'EDUCATIONAL COACH' DIPLOMA launched
Mon., Sep 28
Classroom teachers wear many hats during the course of the day, ranging from substitute parent to peacemaker to disciplinarian to room decorator. And that doesn't even include the obvious -- instructing two dozen or so students of various abilities and backgrounds.
In Connecticut, meeting the needs of all the students can be especially challenging, with special education students today generally being taught in the same classrooms with other students. And for teachers who are not certified in both special education and regular education, the task can be even more daunting.
To provide teachers with the resources to deal effectively with all groups of students, Southern is launching a 6th year diploma program called "educational coach." The program -- to be offered to certified teachers, administrators, counselors and school psychologists -- will enable individuals to bring an expertise into the classroom that helps ensure that the needs of all students are met, such as through a curriculum that is diversified so that both regular and special education students can learn effectively. It also is designed so that educational coaches will be skilled in classroom management techniques that foster an atmosphere that is conductive to student learning.
The educational coaches can work side by side in the classroom in a "team teaching" situation, or serve as a mentor for a group of teachers. They also can use these skills to improve their own teaching.
The state Department of Higher Education's Board of Governors recently granted its approval for licensure and accreditation of such a program at Southern. It will be the first in Connecticut.
"We are very excited about this new program, which we believe will be a tremendous resource to schools throughout the state," said Christine Villani (pictured at right), associate professor of education and educational coach co-coordinator. Ronald Tamura, assistant professor of special education, also serves as program co-coordinator.
"Superintendents of schools throughout the state have been asking for this kind of training for their teachers," Villani said.
Villani developed the curriculum with Pamela Brucker, who recently retired after many years as chairwoman of the university's Special Education Department.
A total of 10 courses will be required to earn the 6th year diploma. Courses will be offered starting with the 2010 spring semester. Villani said that in addition to a master's degree, the following are criteria for acceptance into the program: a 3.0 GPA; two letters of recommendation; an interview with an adviser; course work or professional development in working with culturally diverse students, and service to teaching (participating in professional organizations).
The program will instruct students in subjects such as coaching and collaborating with teachers, administrators and other service providers; diversification of instruction and assessment to address the educational needs of all students; classroom management and understanding classroom law. A fieldwork component (within classrooms) will be part of the curriculum as well.
The "educational coaches" will serve as instructional coaches in subjects such as reading, math, and writing.
For further information about the program, call Christine Villani at (203) 392-5343.
