Winthrop University-School Partnership Network Orientation

1. Winthrop University-School Partnership Network Orientation

2. What does it mean to be part of the Partnership Network? • Part of a professional learning community based upon the needs of all partners • Voice in preparing tomorrow’s teachers • Access to funding for innovative projects • Professional stewardship through coaching and mentoring • Use of innovative technologies • Participation in summer renewal conference and other collaborative learning events

3. How to receive and provide information • Partnership website - make it a favorite! • http://www2.winthrop.edu/netscope/Default.asp • School liaison – Partnership Advisory Council • District liaison – Network Management Team • Partnership staff (go through your liaison once identified) • Summer conference • Professional learning events • http://www2.winthrop.edu/netscope/professional_learning.htm

4. Teacher Education ProgramTransformational Core Curriculum • Characterized as a field-based curriculum • At least 1,000 field hours (some programs up to 1,400 hours) • Field hours integrated with course hours • Some courses delivered “on site” • Field courses in working with diverse populations in the general education classroom – poverty, SPED, ELL, gifted; field courses in technology, classroommanagement, and inclusion • Year-long internship • Follow teacher schedule starting with August workdays, back after exams in December, begin with teachers in January • Most remain in same placements except where certification requires various grade levels/content areas

5. Mentor ProgramProfessional Requirements HOST Teachers • Valid South Carolina professional teaching certificate • Passed ADEPT evaluation • Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computer technology MENTOR TEACHERS • Valid South Carolina professional teaching certificate • Minimum of one year’s successful teaching experience in South Carolina at the continuing-contract level • Current practitioner or employed in a South Carolina public school system within the past five years • Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computer technology CLINICAL COACHES (by nomination only)

6. Mentor ProgramOverview • Host Teachers (early field) • Support WU students in freshman through junior year as they observe, work with individuals and small groups, and conduct action research • Engage in co-teaching and innovative practice • Have knowledge of Teacher Education curriculum and assessments as well as preservice teacher development • Evaluate teacher candidate instruction • Mentor Teachers (year-long internship) • Provide support and formative assessment for WU teacher candidate as a “junior faculty member” during a year-long internship • Engage in co-teaching and innovative practice • Have knowledge of Teacher Education curriculum and assessments as well as preservice teacher development • Participate in formal mentor training through CERRA (complete as soon as possible once accepted as a mentor – renewal credits awarded for participating)

7. Mentor ProgramWhy Mentor? • Provide school-based experiences teachers need along the continuum of their preparation, from preservice to mastery • Assist preservice and beginning teachers to improve the quality of instruction through empirically-based practices • Improve own practice by engaging in a collaborative partnership • Participate in professional preparation to further develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions of effective mentors • Collaborate with Winthrop faculty in field-based research • Receive additional support and incentives from Winthrop University and the Partnership Network

8. Mentor ProgramApplication Process – HOST • Attend information session. • Communicate interest with principal.  Principal supports faculty member moving forward with application process or advises against participation. • Requestrecommendations from building administrator. Recommendations must be submitted online. • Complete application. All materials must be submitted online.

9. Mentor ProgramApplication Process – MENTOR • Attend information session. • Communicate interest with principal.  Principal supports faculty member moving forward with application process or advises against participation. • Requestrecommendations from building administrator and school liaison (or other designee if liaison not yet identified). Recommendations must be submitted online. • Complete application. All materials must be submitted online. • Once materials have been submitted, applicant may be scheduled for an interview with the school and Winthrop liaisons. As a mentor, expect Winthrop students and staff to be engaged in your classroom. Classroom observations of effective teaching practice will be conducted periodically.

10. Mentor ProgramProfessional Learning Opportunities 3-Day “Foundations in Mentoring” (required for Mentor Teachers) • May 20-22 • June 16-18 • July 22-24 Other Events: • Sign Language Workshop (PK-5)~ April 30 • Partnership Conference for Educational Renewal • June 10: Pre-conference (writing) • June 11: Main Conference…submit a proposal! For professional learning information and registration visit - http://www2.winthrop.edu/netscope/professional_learning.htm

11. Winthrop University-School Partnership Network 111 Withers/W.T.S. Building Rock Hill, SC 29733 Phone: 803/323.3080 Fax: 803/323.4369 E-mail: netscope@winthrop.edu Web: https://www2.winthrop.edu/netscope Clinical Experiences Handbook: http://www.winthrop.edu/coe/sas/default.aspx?id=11495