All Categories

2017-2018 TEAM Model Resident Spotlight: Molly Beth Duddy

3/2/2018

This year in the Clinical Residency Program has been a wonderful experience, and it just keeps getting better. My mentor and I have been focusing on ways to be more creative in the classroom to increase the
engagement of our students. As we were planning our poetry unit, we had an idea. We wanted to teach students about different types of poetry and set a goal for each student to publish a book of their favorite self-written poems.

We focused on six different poems: I Am, Cinquain, Acrostic, Senses Poem, Simile Self-Portrait, and a Number Poem. Each of these poems challenged our students to grow stronger writing skills and more expressive creativity. At the end of each lesson, students were invited to the “Poetry Lounge”. Other
than the name and the rule of snapping instead of clapping, the physical area was no different than our normal rug time. However, for our students, this was a time to shine. I saw our students’ imaginations blossom with a stronger sense of self confidence and a passion for poetry as we worked
throughout this unit.

To celebrate this accomplishment, we planned a poetry-publishing party. Our small idea grew quickly. Invitations were sent, RSVP cards returned, and we have over 80 guests on our party list! Twenty-seven students and two teachers were grinning ear to ear - the event was a huge success! I hope
this is an event that students and parents will cherish forever. I also hope that this is an event I can take with me wherever my teaching journey leads.

Sincerely,
Molly Beth Duddy (with 2nd grade mentor, Haley Hay)
2017-2018 TEAM Model Clinical Resident
A. E. Phillips Laboratory School, Ruston, LA

Lessons Learned from Full-Year Residency Pilots

2/27/2018

During the first week of March 2017, six senior education majors ventured into a new pilot study to determine if a spring/fall/winter teacher residency could work. Many lessons were learned over this past year. Last spring, it was somewhat challenging for the mentors to welcome a new co-teacher into a classroom that already had a clear management system. It was as if they joined the 16-17 team of 35 full-year clinical residents on their 20th mile of a marathon without the many experiences others had already gathered along the race. It was nearing statewide testing, and upper grade classrooms provided fewer opportunities to co-teach. Other residents joined classrooms where the scope and sequence was in the middle of a teaching unit so they missed the opportunity to experience the entire teaching module. Several residents also moved into different classrooms in August with different mentors and/or grade levels with new students so the ability to measure student growth over nine months would be impossible, but residents did acknowledge the rich opportunities for diverse classroom experiences and student populations. The residents' commitment to their current 2017-2018 mentor and students was very evident in their desire to remain in the classroom this upcoming spring to support them through the school year. To some, it feels like they are not finishing the race they began this fall.

Much has been learned from this pilot to continue to strengthen the TEAM Model, and as always we honor those we call "trailblazers" that teach us much from their clinical experiences. Most importantly, these clinical residents are confident and prepared to meet the daily challenges of teaching. There is a strong reason for placing residents across the state in teacher preparation programs into an August-May full academic year.

L-R: Paige Brooks, Hannah Morrison, Yasmeen Lebbad, and Hannah Moore with Dr. Julie Holmes. Not shown: Alisha Martin and Catherine Shouse.

We thank these TEAM Model Clinical Residency Fellows for their contribution to Louisiana Tech University's College of Education teacher preparation program. Your feedback continues to provide our best practices in preparing Louisiana's future educators. Best wishes to each of you as you begin a new season in life and please stay in touch loyal bulldogs! You have definitely made your mark in Woodard Hall! #BeATeacherLA

College of Education Faculty/Staff celebrating our newest graduates of the TEAM Model Clinical Residency Program

The College of Education's TEAM Model and UTeachTech Programs Spotlighted at University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors Meeting

2/24/2018

Loyal Bulldogs! President of the University of Louisiana System, Dr. Jim Henderson, with College of Education TEAM Model clinical residents and UTeachTech clinical residents.

