“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” Mark Van Doren
Each year the University of Vermont College of Education and Social Services graduates new teachers to fill classrooms around Vermont and beyond. Next year some of the future graduates will be learning and be honing their craft at Georgia Elementary School. A partnership has been established with UVM and this is the first such partnership in Franklin County. Five student teaching interns per semester will be spending time learning from our teaching staff and becoming part of our community of learners. Having a UVM new teacher professional development center onsite will be a benefit for GEMS.
“Our school is looking forward to partnering with UVM students next fall. Each student has already met their mentor teacher while attending a school function and completing their site visit. Our students will benefit greatly from the enthusiasm and interests they all shared. A professional young group of future educators.” – Principal Steve Emery
The goal of the teaching practicum is for each intern to engage in a variety of teaching and school activities that will encourage their development. The mentor teacher plays a pivotal role in the internship experience as well. They will guide the intern in the application of educational theory and practice within an actual classroom experience.
“Becoming a part of the community and understanding the environment has allowed me to grow as an educator over the course of a year and a half. My current school placement has opened their arms and welcomed student interns and their experiences to learn and adapt best practices. I am proud to see how far I’ve come as an educator from being hesitant to walk a class to lunch in comparison to confidently completing a two week solo with whole group instruction” – Molly Magnan current UVM intern (2017)
“Forming this partnership is good for both UVM and GEMS. Our teachers get to share their knowledge and expertise with amazing future educators. In turn, UVM will also share with us the latest research on teaching. I know we will also find some “gems” in the rough who will someday teach at Georgia.” – Superintendent Ned Kirsch
Target 4 – Engaged Community Partners. FWSU staff and students engage in authentic learning opportunities with local, regional, state, and global partners to make a difference in their community, state, and world.
Action Step – Engage community partners in a focused, collaborative inquiry process to address community needs
Indicator of Success – Collaborative projects and partnerships are part of the fabric of the broader community.
The FWSU Story 