Tulsa Community College, OK
A model two-year and four-year college partnership that provides pathways to teaching for non-traditional and under-represented students
The teacher preparation partnership between Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma State University has focused on providing pathways to teaching for non-traditional and under-represented individuals from the metropolitan area of Tulsa and rural northeastern Oklahoma. Students in these programs include first generation college students, childcare providers, Head Start teachers, full-time employed students, individuals who are older that traditional college-age students, Native American and other students of color, individuals changing careers, and others. These pathways have been established through:
- Cooperative agreements between Tulsa Community College and area vocational technical secondary and adult schools that facilitate transition from technical programs to associate degree plans;
- Development of preparation courses and a certificate of achievement for the CDA Credential for childcare providers that facilitates transition to associate degree plans;
- Development of courses and a certificate of achievement with an emphasis in science, math, and technology for classroom assistants (No Child Left Behind educational requirements) in the public schools that provides a pathway to an associate degree;
- Development of an Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education that enables students to move seamlessly from Tulsa Community College to Oklahoma State University;
- Recruitment of Head Start teachers and preschool teachers into either the Associate of Science transfer degree or the Associate of Applied Science Degree;
- Coordination between TCC and OSU to help students meet teacher certification requirements including portfolio development and documentation;
- Counseling and mentoring of students to facilitate transition from the community college to the university;
- Joint marketing and recruitment efforts between TCC and OSU;
- Offering TCC associate level courses on the OSU-Tulsa campus;
- OSU faculty representation on the TCC Child Development Advisory Committee;
- Development of college course work that is founded in constructivism and the constructivist approach to teaching and learning;
- Development of early childhood science and mathematics methods course work for teachers that is founded in constructivism and the constructivist approach to teaching and learning;
- Creative scheduling of courses to meet the needs of diverse populations of students;
- Online courses for students living in rural areas and those who cannot come to the college campus for classes;
- Field experience assignments, laboratory and practicum placements for students.
Mentors
Carla Goble, Assistant Professor of Child Development; and Director, Parateacher Program, and Deborah Norris , Professor of Education, Oklahoma State University.
For more information, contact Wendy Taylor, 601.984.3545.