Louisiana Tech College of Education majors representing early childhood, elementary, special education, and secondary programs had the opportunity to share their experiences as full-year clinical residents in school districts across the state with ULS President, Dr. Jim Henderson and board members at the ULS Board of Supervisors Saturday breakfast. Teaching is one of the most prestigious professions, and board members continuously conveyed their appreciation to all residents for pursuing such an important professional field to make a difference in our state.

UTeachTech has one of the highest national retention rates in their program and have the first five full-year clinical residents in high schools in Jackson Parish, Lincoln Parish, and Monroe City Schools. These dual majors will have the opportunity to work in a STEM related field or teach in their respective discipline in grades 6-12.

Our residents look forward to seeing Dr. Henderson again at their graduation this May as he will be their esteemed guest speaker at Louisiana Tech's College of Education Spring Commencement Ceremony at 5:00 p.m.

For more information about the TEAM Model Clinical Residency program, please visit latechcrrc.org. For more information about our UTeachTech program, please visit uteachtech.com.

UTeachTech TEAM (L-R): Allie Free, Ruston High School (Lincoln Parish), Master Teacher, Chris Campbell, Justin Biggs, Neville High School (Monroe City Schools) and Nicole Schubert, Neville High School (Monroe City Schools)

CRC Clinical Ambassadors and TEAM Model Clinical Residents Tori Manring, Simsboro High School (Lincoln Parish), Libbi Lange, Sallie Humble Elementary (Monroe City Schools), Rachel Smelley, A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, and Sarah Katz, Cedar Creek School!

A Special Day for Cedar Creek School's TEAM

2/23/2018

In Ruston, Louisiana, students arrived at school prepared to celebrate someone who has become very special to them - their teacher, Miss Hannah Moore. Hannah began a full year clinical residency last spring and began co-teaching at Cedar Creek in August. In Cedar Creek's first year as a TEAM Model school, Hannah was welcomed by her mentor, Mrs. Jill Myers, and began co-teaching immediately. We are so proud of Hannah and her accomplishments and wish her much success. Now, that's one amazing way to send off a new teacher into her profession. Congratulations!

Shown L-R: Clinical Resident, Sarah Katz, with 4th place, Millie Venters, 2nd Place, Anna Mari Farrar, and Sponsor, Mary Ann Hill.

It's hard to believe they began co-teaching at Cedar Creek almost 7 months ago. Does time fly when you are having so much fun? Cedar Creek School's first clinical residents L-R: Daniel Thompson, Sarah Katz, Hannah Moore, and Jacob Angevine. With 75 National Merit award winning students in the last decade, it was an easy decision to partner with these exceptional mentors at one of Louisiana's first private school partners.

Mrs. Jill Myers's class ready to celebrate Hannah's last day of clinical residency today! What a wonderful send off!

Meanwhile, down in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, CC's Clinical Resident, Sarah Katz, arrived as an assistant or co-sponsor for the state social studies fair. She was honored to serve as an elementary judge today at the Louisiana state fair, but her real work began months prior as she prepared her own middle school students to determine a topic to study and prepare a research paper. She has worked alongside her mentor, Mr. Shannon Brown, co-teaching daily trying new teaching strategies at the middle school level.

These two residents along with Daniel Thompson and Jacob Angevine have been a welcome addition to Cedar Creek's campus. In fact, most students probably don't realize they are completing their final college coursework this year. We applaud the faculty, staff, and families for welcoming these residents with open arms and treating them as one of their own. We are glad to say you are part of our TEAM!

2018 Featured Job Shadowing Experience with Ashley Palmer

2/16/2018

Above: College of Education Dean, Dr. Don Schillinger, and Associate Dean, Dr. Dawn Basinger, with future teacher, Ashley Palmer.

