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St. Cloud State University
Partnership Brings Together St. Cloud State University and Area Schools
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The St. Cloud Teacher Quality Enhancement partnership is funded by a five-year federal grant awarded to St. Cloud Area School District 742, St. Cloud State University , Diversified Media Resources and Media X.
The Partnership focuses on three initiatives to improve the preparation of teachers and student achievement throughout Central Minnesota .
- Co-Teaching pairs a student teacher from St. Cloud State University with a cooperating teacher in a PreK-12 classroom. As an alternative to traditional student teaching, co-teaching offers the opportunity to develop enhanced collaboration skills for both the teacher candidate and cooperating teacher. During fall 2005, 110 pairs co-taught.
A recent evaluation of the co-teaching program showed positive affects on student achievement, attendance, discipline and satisfaction. Read more
Each semester, the Partnership also pairs a PreK-12 teacher with University faculty to co-teach university courses in the College of Education .
- Mentoring to support new teachers is the second component of the partnership.
A Professional Learning Community focused on mentoring was established with teachers and administrators from five partnering districts ( Becker , Monticello , Rocori, Sartell, and St. Cloud ), as well as university faculty. The PLC implemented a mentor training program and provides opportunities for both the mentors and mentees from ten partner districts.
Training will be offered in June 2006 for experienced teachers interested in mentoring a new teacher in the following districts: Albany , Becker, Buffalo , Dassel-Cokato, Kimball , Monticello , Rocori, St. Cloud , Sartell, and Sauk Rapids
The grant supports gatherings for new teachers (in years 1-3 of teaching). During the 2005-2006 academic year four new teacher/mentor gatherings are offered.
- Professional development is supported through Professional Learning Communities made up of teachers and SCSU faculty who read, meet, and learn together. During spring 2006, communities have been organized around the topics of guided reading, bullying and depression/anxiety.
In addition, a professional development consortium meets on a regular basis. Membership in 2005-2006 includes eleven school districts.
For more information about the Teacher Quality Enhancement partnership, visit the website [www.stcloudstate.edu/coe/tqe] or contact Dr. Nancy Bacharach, Director, TQE grant 320-308-4885, nlbacharach@stcloudstate.edu
