BREAKOUT SESSION VI
Tuesday, 8:00 am-8:45 am
SESSION: 6A
Room: Veramendi Salon A
Tupe of Session: Single-Topic Session
SESSION: 6B
Room: Veramendi Salon B
Type of Session: Single-Topic Session
Using High-Quality Math Curriculum to Prepare Pre-Service Teachers for Field Experiences and the State Exam
Criselda Garcia, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
A university-district partnership was formed to explore the use of a high-quality district math curriculum in preparation for a special field experiences project for a small group of pre-service teachers enrolled in a math methods course in an elementary teacher preparation program. Situated in a low-income Latina/o community, the project resulted in significant benefits as perceived by pre-service teachers, including an increase in math knowledge and self-efficacy in teaching math along with confidence in preparation of the math content for the state certification exam.
SESSION: 6C
Room: Veramendi Salon C
Type of Session: Single-Topic Session
Culturally Responsive Literacy Intervention Approaches for Diverse Learners
Jennifer Miller, Sul Ross State University
Makerspaces learning environments engage participants in hands-on approaches and can serve to facilitate multisensory experiences to meet the needs of diverse learners as well as struggling readers. Activities and outcomes incorporating a makerspace project-based learning process are described to assist with developing early literacy skill sets for struggling readers and English language learners including oral language, phonemic and phonological awareness, orthographic knowledge, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and composition in primary environments. The intent of this resource is to provide a platform in which teachers can build confidence in designing multisensory lessons that incorporate both a low-tech and high-tech approach into practice.
SESSION: 6D
Room: Veramendi Salon D
Type of Session: Single-Topic Session
Engagements Activities Addressing the Needs of Today’s Students- Gen Z
Pedro Garcia, Region One Education Service Center
Join this session for practical and interactive routines that you will be able to implement in your classroom immediately. In this session, we will consider the factors surrounding today’s students: the pandemic, global warming, human rights, social pressures, etc. Discussions will include ideas and activities in getting to know students’ interests, backgrounds, and motivations. Participants will view a quick analysis of Subsection BB of 19 Chapter 89 TAC on Bilingual/ESL program content and design requirements regarding the cognitive needs of Emergent Bilingual students. The focus will be specifically on the needs of Emergent Bilingual students in Texas. The facilitator will model pragmatic engagement activities from research-based sources.
SESSION: 6E
Room: Veramendi Salon G
Type of Session: Single-Topic Session
STR: Teaching Beyond the Test
Chanelle Maynard, Schreiner University
Faculty in Educator Preparation Programs are tasked with maintaining a balance between test preparation and modeling the best practices in instruction. The Science of Teaching Reading (STR) #293 exam has presented this challenge; how to prepare students adequately while teaching “beyond the test”. Two models of preparation are explored in the session; one features a stand-alone preparation course, and the other explores integrating the preparation across reading classes. The benefits and limitations of both are discussed based on student feedback and performance and as well as the presenter’s reflection on the STR journey.
SESSION: 6F
Room: Veramendi Salon H
Type of Session: Multi-Topic Session
Leading Transformation to a Yearlong Residency
Laura Brule, Tarleton State University
Christy Reed, Tarleton State University
Chris Sloan, Tarleton State University
Transforming a traditional single-semester clinical teaching experience to a yearlong residency is a daunting and rigorous endeavor. With the guidance of US PREP, Tarleton State University's College of Education transformed its entire educator preparation program into a yearlong residency in just two years. This session will cover the US PREP model, steps involved in transformation, and tips for EPP leaders to help ensure a successful transformation. LEA administrators will benefit from this session, as the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships and effective program governance will be discussed. Leaders considering a yearlong residency won't want to miss this session.