Ashley Palmer, a senior National Merit Semi-Finalist from Cedar Creek School, was our 2018 featured student for job shadowing day. After attending Legacy Day and other campus tour opportunities over the past year, Ashley participated this week in the Clinical Residency Center's "Taste of the TEAM" event where she was able to meet Dr. Laura Bostick and Mrs. Traci Walker to learn more about secondary education programs as well as join a Thursday afternoon UTeachTech class in the Think Tank.

Below: Ashley with Mrs. Michelle Jimmerson,
Louisiana Tech English Instructor

On Friday, the CRC collaborated with English Instructor, Michelle Jimmerson, to provide a special opportunity for Ashley to visit two college English classes on campus taught by Julia Kavinsky and Jimmerson. Ashley has a keen interest in teaching in higher education, and this was the perfect opportunity for her to see firsthand what life would be like as an English professor. Ashley was able to meet Honors College Director, Dr. Rick Simmons, interview Kavinsky and Jimmerson during their office hours, and learn more about the many learning opportunities awaiting her at Louisiana Tech.

We know that Ashley's parents, College of Engineering professor, Dr. Jim Palmer, and Gina Palmer, College of Education alumna, are very proud of Ashley and her many academic accomplishments, and we are very honored that she has chosen Louisiana Tech University to begin her college career. We would like to thank Cedar Creek guidance counselor, Stacey Hunt, for allowing us the opportunity to provide these experiences for Ashley and look forward to our continued partnership. Stay LOYAL BLUE, Ashley, and we'll see you soon at summer orientation!

The Taste of the TEAM Event...70 Strong!

2/15/2018

Winn Parish and Caddo Parish buses filled with middle and high school students exploring the prestigious profession of teaching arrived on Louisiana Tech's campus this morning to gain a taste of college life as an education major. Their day began with a tour of the campus followed by elementary and secondary education class experiences. By noon, an additional team from A. E. Phillips Laboratory School and Cedar Creek senior, Ashley Palmer, joined the event in the Clinical Residency Center for afternoon adventures.

Future secondary education majors experienced team teaching from UTeach director, Dr. Laura Bostic, and Secondary Faculty member, Mrs. Traci Walker, followed by a visit to an afternoon UTeach class in the Think Tank. Future elementary education majors joined Dr. Amy Vessel's library science class for some co-planning as they finished writing lesson plans for their clinical experience with their bulldog buddies. Elementary majors scaffolded the experience for their visitors as they team taught at A. E. Phillips Laboratory School in the classrooms of Claudia Wagner and mentor Bess Decuir with her resident Anna Rose Chestnut. Their authentic experience was followed by a visit to Dr. Lynne Nielsen's mathematics methodology class for a highly engaged discussion to better understand fractions.

All education majors and school leaders were greeted by Dean Don Schillinger, Associate Dean Dawn Basinger, and Recruiting Expert Colin Bailey as everyone learned more about the TEAM Model and the many opportunities that await them in the Louisiana Tech Teacher Preparation Program. Tech's elementary program has been recognized nationally as the #1 program in Louisiana and #1, #2, and #4 in the nation. Likewise, Tech's UTeach program continues to gain national prestige for it's high retention and large numbers of participants, with much thanks to master teachers, Chris Campbell and Glenn Larson. The event ended with all students learning how to make our bulldog sign and encouraged to become LOYAL BLUE! We hope to see these students on Louisiana Tech's campus in the near future and welcome them back for a visit very soon!

The Clinical Residency Center plans to host additional recruiting events each quarter for middle school and high school students. Contact Dr. Amy Vessel, Clinical Residency Center Director, at avessel@latech.edu if your school district would like to plan a special event to learn more about our preparation programs. For individual campus tours/visits, please contact Colin Bailey at cbailey@latech.edu.

