted by the generosity of Gus and Janice and the legacy they created,” said President Ali Houshmand during last year’s Scholarship Reception remarks. “Now more than ever, their impact on students studying education is critical as educators are the foundation on which our future will be built.”

Combined, the couple had 72 years of service as educators, and in 2010, they established the Gus and Janice Bader Education Scholarship Fund to support students aspiring to do the same.

The annual scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior majoring in elementary or childhood education, with priority given to students from Vineland or Pennsville, New Jersey.

The 2021 recipient was Kelsey Craner ’21, early childhood education student with a dual major in literacy studies and reading certification program.

“Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” said Craner. “I always played teacher in my room. I love working with kids and shaping young minds, so I’ve known that being an educator was my calling.”

Craner grew up and attended grade school in Pennsville, New Jersey—the same district where Gus Bader taught elementary education for 27 years. 

“I never had the opportunity to meet him or have him as a teacher, but I am so grateful for the support of the Baders’ scholarship,” said Craner. “It’s really motivated me to be mindful of giving back to others.”

Currently, Craner is finishing up her final semester at Rowan and student teaching at Charles F. Seabrook Elementary School in Upper Deerfield Township. The award has not only alleviated the stress of buying books and paying for her New Jersey teacher certification assessments (PRAXIS exams), but has largely supported her in her efforts to buy materials for her students.

“I didn’t realize how much money it takes to become a teacher,” said Craner. “Teachers are putting so much of their time, money, and hearts into their curriculums and these kids. The scholarship helped me so much with everything I needed to make my lesson plans successful.” 

Craner is also confident that her time at Rowan will play a huge role in her success after graduation. The University’s College of Education and its programs were instantly appealing, but it was her freshman and sophomore year experience that solidified the decision.

“I heard their education program was the best,” said Craner. “And I found out very early on how true that was. At most colleges, in any major, you have to wait until your junior and senior year to get specific subject matter experience, but they get you into the field really early at Rowan.” 

Craner was given the opportunity to spend a lot of time in pre-school classrooms and enjoyed the transitional curriculum from pre-school to kindergarten. She also spent time tutoring as a junior where she found a passion for helping her students fall in love with reading. 

“Reading is so impactful at all ages, but especially in kindergarten,” said Craner. “My professors have been extremely knowledgeable and helpful in guiding me since I’ve decided I’d like to teach kindergarteners.”

Professors Megan Atwood and Amber O’Cone have been major influences for Craner through courses like Writing Children’s Stories and Language Development: Emergent Literacy, but Craner also found inspiration in her hometown, including someone who grew up right down the hall.

“I think we all have teachers who leave an impact on us,” she added. “Mrs. Todd, Mrs. Miller and Mrs. McKelvey were all elementary school teachers of mine who I loved. And one of my biggest influences has always been my older sister, Kristin. She’s been teaching for over ten years and currently teaches fourth grade special education. I hope to be half as good as the women who set such great examples for me.”

After she completes her student teaching in December, Craner will be certified to teach elementary education grades K-12 with a reading certification.

“I am so grateful for my education at Rowan and the support I’ve been given through scholarships,” said Craner. “Many people don’t realize: any amount helps. I was helped, and I would love to give it back one day to someone else who needs it even more than I did.”

Craner hopes to find a position in Upper Deerfield Township full-time, but for now, she will be substitute teaching in the district beginning in 2022 and has no plans to stop there.

“My sister and I will actually be going back for our master’s degrees together,” she concluded. “And of course, I’ll be applying to Rowan.”