Conceptual Summary of my Scholarship (pulled from previous tenure and promotion material)
My interest in youth and family systems, and their challenges associated with poverty and other crises is not a fleeting one. I have spent more than 20 years working with youth and families in crisis, having entered the field simply because it interested me, and I believed I could
make a positive difference. Many years later, it still does; and I still do.
My academic work is intentional. This can be seen in the many ways I have managed to align my scholarship with teaching and service. My scholarship consistently converges with my teaching on the topic of youth and family systems, whether through courses on human development, human services practice, or personal, interpersonal, and small group systems. Whether
seeking a qualitative understanding of the day-to-day challenges and successes of families in crises, or supporting the professional development of youth
workers and other human service practitioners, my scholarship continues to shed light on this important line of inquiry, and supports my teaching. I consider my
opportunities for scholarship carefully, regarding myself to be a ‘practitioner-scholar’, who understands the field, and with the competence to function effectively as a practitioner, while also having the ability to conduct
robust and meaningful research.
I spend considerable time immersed between practice and scholarship. As someone who is interested in exploring issues families face, and better understanding people’s ways of being and coping, I am drawn to qualitative inquiry. Common methods within qualitative research, which I regularly employ, include participant-observation and in-depth individual and group interviews. I have often utilized an action-based research, which is one
methodology that I enjoy.
As discussed in my summaries related to teaching, I base my classes in critical thinking pedagogy and multi-cultural education. I engage students as partners in their education, and treat each class and each student individually. I approach my scholarship in the same fashion, bringing yet more continuity to my practice. For instance, my qualitative inquiry draws from critical theory, which at its base is an examination of society and culture, frequently investigating such topics as poverty and other sources of family crises. As can be seen through my use of action research, I frequently engage ‘subjects’ as equal research partners.
My body of scholarly work is diverse. I have published in competitive, double-blind, peer-reviewed scholarly journals both as solo author, and as lead co-author, as well as in less-competitive, yet peer-reviewed teacher/practitioner journals. I frequently consult with human service organizations to conduct extensive evaluative studies, and to present my work at a wide range of conferences, trainings, and public events. I have also presented my work at numerous competitive, peer-reviewed conferences throughout the United States, in Canada, Austria, and Finland. Each of these outcomes of my research support my claim of using a professionally
recognized, rigorous process of inquiry.
Primarily a qualitative researcher, I utilize methods and instruments that suit the intentions for each body of work.
In other words, the methods I use are selected because they are believed to be the most appropriately suited to respond to the research questions at hand. A sufficient degree of rigor in my scholarship is shown not only by acceptance through peer-reviewed processes for publication and presentations, but also in what others are saying about my work:
…In the most direct terms, Dr. Korsmo is a leader of the national and global field of youth work. He has an exemplary track record of service, teaching and scholarship. The leaders of the field often turn to Dr. Korsmo for his innovative insight, depth of practice knowledge, and evidence-based strategies. Among all Assistant Professors I have guided and supervised over the past two decades at Harvard, University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin, I would rank Dr. Korsmo in the top 1 percent. Dr. Korsmo is deeply committed to rigor in developmental scholarship and excellence in teaching...
Dr. Andrew Schneider-Munoz, University of Pittsburg
…Dr. Korsmo is a scholar practitioner of the highest order. He is an excellent writer, whose contributions to the literature of youth work have been highly valued. Dr.
Korsmo is an exceptional speaker, who has a special ability to articulate the complexities of intervention, while drawing on his direct experience and communicating his passionate commitment to the field…
Dr. Varda Mann-Feder, Concordia University: Montreal,
Quebec
… I consider him to be a rising scholar in the family and youth work fields. His combination of hands on experience and education give him a unique perspective
that shows through in his work…
Dr. Mark Krueger, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
…I am very pleased to write this letter in support of Dr. John Korsmo. I would like to specifically address the significance of John’s research agenda and quality of his writing. After a rigorous peer review process, we published John’s manuscript…Reviewers found the article a well written, “serious” and “significant” discussion of issues raised in his work...
Dr. Lorraine Kasprisin, Western Washington University
PUBLICATIONS
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles:
Korsmo, J. (2011). Learning through mistakes and praying they’re not big ones: On the job learning for
houseparents. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work. 21 PP.
Korsmo, J., Baker-Sennett, J., & Nicholas, T. (2010). Teaching Human Growth and Development in an Emotionally Rich
Community Context. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Volume 21 (3) 17 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2009). Poverty and Class: Discussing the Undiscussible. Journal of Educational Controversy, Volume 3, (2).