A TEAM Model Discussion at Monroe City Schools' Sallie Humble Elementary with Louisiana Superintendent of Education John White

2/2/2018

L-R: Louisiana Tech Dean, Dr. Don Schillinger, MCS Curriculum Coordinator and TEAM District Liaison, Serena White, MCS Superintendent, Dr. Brent Vidrine, Louisiana Tech Clinical Resident, Libby Lange, MCS Mentor, Lauren Voorhees, Louisiana Superintendent of Education, John White, MCS Mentor, Angela Byrd, Louisiana Tech Clinical Resident, Laura Vidrine, 16-17 Louisiana Tech Clinical Residents April Palmer (now Sallie Humble Teacher) and Adriane Meggs (now J.S. Clark Teacher), and TEAM School Leader, Lissa Dumas.

Louisiana Superintendent of Education, John White, Visits Monroe City School's TEAM School, Sallie Humble Elementary

2/1/2018

Educators were delighted to visit with State Department of Education Superintendent, John White, and Assistant Superintendent, Hannah Dietsch at Louisiana Tech/Monroe City TEAM School Sallie Humble Elementary today. The Louisiana Believe and Prepare Program visitors had the opportunity to walk-through mentor/resident co-teaching classrooms, and a roundtable discussion about the full-year clinical residency program followed in the school library. Roundtable participants included Superintendent John White, Louisiana Tech College of Education Dean, Dr. Don Schillinger, Monroe City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Brent Vidrine, MCS Curriculum Coordinator and TEAM District Liaison Serena White, Sallie Humble TEAM School Leader, Lissa Dumas, Mentors Angela Byrd and Lauren Voorhees, Louisiana Tech Clinical Residents Laura Vidrine and Libby Lange, and 16-17 Sallie Humble TEAM alumni Adriane Meggs and April Palmer. Additional recognized guests included Dr. Gary Jones, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) President, Dr. Amy Vessel, TEAM Model Clinical Residency Center Director, and distinguished Monroe City supervisors, and school board members.

Louisiana Tech University College of Education Call Me Mister Program Presents at ULS System's Inaugural 2018 Conference

2/1/2018

On February 1-2, 2018, The University of Louisiana System hosted its inaugural education conference at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA. Educators and state leaders represented all higher education institutions in the ULS system. As the only Call Me Mister Program in the state, Dr. George Noflin, College of Education Assistant Professor, and participants in the 2017-2018 program were honored as invited speakers at the conference. A highlight of the conference for Dr. Noflin and the misters was a luncheon with the honorable Governor John Bell Edwards.

West Virginia's State Department of Education: A Focus on Innovative Teacher Preparation

10/20/2017

It was a true delight to travel to West Virginia this week to participate in the State Department of Education Meeting held October 19-20, 2017. The title of the event was “Collaborating to Strengthen Clinical Partnerships to Ensure That All Our Children Are Well.” Louisiana Tech’s Clinical Residency Center was invited to share the story of the TEAM (Teacher Educators and Mentors) Model and the transition from traditional student teaching to full-year clinical residencies across all teacher preparation programs. Additional invited programs included the National Center for Teacher Residencies, The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, The Ohio Department of Education’s Resident Educator Program, and the University of South Dakota’s Teacher Residency (USDTR) Program.

It was also an honor to participate in a Zoom presentation from Dr. Linda Darling-Hammon’s Learning Policy Institute to learn more about national trends in teacher preparation programs. The institute provides a variety of data on their site including this interesting article on teacher residencies:
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/teacher-residency

At the heart of our TEAM Model are the voices of the residents, mentors, school leaders, district leaders, university leaders, and state department leaders. Westat Senior Project Director, Wesley Williams, said it best in his opening to the meeting, a traditional greeting of the Maasai people in Africa “…and how are the children?"

If we all keep our eyes on what matters most, the children, great things will come from our collaborations. The audience of this meeting embodied what is critical to change…an entire team! It was a delight to meet with university faculty, state department leaders, school principals, and teachers to discuss the challenges and rewards of rethinking teacher preparation programs through the design of a quality residency program.

I look forward to following West Virginia’s story of change for the future of their children! Best wishes!

...and how are the children? Click here to find out!

<<Previous

the TEaM Blog