SU Seeks Students for Elementary Education Cohort

SALISBURY, MD---The Department of Teacher Education at Salisbury University is exploring the possibility of forming a new elementary education cohort at the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center (ESHEC).

To be eligible, students should have completed their Associate of Arts degree in Teaching (AAT) as well as the initial stages of the PRAXIS exam. Students who live in the area and have been admitted to the Professional Teacher Education Program at SU may also be considered.

Beginning in fall 2009, this cohort will take methods courses in elementary education at the ESHEC, located on the campus of Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD. They will continue with methods classes at the center during spring and fall semesters 2010. They will complete program requirements in spring 2011, while participating in internships and a seminar in the Talbot County area. With the exception of required minor courses, students should be able to complete all elementary education methods requirements at the center.

“The elementary education cohort program at the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center provides access to our elementary education program for mid-shore and upper shore students,” said Dr. Dennis Pataniczek, Dean of the Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies. “All of the staff at ESHEC and Chesapeake College have been extremely cooperative and supportive of our efforts and we look forward to a larger number of students participating in the program.”

SU’s elementary education cohort program began in spring 2007 with a group of Chesapeake College AAT graduates. They were joined in fall 2007 by a second group of students. The first two cohort groups will graduate from SU in May 2009. A third cohort group began in fall 2008 with an anticipated graduation date of May 2010.

The formation of the fourth cohort is contingent upon sufficient interest and enrollment. Students interested in joining this new cohort for fall 2009 may contact Dr. Amy Stephens Meekins, professor emeritus and cohort program liaison, at 410-543-6391 or asmeekins@salisbury.edu.