Through SCORE’s Lead in Literacy Network, educator preparation program (EPP) partners and districts have been working more intensively to build a shared vision of excellent literacy instruction and to better align the training and support future teachers receive. Partnerships like these are laying the groundwork, equipping future teachers with the knowledge and support they need to help every student build a strong foundation for learning and future opportunity.
Recently, excitement and nerves ran high at Avery Trace Middle School, as aspiring teachers, administrators, and educational leaders gathered for a day of learning and collaboration. Putnam County principals, assistant principals, future mentor teachers, and district personnel joined faculty from Tennessee Technological University (TTU) to welcome TTU preservice juniors and seniors in advance of their 15-week student teaching experience. This was only the second time in several years that such a group has convened collectively.
From Vision to Practice
Throughout the day, leaders from the Putnam County School System (PCSS) shared their vision for effective literacy instruction, co-teaching, and the importance of bringing together mentors and their preservice teachers to align expectations. Facilitators opened by setting intentions for the day and then divided preservice teachers into small groups with their peers. This small group time allowed participants to ask operational and administrative questions about their student teaching, like where to park, how to check in, and how to dress. This format provided clarity and made them less anxious in advance of their student teaching experience.
In the mentor teachers’ session, TTU faculty outlined expectations for students’ professionalism, mentoring relationship goals, and data collection. Literacy professors shared aligned school and course calendars and assignments, noting that students would receive six hours of phonics training — news that evoked smiles around the room. Mentor teachers also received guidance on providing feedback and using the preferred rubric.
Laying the Foundation for Future Success
As the morning wrapped up, the group came back together. First, six principals had the opportunity to individually share why their school is the best school in the district — building excitement among future teachers who may join their schools upon graduation. Mentors and preservice teachers then worked in pairs. Some discussed why they joined the teaching profession while others dug deep into strategies they use to engage students during the literacy read aloud time. Mentor teachers also shared their literacy curricula, helping future teachers familiarize themselves with the content ahead of the start of their student teaching placement. By the day’s end, confidence replaced nerves, and the seeds of fruitful mentor partnerships had been firmly planted.
Why Are Partnerships Like This Essential?
By strengthening relationships between K-12 districts and EPPs and raising expectations for teacher candidates, these partnerships are ensuring that teachers enter the field better prepared. Aligning expectations, coursework, and classroom experiences around evidence-based practices is setting up future educators to teach with confidence from day one. And by ensuring our teachers are prepared to succeed, we ensure success for our students as well.
Learn more about strong literacy instruction and the Lead in Literacy Network: