Southwestern University's Center for Professional Development and Technology begins fourth year of partnership with GISD

August 16, 2000

While Southwestern University is still two weeks away from beginning the fall semester, 16 seniors have returned to Georgetown early to begin their student teaching experiences at Purl and Cooper elementary schools. Student teaching is just a part of the ongoing partnership between the Georgetown Independent School District and Southwestern's Center for Professional Development and Technology (CPDT). The CPDT was created four years ago to unify the teachers and principals of Purl and Cooper with the student teachers and faculty from Southwestern University. Tippit Middle School joined the partnership last year.

A series of state grants totaling almost $300,000 has helped build collections of curriculum materials and two technology classrooms used by teachers and Southwestern students as a learning ground for future teaching. The grants have enabled the CPDT to move toward the accomplishment of several of its goals. The quality of education of public school students has improved through increased time spent with them in mentoring and instructional relationships. The teacher preparation program has improved due to early, regular and planned learning experiences on the elementary school campuses. Finally, there have been increased opportunities for the professional development of everyone involved through workshops, study groups and conferences.

As a result of the funding for the CPDT, GISD teachers and administrators, as well as Southwestern students and faculty, have received specialized training in cooperative learning, classroom management, mentoring and the use of technology. Each campus has been enriched with math manipulatives, science tools and reading materials.

All of these benefits have enhanced the teacher preparation program at Southwestern University. Many students are on the elementary school campuses regularly as early as their sophomore year. Math and reading methods courses are taught on site, allowing SU students to observe faculty demonstrating instructional procedures with children. They also have the chance to observe classroom teachers, work with individual students, and plan and teach their own lessons.

Browse current S.U. news
Browse the S.U. Headline News Archive
Return to the S.U. home page