preludedude
10-03-2003, 04:28 PM
In todays paper:
http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031003/NEWS/310030339/1051
USCS inspiring 'fellows' to teach
By Mesha Y. Williams | Staff Writer
mesha.williams@shj.com
Frank Mervin learned early that a teacher's job is never easy, whether grading papers or staying patient with students.
Growing up, he heard plenty of stories from his grandmother and aunt about the changes they have seen as elementary school teachers over the years.
The 18-year-old Ridgeland native, however, was not sure about pursuing a teaching career until one of his high school teachers told him he had the qualities needed to lead a classroom.
That includes speaking well before people and knowing how to get along with others, he said.
Now as a teaching fellow at the University of South Carolina Spartanburg, the freshman is getting a head start on a profession he feels passionately about.
"Everything stems back to education," Mervin said. "Any doctor or lawyer all had to come by a teacher. A teacher in some way influenced their lives, and I just want to make a change."
USCS was awarded 16 teaching fellows for this academic year.
The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement designed the program in order to recruit high school seniors into teaching.
The state government funds the program.
Providing resources and support to young teachers is the key to keeping them in the profession, said Dr. Ann Shelley, campus director of teaching fellows, and director of graduate studies.
One aspect of the program is the emphasis on supporting the students, enrichment programs and encouraging them to stay involved on campus, she said.
"I think public schools have taken an important lesson in seeing a need for mentors to work
very closely with younger teachers," she said.
"I think that makes a big difference with confidence and the ability to adjust to situations."
The teaching fellows program provides leadership skills, professional development and opportunities to work in the community and with businesses.
The university is one of 11 colleges across the state that has been awarded a grant for the teaching fellows program. Others include: Anderson College, the College of Charleston, Newberry College, University of South Carolina-Columbia, and Winthrop University.
A teaching fellow grant provides $5,700 for tuition and board, and $300 for summer enrichment programs administered by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement.
A student involved in the program must maintain a 2.75 grade point average and complete 30 course hours per academic year.
A fellow agrees to teach in the state one year for every year he or she receives the scholarship.
Shelley said one goal is to make sure students are getting the field experience they need from trained professionals.
"I hope their level of preparation (as a fellow) gives them an edge in knowledge and skill," she said, "so they can anticipate what life is like in a real classroom and have the experience."
Mervin is getting plenty of experience this semester working once a week with pre-school students at the USCS development center.
He describes the experience as different because younger students become so attached and want to tell him all their stories, he said.
"That's what makes me want to stay in it because I love working with kids," said Stacy Shehan, a sophomore early child education major from Pacolet.
This is the second year that the 19-year-old will participate in the program and will be a mentor to a freshman fellow student.
This semester she is volunteering at Lone Oak Elementary School, working on skills to help a student who emigrated from a Spanish speaking country.
"Teaching is not about the money; it's about making the difference," she said.
http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031003/NEWS/310030339/1051
USCS inspiring 'fellows' to teach
By Mesha Y. Williams | Staff Writer
mesha.williams@shj.com
Frank Mervin learned early that a teacher's job is never easy, whether grading papers or staying patient with students.
Growing up, he heard plenty of stories from his grandmother and aunt about the changes they have seen as elementary school teachers over the years.
The 18-year-old Ridgeland native, however, was not sure about pursuing a teaching career until one of his high school teachers told him he had the qualities needed to lead a classroom.
That includes speaking well before people and knowing how to get along with others, he said.
Now as a teaching fellow at the University of South Carolina Spartanburg, the freshman is getting a head start on a profession he feels passionately about.
"Everything stems back to education," Mervin said. "Any doctor or lawyer all had to come by a teacher. A teacher in some way influenced their lives, and I just want to make a change."
USCS was awarded 16 teaching fellows for this academic year.
The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement designed the program in order to recruit high school seniors into teaching.
The state government funds the program.
Providing resources and support to young teachers is the key to keeping them in the profession, said Dr. Ann Shelley, campus director of teaching fellows, and director of graduate studies.
One aspect of the program is the emphasis on supporting the students, enrichment programs and encouraging them to stay involved on campus, she said.
"I think public schools have taken an important lesson in seeing a need for mentors to work
very closely with younger teachers," she said.
"I think that makes a big difference with confidence and the ability to adjust to situations."
The teaching fellows program provides leadership skills, professional development and opportunities to work in the community and with businesses.
The university is one of 11 colleges across the state that has been awarded a grant for the teaching fellows program. Others include: Anderson College, the College of Charleston, Newberry College, University of South Carolina-Columbia, and Winthrop University.
A teaching fellow grant provides $5,700 for tuition and board, and $300 for summer enrichment programs administered by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement.
A student involved in the program must maintain a 2.75 grade point average and complete 30 course hours per academic year.
A fellow agrees to teach in the state one year for every year he or she receives the scholarship.
Shelley said one goal is to make sure students are getting the field experience they need from trained professionals.
"I hope their level of preparation (as a fellow) gives them an edge in knowledge and skill," she said, "so they can anticipate what life is like in a real classroom and have the experience."
Mervin is getting plenty of experience this semester working once a week with pre-school students at the USCS development center.
He describes the experience as different because younger students become so attached and want to tell him all their stories, he said.
"That's what makes me want to stay in it because I love working with kids," said Stacy Shehan, a sophomore early child education major from Pacolet.
This is the second year that the 19-year-old will participate in the program and will be a mentor to a freshman fellow student.
This semester she is volunteering at Lone Oak Elementary School, working on skills to help a student who emigrated from a Spanish speaking country.
"Teaching is not about the money; it's about making the difference," she said.