It is an essential part of teacher preparation that students receive information on education-related topics from outside practitioners and agencies. Teacher Education Support Services provides that information through newsletters three times a year and special seminars that cover topics from alternative schools to summer volunteer opportunities; from preparing for an interview to navigating those first five years of teaching. Principals, teachers and agency directors come as presenters to these monthly seminars and share their expertise. There is also a Fall Transfer Fair that gives GRCC students the opportunity to find out what four-year institutions require for entering their departments of education.
The newsletters highlight our department’s activities — such as the Teachers of Tomorrow scholarships — as well as alert students about special dates and deadlines. Specialty issues offer contributions from GRCC faculty and students, who share experiences they have had in teaching and volunteering. These stories give “insights from the field,” and are designed to encourage education majors to seek involvement beyond their daily classes.
Since most colleges and universities require coursework in diversity, Teacher Education Support Services defines the concept broadly — from learning style to socio-economic status to language and more. Not only are there seminars that cover these topics, but also opportunities for tutoring at local schools with diverse populations. Currently we partner with Martin Luther King Leadership Academy where GRCC students can volunteer to be tutors and mentors.
Contact Tricia Siegel at (616) 234-3075 for more information about the possibilities through Teacher Education Support Services.
Multicultural Support Services are available to everyone.