21 PP.
Krueger, M., Evans, A., Korsmo, J., Stanley, J. & Wilder, Q. (2005). A youth work inquiry. Qualitative Inquiry, Volume 11
(3). 369-389.
Korsmo, J. (2003). The great escape: Breaking away from the culture of violence. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work,
Volume 18. 50-59.
Peer Reviewed Teaching/Practitioner Publications:
Korsmo, J., Barrett, W., Friesen, S., Finley, L. (2012). Mission Possible: The use of International Baccalaureate curriculum to
align mission and vision with daily practice. International Schools Journal. 32(1), 29-39.
Hagedorn, J., Korsmo, J.& Nicholas, T. (2011). Making connections: Linking college students with foster children to bridge
gaps in family history. Washington State Kappan: Journal for Research, Leadership, and Practice. Volume 5 (1).
Korsmo, J. (2010). Making ends meet: Barton family case study. The Electronic Hallway. Daniel J. Evans School of Public
Affairs, University of Washington. 19 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2010). Making ends meet: Barton family case study: Usage notes. The Electronic Hallway. Daniel J. Evans
School of Public Affairs, University of Washington. 8 PP.
Korsmo, J. & Nicholas, T. (2007). Responsible use of privilege in a global society. Washington State Kappan: Journal for
Research, Leadership, and Practice. Volume 1 (1). 20-23.
Book Chapters and Installments:
Korsmo, J. (in press). Traversing the Abyss: A Relational Approach for Addressing the Growing Opportunity Gap . In P.
Gorski & J. Landsman (Eds.). The Poor Are Not The Problem: Insisting on Class Equity in Schools.Stylus Press.
Korsmo, J. (2004). Moments with youth: Interpretations. In M. Krueger (Ed.), Themes and stories in youth work practice.
(pp. 49-55). NY: Hayworth Press.
Conference Proceedings and Practitioner Essays:
Korsmo, J. (2008). Partners in design: Creating the developmental milieu through experiential learning and engagement.
Better Future for Children Today, FICE Congress. 90-91. (Conference Proceedings).
Korsmo, J. (2004). Care package: A story about growing up poor and working with adolescents in poverty. Relational
Child and Youth Care Practice, Volume 17 (1). 54-59.
Korsmo, J. (2003). Reflections: On visiting a religious event of a culture different than his own. International Child and
Youth Care Network - Online Journal, issue 56, 2003. 7 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2003). Moment with youth. International Child and Youth Care Network – Online Journal, issue 53, 2003.
Krueger, M., Daynuah, G., Edwards, J., Flowers, R., Korsmo, J. & Wilder, Q. (2003). Cream city summit III: International
leadership coalition for professional child and youth care. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, Volume 18.
(Conference Proceedings).
Korsmo, J. (2002). Boss. International Child and Youth Care Network - Online Journal, issue 46, 2002.
Korsmo, J. (2002). Red Cliff Indian reservation: Cultural exchange. International Child and Youth Care Network - Online
Journal, issue 46, 2002.
Korsmo, J. (2002). Tony: You aint’ queer are ya? International Child and Youth Care Network - Online Journal, issue
43, 2002.
Commissioned Technical Writing (selected)
Korsmo, J. (2009). A better way to live: Lummi Nation Tribal Court Healing to Wellness Program evaluation and recommendations. Lummi Nation drug court, Lummi Nation Business Council. 82 PP.
Korsmo, J. & Washatka, K. (2009). Supervision essentials: Organizational leadership.
Northwest Training Institute. Training manual for human services supervisors. 63 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2007). Circle of hope: Annual evaluation report.Evaluation of short-term residential shelter for youth.
Washington State Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee. 18 PP.
Winter, G., Korsmo, J., Dallmann, J., Battis, A. & Anderson, S. (2007). Whatcom prosperity project: Experiences of poverty
in Whatcom County. Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities. 98 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2007). Circle of hope: Six-month interim evaluation report. Evaluation of short-term residential shelter for
youth. Washington State Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee. 10 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2006). Responding to community needs: Investigating poverty in Clallam and Jefferson Counties. Olympic
Community Action Programs. 73 PP.
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles:
Korsmo, J. (2011). Learning through mistakes and praying they’re not big ones: On the job learning for
houseparents. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work. 21 PP.
