College of Education Newsletter
February 2018
Message from the Dean:
Hello All,
In light of the recent school tragedy in Florida, I'd like to address anyone who has scoffed at the commitment and/or professionalism of teachers. I grow weary of those who continue to degrade or bash teaching. Teachers are incredible, strong, dedicated, and caring professionals. We work for years to gain a license that allows us to teach, not just help......but teach. We are skilled in child development, pedagogy, planning, assessment, data analysis, classroom design and management, and much more. Beyond that, we LOVE our children. Notice I didn't say students, for most of us, they are our children. We pour our hearts into our teaching and think about our children years after they have left our classrooms. And yes, in some tragic cases, we give our lives to protect them. The next time, anyone says that teachers have failed, I'd like them to think about Scott Beigel, Aaron Feis, and Christopher Hixon. These teachers were heroes on February 14, 2018. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for their children and their profession. Let's honor them by taking a stand and advocating for our profession and our children.
Our hearts go out to all those affected by school shootings across the country.
Vicki Groves-Scott
Impacting Tomorrow Summit:
The Arkansas Department of Education and UCA’s College of Education hosted the Impacting Tomorrow Summit on Friday, February 2, 2018. Forty high schools from all corners of the state (with approximately 350 students) attended the state conference. The students were enrolled in Teacher Cadets (receiving concurrent credit for Intro to Education course), Orientation to Teaching, and/or affiliated with Educators Rising. The day was designed to showcase education as a career to some of the best and brightest high school students from around the state. Students began the day with an opening session, where Dr. Victoria Groves-Scott (UCA College of Education Dean) and Arkansas Education Commissioner Johnny Key served as guest speakers.
Students also attended break out sessions throughout the day. Break out sessions included:
Transitioning to college: Q & A with college admissions and requirements for entry into a teacher preparation program.
Teach talks: Similar to TED Talks. Discussion of important topics concerning education.
To be a teacher: Panel discussion with current education majors in college.
Technology in Education: Showcase of technology being used in the classroom today.
College table visits: Opportunity to visit with Educator Preparation programs in Arkansas colleges/universities.
Teachers of Tomorrow:
UCA Bears for CARE:
On February 10th, junior and senior special education students participated in Bears for CARE. Bears for CARE is a respite program for children with disabilities and their siblings. The Department of Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education and the UCA Office of Outreach and Community Engagement work collaboratively to offer this much needed service to area families.
For more information please go to http://uca.edu/outreach/bears-for-care/.