IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 April 23, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724-738-4854

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Partnership sends student teachers to North Carolina  

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University secondary and physical education majors will have the opportunity to student teach in North Carolina following the approval of a partnership with the Wake County Public School System in Raleigh. 

            The schools formed an alliance because Wake County grew by 7,000 students last year and needs teachers and SRU has a reputation for teacher-education excellence, said Herbert Hunt, SRU assistant to dean for the College of Education.

            “They need teachers and have been sending recruiters to our job fairs to recruit our graduates,” he said. “This partnership is a nice opportunity for our students to find out what it’s like there without having to sign a contract. If it works out, it will help them line up jobs right out of college.”

            “We are looking to provide our students with options for their student teaching experience and the Wake County connection provides them with high quality schools in a diverse setting,” Jay Hertzog, dean of the College of Education, said.

            SRU Provost William Williams approved the program. Wake County officials said in a press release, “The presence of high quality Slippery Rock student teachers and field students in WCPSS classrooms will have a positive impact on student learning and increase opportunities for individualized instruction and co-teaching.”

            Ten SRU students have signed up to teach in the district for 12 weeks this summer. Wake County is a year-round district because of its exploding growth. “They’ll be able to live and work in the community and find out if it’s a good match,” Hunt said.

            SRU has more than 4,000 education majors, Hunt said. The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires a minimum student teaching of 12 weeks.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.