J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, VA
An established community college Center for Teacher Education and a Pre-Teacher Apprentice and Baccalaureate Transition in Teacher Education Program for future mathematics and science teachers
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (JSRCC), a multi-campus institution with urban, suburban, and rural campuses, has a long history of involvement in teacher preparation in science and mathematics. Recognizing the importance of teacher preparation to the college's mission, the strategic plan established the Center for Teacher Education (CTE) to coordinate all JSRCC activities associated with teacher education. The Center's mission is to provide quality leadership in teacher education for the College and the community and to serve as a centralized resource for information for prospective teachers. A Teacher Preparation Management Advisory Council, representing diverse constituencies within JSRCC, oversees the CTE's activities and outreach. Having a central oversight body is pivotal to the College's effectiveness in providing both seamless support to students and effective coordination with local school divisions and state agencies in support of state and national goals.
New Courses Developed and Offered:
- EDU 200 Introduction to Teaching As a Profession; STD 107 Career Education (Teaching)
- Praxis I (initial licensure examination) preparation courses in reading, writing, and mathematics (mathematics course adapted for statewide online delivery
- Refresher and in-depth courses in reading, writing, and mathematics for paraprofessionals
- Comprehensive science courses for future teachers
- NSF-funded Pre-Teacher Apprentice and Baccalaureate Transition in Teacher Education Programs
- Volunteer tutoring at local elementary school; Over 60 students placed in more than twenty-five schools
- 10-clock hour observation in area schools as a requirement for the STD 107 course
- 40-clock hour hands-on internship experience as a requirement for the EDU 200 course
- Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) provides opportunities for students to discuss issues related to teaching. Students attend statewide conventions and professional development opportunities with other pre-service teachers and with practicing teachers.
- JSRCC provided leadership in 1999-2002 for a statewide Teacher Preparation Task Force with representation from 23 community colleges and more than a dozen four-year institutions
- Active participation in the NSF-funded Virginia Collaborative for Excellence in the Preparation of Teachers (VCEPT)
- Leadership in hosting the March 1998 NSF-funded conference leading to the Investing in Tomorrow's Teachers report; JSRCC recognized for its exemplary teacher preparation program
- Collaboration with local school divisions in a No Child Left Behind Virginia Teacher Quality Grant to aid paraprofessionals to become "highly qualified" in response to identified community need
- JSRCC received seven Eisenhower grants to assist in-service teachers with professional development in mathematics and science
- Adapted statewide community college curriculum with transfer agreements to 4-year institutions
- One of seven Virginia community colleges involved in developing a statewide Career Switcher Program that will lead to licensure in selected critical shortage teaching areas including mathematics and science
Mentors
Susan S. Wood, Professor of Mathematics; and Past President, AMATYC, and Barbara L. Stewart , Professor of Biology.
For more information, contact Wendy Taylor, 601.984.3545.
