Why Education?
- Student interest in the teacher preparation program is continually growing, resulting in increased enrollments.
- Almost 250 students are enrolled in the program and the space needs for them are not available in the current facility.
- Expanded curricular offerings and unique program needs require specially designed space for teacher preparation.
- Conferences, workshops and specially designed learning activities for youth, which are supported by Central’s mission of service to the profession and larger community, demand more space.
Central Teacher Academy
- Three-year collaborative model for preparing prospective teachers
- Utilizes the resources of three educational entities
- Central College
- Pella Community School District
- Heartland Area Education Agency
- Fifteen students selected per year to participate in program
- Each student trained and paired with mentor teachers in the Pella Community School District for two years, prior to student teaching
- Some responsibilities of the prospective teacher prior to student teaching include:
- Decision-making based on student data
- Design student intervention plans
- Attendance at Pella Community School District development sessions
- Training in specific teaching practices
- Instruction planning with mentor teacher
- Collaborative teaching in small and large groups
“It’s a model that exists no where else in Iowa and it is eminently successful,” said Phil George, professor of education. “We’re in our sixth year with the program and have 43 prospective teachers participating this year.”
Goal: To offer prospective teachers opportunities to extend knowledge and skill development occurring in the regular program to the classroom.
