The Cato College of Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has taken a step toward its goal of reshaping teacher preparation in the region with the launch of its first Teacher Education Institute.
The four-day event focused on improving teacher preparation at the undergraduate level, attracted around 100 key stakeholders daily. Attendees included teacher educators, university supervisors and school-based cooperating K-12 teachers from Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Rowan-Salisbury Schools. The group endeavored to set benchmarks and develop advanced coaching skills to support teacher candidates.
“This institute is critical for establishing a common understanding about what we mean we when say ‘accomplished teaching,’” said Ellen McIntyre, dean of the Cato College of Education. “Right now, many of these professionals work in silos. We believe that we can all raise our own skills in how to coach students toward becoming the best teachers they can be.”
Seminars and small group breakout sessions allowed participants to frame best practices for training candidates on critical teaching skills like facilitating whole class discussion and encouraging students to think critically.
Originally published July 7, 2017. Written by Wills Citty.