(Feb. 2, 2017) The National Association for Professional Development Schools recently recognized the partnership between Snow Hill Elementary and Salisbury University with an achievement award.
“I was surprised about the recognition,” Dr. Mary Anne Cooper, principal of Snow Hill Elementary, said. “This award is validating for our hard work at Snow Hill Elementary and our partnership with Salisbury University. The majority of teachers have interns [and] methods-and-foundations students, and believe tremendously in helping those new to the teaching profession.”
Each year, Snow Hill Elementary receives about 10 full-time student teaching interns. In addition, anywhere between 20 and 30 methods-and-foundations students – enrolled in classes leading up to internships – help out one or two days per week.
Since 2002, the program has given college students experience and preparation for their careers. The partnership also allows for the cultivation of new ideas and innovation in the classroom, Cooper said.
“This partnership is truly special, because we are able to learn and grow right along with those new to the teaching profession,” Cooper said. “University students bring so much to the table with their passion and enthusiasm. It is always refreshing to hear new insights and develop relationships with those new to teaching.
“Salisbury University students are expected to work with [Snow Hill Elementary] students from day one, giving them invaluable experience as new teachers, but also offering different perspectives for our students,” Cooper added. “I know they are absolutely ready to handle any situation that a first-year teacher has to face.”
Keith Conners, a professor at Salisbury University, arranged most of the application packet. Preparations began last spring.
“I didn’t think that Snow Hill Elementary School would actually receive the award,” Cooper said. “We believe in the value of continuous learning at Snow Hill Elementary School and … see this partnership as a critical component to our success.”
A number of Snow Hill faculty members were once professors, or currently teach classes at Salisbury University.
“Keith Connors, Sara Elburn, Nancy Niblett and Paul Gasior from Salisbury University are a tremendous asset to Snow Hill Elementary School, providing opportunities for our faculty to continue their professional development through opportunities at Salisbury University or at regional and national conferences,” Cooper said.
On March 10, the Exemplary Professional Development School Achievement Award will be presented to three educational institution partnerships at an annual conference in Washington D.C.
“I was surprised about the recognition,” Dr. Mary Anne Cooper, principal of Snow Hill Elementary, said. “This award is validating for our hard work at Snow Hill Elementary and our partnership with Salisbury University. The majority of teachers have interns [and] methods-and-foundations students, and believe tremendously in helping those new to the teaching profession.”
Each year, Snow Hill Elementary receives about 10 full-time student teaching interns. In addition, anywhere between 20 and 30 methods-and-foundations students – enrolled in classes leading up to internships – help out one or two days per week.
Since 2002, the program has given college students experience and preparation for their careers. The partnership also allows for the cultivation of new ideas and innovation in the classroom, Cooper said.
“This partnership is truly special, because we are able to learn and grow right along with those new to the teaching profession,” Cooper said. “University students bring so much to the table with their passion and enthusiasm. It is always refreshing to hear new insights and develop relationships with those new to teaching.
“Salisbury University students are expected to work with [Snow Hill Elementary] students from day one, giving them invaluable experience as new teachers, but also offering different perspectives for our students,” Cooper added. “I know they are absolutely ready to handle any situation that a first-year teacher has to face.”
Keith Conners, a professor at Salisbury University, arranged most of the application packet. Preparations began last spring.
“I didn’t think that Snow Hill Elementary School would actually receive the award,” Cooper said. “We believe in the value of continuous learning at Snow Hill Elementary School and … see this partnership as a critical component to our success.”
A number of Snow Hill faculty members were once professors, or currently teach classes at Salisbury University.
“Keith Connors, Sara Elburn, Nancy Niblett and Paul Gasior from Salisbury University are a tremendous asset to Snow Hill Elementary School, providing opportunities for our faculty to continue their professional development through opportunities at Salisbury University or at regional and national conferences,” Cooper said.
On March 10, the Exemplary Professional Development School Achievement Award will be presented to three educational institution partnerships at an annual conference in Washington D.C.