After doing their best to teach remotely for three months due to the global pandemic, Virginia’s K-12 teachers got word in June that they likely would return to teaching this fall – and at least some of it would be online. The sudden switch in spring had been hard enough; few of the state’s teachers had been trained in remote education or in keeping off-site students engaged.
They needed help. That’s when the University of Mary Washington’s College of Education (COE) stepped up. In collaboration with Continuing and Professional Studies (CPS) at UMW, a Summer Virtual Teaching Series quickly emerged.
“It has been an exciting opportunity to share the experience and knowledge of the College of Education faculty with local schoolteachers,” said Kristina Peck, UMW’s Director of Clinical Experiences.
In just four weeks, based on local educators’ input, UMW prepared six one-credit professional-development courses providing best practices in online instruction. Despite the tight schedule, UMW didn’t sacrifice quality, said Kimberly Young, CPS executive director. The classes had to meet the same standards as other COE courses.
“It’s important that we are able to quickly respond to the needs of the region by doing just-in-time programs like this series,” Young added.
The Summer Virtual Teaching Series began in mid-June with full enrollment – 200 K-12 teachers from across the region. The courses have offered training in online instruction, but just as importantly, they have placed teachers right where their students will be this fall: facing the challenges presented by remote learning.
A student might have trouble logging on to a site, Young said, or downloading materials and assignments. “These are real things that are going to happen, and the teachers [in our program] experience it themselves,” she said. “They gain personal insight and empathy.”
The classes cover teaching tools, planning, and options for delivering assignments. Among the topics are elementary instruction, foundations of online teaching, secondary instruction in science and mathematics, ways to support students with specialized learning needs, and K-12 assessment. The series supports Virginia SOL standards and helps teachers inspire critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and citizenship.
As a public university, Mary Washington is eager to help local citizens when needs arise. UMW couldn’t have delivered these classes so quickly without the collaboration of area schools and teachers – and it was facilitated by the College of Education’s longstanding relationships with area school divisions.
According to COE Dean Peter Kelly, each year UMW places more than 350 students in partner schools for a range of hands-on learning. “Our ability to be successful in teacher preparation is contingent upon the success of our partner schools,” he said. “As a college of education in a public university, we have a responsibility to be actively involved in the life of our partner schools.”
In her role as director of clinical experience, Peck works closely with area school divisions. She helps place UMW students in classrooms, and she supports initiatives such as Virginia’s Teachers for Tomorrow program for recruiting high school students into the teaching profession.
Developing the summer virtual learning series was a natural fit for Peck.
Local divisions are already seeing the benefits. Stafford County Public Schools educator Monica VanHusen worked closely with UMW to register county teachers in the program. The classes are focused on skills she and her colleagues need, she said, and UMW offered them just in time for the August return to teaching.
Marci Catlett, superintendent of Fredericksburg City Schools, is “extremely excited” about collaborating with UMW and neighboring districts to support teachers. “We can always count on UMW to provide high quality and relevant courses that respond specifically to the diverse needs of our staff,” according to Catlett.
Helping teachers also helps families and communities, Young said. Investing in students today will result in adults who contribute to society tomorrow – something that the COVID-19 pandemic has proven may be more important than ever.
I am wondering if any teachers from Quantico MIddle School participated. Our daughter-in-law teaches middle school science at West Point (New York); I just told her about reading this email message from you about the COE program which involved teachers in your area. Trish would like to talk with other Dept. of Defense teachers and Quantico is in the same school division as West Point! She has attended a DOD School System conference there.
I am a 1964 Mary Washington College grad, taught high school English, got an MS in Counseling and ended my career in my 5th high school here at Smithfield High as Guidance Director. And now, am happily retired!
I am so pleased to see that Ms. Catlett and the University of Mary Washington are working together to be the leaders during this new time of change.