Teacher Education/Special Education Latest News
Important Information from Meredith Lopez, UCTE Academic Advisor:
Fall 2012 Registration
Registration assistance emails will be going out next month regarding fall registration for UCTE cohorts. We will also send out emails to dual and special education generalists students regarding summer registration. Special education students who are added endorsement or masters only should meet with their assigned faculty advisors. As always you are always welcome to make an appointment with me to discuss any advising questions or concerns
Links to Student Resources
Please find all general and special education handbooks online here.You can also find important forms and assessment rubrics listed here as well as PLACE and Praxis II exam links. Don’t forget that the student plan protocol is also listed in the handbook which outlines steps in resolving any issues that may arise in class, at your partner school site, or with fellow teacher candidates.
Academics
Here’s a very handy item to share with your site team-the semester Semesterly Program Assignment Planning Tool. This allows you to list major assignments organizing by course and month due and then being able to share this information with your Clinical Teacher and Site Coordinator in order to create clear communication and expectations for assignments that may need to be completed in conjunction with your internship. Take time, at the end of this first week, to fill it out using all of your syllabi and share it as soon as possible with your CT so you can plan in advance for teaching in classroom.
Not sure when to add or drop a course, needing to know when UCD has vacation breaks, find all these answers and many more through the UCD Academic Calendar here. Make sure to keep a copy handy or posted next to your computer.
And don’t forget the incredible wealth of services on our larger UCD campus including the Writing Center, Disability Resources Center, Counseling Center and more! We highly encourage you to access the wealth of resources around you to be successful including your course instructors, site professor, site coordinator, and fellow teacher candidates. Take time to take care of yourself!
Free Counseling for CU Denver Students
CU Denver students receive 10 counseling sessions at no cost per Academic year (August 1 - July 31) as part of student fees at the Counseling Center. Students are able to attend free, unlimited groups offered each semester. Call to make an appointment. Walk-in appointments are available if there is an urgent mental health concern during our hours of operation for a consultation. An on call counselor is available to respond to your immediate needs and to help with a follow up plan.
Location
CU Denver
North Classroom #4036
1200 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80217-3364
Phone
303-556-4372
Hours
Monday/Thursday:
9:30a.m. – 7:00p.m.
Tuesday/Wednesday:
9:30a.m. – 8:00p.m.
Friday:
10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
Switch Week
Switch week is March 12th. If you are completing two internships this semester, switch week is when you move from one internship to the next internship. It is also when you move into full time student teaching when completing UEDU 5933.
Partner School Sites
Please don’t forget to notify instructors about day courses you may need to miss due to partner school days. Let me them know earlier and work directly with them to make up any assignments or time for class.
Attention Special Education Teacher Candidates (on the job & Alternative internship applications):
The internship element of the special education licensure program provides the opportunity for you to connect theory to practice and is essential to your success in the program. With this in mind, please review the following information regarding the process for internship application for all “one-the-job” and alternative internship experiences and the reminder of the submission dates. A completed internship application must be submitted for all internships that are completed outside of a UCD partner school.
If you are intending to complete a special education internship outside of a UCD partner school during the Spring term of 2012, your completed application materials must be submitted to your special education faculty advisor by October 1st, 2011 for approval.
To ensure that each of your internship experiences provides you with varied professional opportunities to apply your skills in natural settings, and to enlarge the range of strategies you bring to the classroom, please remember to plan ahead and communicate with your advisor regarding internship requirements. All teacher candidates in the special education endorsement program are expected to demonstrate knowledge and skill with students of varying age and grade levels, so a range of internship experiences will be designed individually between you and your advisor. Please note the submission dates for each semester:
- March 1st for Summer internships
- May 1st for Fall internships
- October 1st for Spring internships
Please contact Meredith Lopez in the Student Services Center if you need assistance in contacting your faculty advisor.
AmeriCorps Information Sessions
Count your time in the classroom and at your internship site. Receive stipend money for giving back to the community through the Teacher Education Program! Find out more about this program at scheduled information sessions. Please RSVP for an information session on our SEHD home page, under “information session” www.ucdenver.edu/education . You can also contact her at willie.brown@ucdenver.edu.
Spotlights
YOU!
We want to spotlight YOU! If you have recently finished your license and have been hired on as a long-term sub or in a regular full-time teaching position, we want to hear your story! Please send submissions to Rachel! Thank you Yer for your submission!