Maximizing the Residency Experience by Developing Cooperating Teachers
Laura Brule, Tarleton State University
Nicole Mishnick, Tarleton State University
Crystal Rose, Tarleton State University
Cooperating Teachers play a significant role in shaping the knowledge and practices of Teacher Candidates during their clinical experience. How do Teacher Education Programs maximize the valuable resource they have in Cooperating Teachers to ensure Teacher Candidates have a high-quality residency experience? This session provides insight into how Tarleton State University partnered with several school districts to agree upon processes for recruiting, selecting, training, and supporting high-quality Cooperating Teachers for their year-long teacher residency program.
SESSION: 6G
Room: San Marcos River Room
Type of Session: Roundtable Session
Impact on Teacher Educator Practice and Curriculum Revision as a result of Faculty Engagement in Clinical Experiences
Diane Miller, University of Houston Downtown
Lynda Scott, University of Houston Downtown
Jahnette Wilson, University of Houston Downtown
While it is well acknowledged that teacher educators play a critical role in the development of novice teachers, the renewed focus on clinical frameworks has foregrounded the expectations of field experience and district expectations for university faculty as they work to revise curriculum to better prepare future teachers. Department leaders incorporate faculty expertise, required elements (such as state assessment instruments), and purposeful interactions to create a more authentic approach to teacher preparation.
Traditional and Alternative Pathways to Becoming a Teacher
Beverly Sande, Prarie View A&M University
In a CBF poll of teachers last year, 68% said they seriously considered leaving the profession in 2021 (Texas Tribune, 2022). Numerous school districts are struggling to fill their classrooms with teachers. With the current teacher shortage in Texas, many TPPS are finding creative pathways for recruiting, retaining and graduating future teachers. These SMART approaches are meant to increase the number of teachers in our classrooms. During this presentation, attendees will listen to some of the SMART approaches one institution uses to increase the number of certified teachers in Texas.
Advancing Teacher Education: Residency in Partnership
Tomasina Montana, Edgewood Independent School District
Lucinda Sohn, University of Texas at San Antonio
School Districts across Texas were awarded Texas Covid-19 Learning Acceleration Supports funding. Educator Preparation Programs partner with School Districts to design and implement yearlong teacher residencies. Edgewood ISD and UTSA Educator Preparation Program present an overview of the process, discussing challenges and celebrations. Join us in this session as we share insight about selecting residents and bringing them onto campuses. We will talk about the resources needed to ready the residents to enter the classroom and the logistics of paying the residents. Participants will walk away with tips about setting goals and expectations for managing residency programs through the academic year.
Impact on Teacher Educator Practice and Curriculum Revision as a result of Faculty Engagement in Clinical Experiences
Ronald Beebe, University of Houston Downtown
Kasi Bundoc, University of Houston Downtown
While it is well acknowledged that teacher educators play a critical role in the development of novice teachers, the renewed focus on clinical frameworks has foregrounded the expectations of field experience and district expectations for university faculty as they work to revise curriculum to better prepare future teachers. Department leaders incorporate faculty expertise, required elements (such as state assessment instruments), and purposeful interactions to create a more authentic approach to teacher preparation.
The Value of Building Collaboration with Deans and Directors of Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) Across Colleges and Universities in Texas; the Ebb and Flow of Mentoring Roles
Amber Daub, East Texas Baptist University
Sarah Hartman, Wayland Baptist University
Gae Lyn McInroe, McMurry University
One of the varied roles of a college/university Education Dean is to serve as a mentor for teacher candidates, faculty, staff, community partners, etc. The mentoring role can take on many forms and have multiple layers depending on years of service, program dynamics, data, financial needs, etc. This roundtable discussion will focus on how mentoring relationships between deans/directors begin, develop, and flourish across EPPs in Texas. Through this dialogue, participants will also understand the importance of the mentoring relationship related to Academic Program Reviews, educational curriculum pilots, grant writing and implementation, etc. Whether you are an experienced or new Dean/Director of an EPP in Texas, your presence and participation are welcome as we seek further guidance on capacity building in the successful leadership of our Texas EPPs!