Thursday, July 14, 2005

Each year, several hundred college students get hands-on training in area public schools, hundreds of public school teachers and administrators receive continuing education, dozens of university faculty see educational theories in action and ideas are shared freely across all levels to improve the quality of education. It’s been happening for years in Southeastern North Carolina because of the 14-year partnership UNCW’s Watson School of Education has with 10 area public school districts.

“It’s a very vibrant, dynamic relationship,” said Karen Wetherill, associate dean for outreach alliances. “It’s the way you need to work. It’s part of what the university is all about.”

The formal contract signing and celebration to renew the Watson School of Education university-school partnerships was held Thursday, July 14 in the N.C. Teachers Legacy Hall in the school of education building.

More than 1,300 teachers and administrators in 101 schools in 10 Southeastern North Carolina school districts, plus a charter school, are part of UNCW’s nationally recognized Professional Development System. The program, which began in 1993, strives to:
• improve the lives, learning and opportunities for all students;
• enhance the curriculum, school culture and community ties for P-12 schools and UNCW faculty and staff;
• prepare new teachers and administrators in a professional, collegial environment;
• and research and assess the results of partnership work.

All partnership school districts have negotiated three-year agreements that specify the commitments of UNCW and school system participants. These include placement of UNCW education students in their classrooms, professional development for public school educators and collaborative grant and research opportunities with UNCW faculty.

Across the nation, schools of education are being asked to develop such partnerships. The UNCW PDS partnership has been recognized as a nationally renowned model for establishing such relationships. As a result, UNCW is one of five universities nationwide invited to participate in a national initiative to strengthen teacher education through the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.

“The reason we’re at the table is because we’re known for the solid partnerships we have built,” Wetherill said.

Area school superintendents participated in the signing on Thursday with Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo; Dean Cathy Barlow; area state legislators; UNC Office of the President and N.C. State Board of Education representatives.

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For additional information, please contact Dr. Karen Wetherill at 910.962.4174 or wetherillk@uncw.edu