 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Contact Us: (251) 442-2210 or Email Us |
|
University of Mobile The University of Mobile School of Education earned another “A” on the Alabama State Department of Education report card which evaluates teacher preparation programs – this time a perfect 4.0. Dr. Peter Kingsford, dean of the UM School of Education, said he is pleased with the results from the latest Teacher Preparation Report Card. “Our program at UM was awarded another ‘A’ based upon the performance of our graduates who were first-year teachers during the 2007-08 school year. Our score actually improved from the previous year from a solid 3.95 to a perfect 4.0. It was truly exciting to see the 4.0,” Kingsford said. He said the 4.0 “is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of faculty who teach and model behaviors needed by successful K-12 level teachers in today’s schools. In addition, our students bring a desire and passion for learning the necessary skills in order to make a difference in the lives of their future students as they fulfill the mission statement of the University of Mobile, ‘changing lives to change the world.” Kingsford said faculty from other schools and colleges in the University of Mobile also play a major part in the success of education majors that is reflected in the high score from the Alabama State Department of Education. “The entire University of Mobile faculty and the experiences our students have in all aspects of university life contribute to this outstanding grade,” Kingsford said. Alabama’s College/University report card on teacher preparation program performance gives scores to the state’s 27 teacher preparation colleges and universities based on several indicators. Among the areas evaluated are pre-teaching experiences in elementary and secondary schools, partnerships with Alabama elementary and secondary schools, passing rates for university students taking the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program, and on-the-job performance of graduates. The latest edition of the Report Card reflects data from 2007-08. The majority of the grading resulted from evaluations of first-year teachers by principals. Derek Dupuis, a 2008 graduate from the University of Mobile School of Education, said he was “extremely satisfied” with his educational experience. Dupuis, who teaches 7th grade pre-algebra at Faith Academy in Mobile, said his first year as a teacher was challenging, “but my professors prepared me to know how to handle the challenges I faced. Not only did they take an interest in me as a person, they also made sure I had the tools I needed to succeed in the classroom. “When I was looking for my first job, having a degree from the University of Mobile really helped me, because the School of Education has such a great reputation,” Dupuis said. Laura Waters, a 2005 graduate who teaches second grade at Pine Grove School in Bay Minette, Ala., said UM School of Education professors showed by example how to treat students and obtain the best results. “Even now when I’m teaching, I’ll catch myself thinking ‘What would Dr. Gober think about this phonics song,’ or would Dr. Biegler enjoy my students’ puppet presentation of this week’s story, or how would Dr. Walden include a Frog and Toad book in this math lesson,” Waters said. “I greatly appreciate all the wisdom and love that the education professors at the University of Mobile showed not only me, but every student who walked through the doors of the School of Education,” Waters added. Kingsford said the University of Mobile School of Education currently has 230 students enrolled in undergraduate programs and 75 in graduate school. “We certify an average of 60 to 70 teachers each year from the University of Mobile School of Education, in the areas of elementary, early childhood, physical education, music, social science, history, math, biology and English/language arts,” Kingsford said. The report is available on the Alabama Department of Education’s web site at www.alsde.edu. Click on “Reports,” then “Teacher Prep Report Cards.”
Last modified :
Monday, July 6, 2009 11:11 PM
|