Yer Xiong
I graduated in May 2011 and was offered a long term from August until the end of September for a 1st grade class at Laredo Elementary. It is also the internship site I did my student teaching at. I knew most of the kids, since I completed that internship with the kindergarten students. It was a great experience and I learned so much things b/c even at the end of my internship, I felt like I was only starting to get my feet wet! Doing the long term was definitely challenging b/c it was my class, but at the same time, it wasn’t. For the most part, everything was great, but being a newbie, I was absolutely overwhelmed, but I can proudly say that it was prepared me even better. I too, for the first time, experienced how hard teachers work to make everything better for their students.
I have been subbing for Aurora Public Schools since then, and just received an offer for another long term sub for Fulton Elementary starting in April for 2nd grade. I have yet to accept it.
I have just been offered a job opportunity for an out of state district, in Minnesota. It is located in North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District . I’ll have to research about getting a license there. Maybe the winds will carry me there for Fall 2012.
Debra Minahan
Debra Minahan, a 2011 alum of the UCTE program, is now a full time 5th grade teacher right here at Parr Elementary in Jefferson County. While finishing her program, Debra so impressed the staff that, when an opening occurred, she was asked to interview. Needless to say, she blew her competition out of the water!
So, now, after a month in her classroom, I asked her about her new role.
The best part of the job is definitely working with the kids! Helping them to solve problems and master their curriculum makes her use every tool she ever learned and then some…
The biggest surprise for her was how quickly the students accepted her as their new teacher. They have truly embraced her, not only in the classroom, but in the entire school community.
The most challenging part is EVERYTHING!
Well, nobody ever said that this work was easy, but it the best work we can ever do!
Way to go, Debra and all our UCTE grads!
MJ Lechner, Site Professor, Parr Elementary School, Jeffco
Emilie McDonough
My AmeriCorps member Emilie McDonough has been chosen to attend CGIU in late March! The process whereby she was chosen was a competitive one. She had to write a “Commitment to Action” Project, and I had to also write a letter of recommendation to go with her application. Her application was sent to our Regional office, who reviewed all apps submitted, and selected strong candidates to send to CGIU, who made the final decision about who to invite to this year’s meeting! This is a distinct honor for Emilie, and we are really proud of her!! Compact Service Corps (our Regional Organization) is taking care of all Emilie’s expenses, and I know she will represent the School of Education and Human Development proudly!! Congrats again, Emilie, and thanks all!
Willie Brown, Americorps Coordinator
Carmody TCs Getting Involved
Carmody TCs have been involved in our Saturday Math Program. Each week two or more of the TCs come to the program and work with small groups on math concepts using hands on activities and technology. The students have loved having them participate. Thank you for your work Carmody TCs!
Carolyn Paletta, Site Coordinator, Carmody Middle School, Jeffco
Cheryl Matias
Congratulations to Cheryl Matias for being invited to speak about her work in Critical Whiteness Studies in Teacher Education at the University of Washington. She will travel to Washington on May 11th.
Check It Out!
DPS Student Teacher Workshop
(Any TC interested in working in DPS is welcome to attend, regardless of where they are completing their student teaching.)
Denver Public Schools (DPS) will be hosting a Student Teacher Workshop on Wednesday, February 29th from 4:30pm – 6:30pm. At this event you will learn vital information about DPS, applying for jobs within our district and general job search tips to aid you in your upcoming search. There is no exact formula for a successful job search but we will talk about what you can do to enhance your chances.
At the workshop, you will:
Learn about DPS hiring practices and CDE licensure information
- Learn about ProComp and Guest Teaching within DPS
- Learn what to expect in interviews and on job applications
- Get specific resume and interview tips
- Participate in a Panel Discussion with DPS Administrators
Please note, the student teacher workshop is not an interview event rather a workshop to give you more information about DPS and help you gain necessary job search skills.
The Fall Student Teacher Workshop will be held at
East High School
1600 City Park Esplanade Denver, CO 80206
If you are interested in participating, please click the following link to RSVP:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22ERKJHKJY7
Be prepared to bring:
- A copy of your resume
- If you would like to take notes, paper and a pen
- Specific questions for our Administrator panel and HR staff
There will be light snacks and refreshments provided. We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Denver Public Schools
Office of Human Resources
Community Based Participatory Action Research Digital Stories
On May 8th from 4-8PM we will have the UEDU 4010/5010 first public showcase of the Community Based Participatory Action Research Digital Stories. Everyone’s invited to attend to enjoy food, critical dialogue, and a night of mutual passion for urban education. They will also find out how to get involved in further community projects. Contact Cheryl Matias for more information!
