Summer Institute on Culturally Responsive, Community-Engaged Teacher Education

Posted by Ball State University on March 30, 2015

June 3-5, 3015

Ball State University Teachers College
Muncie, Indiana

The Schools Within the Context of Community (SCC) program is a unique approach to teacher education that has been receiving national attention for its efforts to prepare culturally responsive, community-engaged preservice teachers. Begun in 2009 as a partnership between Ball State University and the Whitely Neighborhood of Muncie, SCC has received national recognition from the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE) and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a model of Exemplary Culturally Responsive Teacher Education.

SCC immerses preservice candidates in a low-income, African American community where they are carefully matched with community-mentors who serve as cultural ambassadors, and impart the strengths and values of the children and families with whom candidates work during their practicum placement. Alongside community mentors, candidates authentically participate in the life of the community, through their attendance at church, community events, family gatherings, and through their joint participation in community mobilization with the local community council. Through careful reflection on these experiences, candidates are challenged to incorporate their learning into their teaching in order to develop culturally responsive experiences for the children with whom they work.

The Schools Within the Context of Community program broadens the definition of “teacher educator” beyond university faculty to include school administrators, local pastors, service providers, community elders, members of the local community council, and parents within the community. Throughout our six years in Whitely, impact on preservice teachers, local schools, and the broader community has been significant.

Institute at a Glance

Join us and our community partners as we share a model that is showing great promise in the preparation of culturally responsive teachers, and which is evidencing impact on P-5 student learning, family engagement, and community mobilization efforts. This research-based model exemplifies CAEP standards as it offers candidates the depth and breadth they need to demonstrate their developing effectiveness as teachers. Institute participants will learn the essential components of the model, visit and dialogue with community partners, and explore ways in which teacher preparation programs can more effectively prepare candidates for an increasingly diverse society. Workshop sessions will present the opportunity to adapt this model to other neighborhoods and communities.

Registration

Three-day Institute Registration Fee $230.00 (excludes lodging and any meals on your own)

To register, visit:

http://bsu.edu/teachers