Winthrop University-School Partnership Network

OrientationOrientation

• Part of a professional learning community based upon the needs of all partners

• Voice in preparing tomorrow’s teachers• Access to funding for innovative projects• Professional stewardship through coaching and mentoring• Use of innovative technologies• Participation in summer renewal conference and other

collaborative learning events

What does it mean to be part of the Partnership Network?

• Partnership website - make it a favorite!– http://www2.winthrop.edu/netscope/Default.asp

• School liaison – Partnership Advisory Council• District liaison – Network Management Team• Partnership staff (go through your liaison once identified)

• Summer conference• Professional learning events

– http://www2.winthrop.edu/netscope/professional_learning.htm

How to receive and provide information

Teacher Education ProgramTransformational Core Curriculum• Characterized as a field-based curriculum

– At least 1,000 field hours (some programs up to 1,400 hours)– Field hours integrated with course hours– Some courses delivered “on site”

• Field courses in working with diverse populations in the general education classroom – poverty, SPED, ELL, gifted; field courses in technology, classroom management, and inclusion

• Year-long internship– Follow teacher schedule starting with August workdays, back

after exams in December, begin with teachers in January – Most remain in same placements except where certification

requires various grade levels/content areas

Mentor ProgramProfessional Requirements

HOST Teachers•Valid South Carolina professional teaching certificate •Passed ADEPT evaluation•Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computer technology

MENTOR TEACHERS•Valid South Carolina professional teaching certificate •Minimum of one year’s successful teaching experience in South Carolina at the continuing-contract level •Current practitioner or employed in a South Carolina public school system within the past five years •Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computer technology

CLINICAL COACHES (by nomination only)

Mentor ProgramOverview• Host Teachers (early field)

– Support WU students in freshman through junior year as they observe, work with individuals and small groups, and conduct action research

– Engage in co-teaching and innovative practice– Have knowledge of Teacher Education curriculum and assessments as well as

preservice teacher development– Evaluate teacher candidate instruction

• Mentor Teachers (year-long internship)– Provide support and formative assessment for WU teacher candidate as a

“junior faculty member” during a year-long internship

– Engage in co-teaching and innovative practice– Have knowledge of Teacher Education curriculum and assessments as well as

preservice teacher development– Participate in formal mentor training through CERRA (complete as soon as

possible once accepted as a mentor – renewal credits awarded for participating)

• Provide school-based experiences teachers need along the continuum of their preparation, from preservice to mastery• Assist preservice and beginning teachers to improve the

quality of instruction through empirically-based practices• Improve own practice by engaging in a collaborative

partnership• Participate in professional preparation to further develop

knowledge, skills, and dispositions of effective mentors• Collaborate with Winthrop faculty in field-based research• Receive additional support and incentives from Winthrop

University and the Partnership Network

Mentor ProgramWhy Mentor?

Mentor ProgramApplication Process – HOST

1. Attend information session.

2. Communicate interest with principal.  Principal supports faculty member moving forward with application process or advises against participation.

3. Request recommendations from building administrator. Recommendations must be submitted online.

4. Complete application.  All materials must be submitted online.

Mentor ProgramApplication Process – MENTOR

1. Attend information session.

2. Communicate interest with principal.  Principal supports faculty member moving forward with application process or advises against participation.

3. Request recommendations from building administrator and school liaison (or other designee if liaison not yet identified). Recommendations must be submitted online.

4. Complete application.  All materials must be submitted online.

5. Once materials have been submitted, applicant may be scheduled for an interview with the school and Winthrop liaisons. As a mentor, expect Winthrop students and staff to be engaged in your classroom. Classroom observations of effective teaching practice will be conducted periodically.

Mentor ProgramProfessional Learning Opportunities

3-Day “Foundations in Mentoring” (required for Mentor Teachers)

• May 20-22• June 16-18• July 22-24

Other Events:• Sign Language Workshop (PK-5)~ April 30• Partnership Conference for Educational Renewal

– June 10: Pre-conference (writing)– June 11: Main Conference…submit a proposal!

For professional learning information and registration visit - http://www2.winthrop.edu/netscope/professional_learning.htm

Winthrop University-School Partnership Network111 Withers/W.T.S. Building

Rock Hill, SC 29733Phone: 803/323.3080

Fax: 803/323.4369E-mail: netscope@winthrop.edu

Web: https://www2.winthrop.edu/netscope

Clinical Experiences Handbook: http://www.winthrop.edu/coe/sas/default.aspx?id=11495