Korsmo, J., Baker-Sennett, J., & Nicholas, T. (2010). Teaching Human Growth and Development in an Emotionally Rich
Community Context. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Volume 21 (3) 17 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2009). Poverty and Class: Discussing the Undiscussible. Journal of Educational Controversy, Volume 3, (2).
21 PP.
Krueger, M., Evans, A., Korsmo, J., Stanley, J. & Wilder, Q. (2005). A youth work inquiry. Qualitative Inquiry, Volume 11
(3). 369-389.
Korsmo, J. (2003). The great escape: Breaking away from the culture of violence. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work,
Volume 18. 50-59.
Peer Reviewed Teaching/Practitioner Publications:
Korsmo, J., Barrett, W., Friesen, S., Finley, L. (2012). Mission Possible: The use of International Baccalaureate curriculum to
align mission and vision with daily practice. International Schools Journal. 32(1), 29-39.
Hagedorn, J., Korsmo, J.& Nicholas, T. (2011). Making connections: Linking college students with foster children to bridge
gaps in family history. Washington State Kappan: Journal for Research, Leadership, and Practice. Volume 5 (1).
Korsmo, J. (2010). Making ends meet: Barton family case study. The Electronic Hallway. Daniel J. Evans School of Public
Affairs, University of Washington. 19 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2010). Making ends meet: Barton family case study: Usage notes. The Electronic Hallway. Daniel J. Evans
School of Public Affairs, University of Washington. 8 PP.
Korsmo, J. & Nicholas, T. (2007). Responsible use of privilege in a global society. Washington State Kappan: Journal for
Research, Leadership, and Practice. Volume 1 (1). 20-23.
Book Chapters and Installments:
Korsmo, J. (in press). Traversing the Abyss: A Relational Approach for Addressing the Growing Opportunity Gap . In P.
Gorski & J. Landsman (Eds.). The Poor Are Not The Problem: Insisting on Class Equity in Schools.Stylus Press.
Korsmo, J. (2004). Moments with youth: Interpretations. In M. Krueger (Ed.), Themes and stories in youth work practice.
(pp. 49-55). NY: Hayworth Press.
Conference Proceedings and Practitioner Essays:
Korsmo, J. (2008). Partners in design: Creating the developmental milieu through experiential learning and engagement.
Better Future for Children Today, FICE Congress. 90-91. (Conference Proceedings).
Korsmo, J. (2004). Care package: A story about growing up poor and working with adolescents in poverty. Relational
Child and Youth Care Practice, Volume 17 (1). 54-59.
Korsmo, J. (2003). Reflections: On visiting a religious event of a culture different than his own. International Child and
Youth Care Network - Online Journal, issue 56, 2003. 7 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2003). Moment with youth. International Child and Youth Care Network – Online Journal, issue 53, 2003.
Krueger, M., Daynuah, G., Edwards, J., Flowers, R., Korsmo, J. & Wilder, Q. (2003). Cream city summit III: International
leadership coalition for professional child and youth care. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, Volume 18.
(Conference Proceedings).
Korsmo, J. (2002). Boss. International Child and Youth Care Network - Online Journal, issue 46, 2002.
Korsmo, J. (2002). Red Cliff Indian reservation: Cultural exchange. International Child and Youth Care Network - Online
Journal, issue 46, 2002.
Korsmo, J. (2002). Tony: You aint’ queer are ya? International Child and Youth Care Network - Online Journal, issue
43, 2002.
Commissioned Technical Writing (selected)
Korsmo, J. (2009). A better way to live: Lummi Nation Tribal Court Healing to Wellness Program evaluation and recommendations. Lummi Nation drug court, Lummi Nation Business Council. 82 PP.
Korsmo, J. & Washatka, K. (2009). Supervision essentials: Organizational leadership.
Northwest Training Institute. Training manual for human services supervisors. 63 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2007). Circle of hope: Annual evaluation report.Evaluation of short-term residential shelter for youth.
Washington State Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee. 18 PP.
Winter, G., Korsmo, J., Dallmann, J., Battis, A. & Anderson, S. (2007). Whatcom prosperity project: Experiences of poverty
in Whatcom County. Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities. 98 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2007). Circle of hope: Six-month interim evaluation report. Evaluation of short-term residential shelter for
youth. Washington State Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee. 10 PP.
Korsmo, J. (2006). Responding to community needs: Investigating poverty in Clallam and Jefferson Counties. Olympic
Community Action Programs. 73 PP.