Academic Writing Workshop for Graduate Students
Are you a PhD, MA, MS, or other graduate student with a challenging writing project?
Would you benefit from practical help with your own academic writing?
Do you want to move forward on your proposal, thesis, dissertation, portfolio, or capstone project this spring?
If so, Academic Writing for Doctoral Students (DSEP 6000) may be just what you need! This one-credit writing workshop, open this semester to all graduate students with major writing projects, will be offered through the UCD School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) Continuing and Professional Education.
Click HERE for more information.
National Education Startup Challenge
On Feb 1, 2012, the Department of Education (ED) launched the National Education Startup Challenge, http://nesc.challenge.gov, asking students to develop innovative, real world solutions to improve education.
Students from across the country are invited to submit a business plan and a video pitch for a for-profit or non-profit startup that includes an innovative strategy, product or service designed to address one of these four topics:
1. Middle Grades Matter
Helping middle school students transition to high school and stay on track to graduate.
2. Skills, Skills, Skills
Providing students in rural, urban, and/or high-poverty communities with opportunities for internships or other work- and community-based learning experiences that help them develop skills for success in postsecondary education, 21st century careers, and civic life.
3. Education Pays
Making it easier for students and families to find and select high-quality, affordable postsecondary programs – whether colleges, universities, or career training programs – that provide good value.
4. Finishing Faster
Increasing the likelihood that postsecondary students complete their degrees and decreasing the time it takes them to finish, such as by improving and speeding up remedial education.
Please share the National Education Startup Challenge flyer with your programs, education partners, and student organizations.
With your help, we can expand our outreach efforts and ensure that a wide range of young people have the opportunity to participate in this exciting and rewarding competition.
For more information or assistance with outreach, please contact Scott Hess at 202-245-7772.
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is coming to Denver!
2nd Annual Green Schools National Conference
February 27-29, 2012 • Denver, Colorado
Http://www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org
Join us February 27 – 29, 2012 in Denver at the only national gathering of K-12 leaders and educators coming together to make their schools and districts green & healthy centers of academic excellence. This conference will be a ‘take notice’ event as the centerpiece of our national movement sending a strong, clear, message that green is the future of our schools.
With apologies to Kermit, it’s EASY being green, if you have the strategies and resources! IDENTIFY ways to save money by “Going Green”
DISCOVER new and diverse funding sources for your green schools projects
SHOP the Green Marketplace for products & services at special discounted rates
NETWORK with like-minded peers from across the country
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is confirmed as a keynote speaker on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 during the morning general session. Don’t miss this landmark appearance by a U.S. Secretary of Education and the opportunity to thank him for his leadership in establishing the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award Program. The conference will be the most comprehensive resource for districts and schools who want to be eligible for the Green Ribbon Schools Award.
Administrators – Save $140, Teachers – Save $90 off already discounted fees
by REGISTERING with the Special Colorado Code:
1. Go to http://www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org/register_now.php
2. Scroll Down and click on Register Online
3. Click on Affiliate Rates
4. When asked for a discount code, enter coloradohost
Write in the code on hard copy forms or mention the code if registering by phone. If you are registering more than 5 people from the same organization, call Conference Registration Services at 1-800-280-6218.)
For General Conference Questions: Please e-mail greeninfo@nationalgreenschools.org
or call 1-800-280-6218 between 9am – 5pm Pacific Coast Time
Register for the Boulder BE UNICEF Teacher Workshop
Dear Friends at the School of Education & Human Development,
Thanks in part to the promotion efforts of the teacher education community in Colorado, the BE UNICEF Teacher Institute last summer was a great success.
As the next in a series of free workshops in Colorado, thirty Centennial State secondary teachers, pre-service educators, and administrators will acquire valuable insights (and materials) in global education and collaborate with like-minded colleagues on lessons and activities to bring back to the classroom. The workshop is part of our BE UNICEF program, a Daniels Fund-sponsored initiative to provide Colorado educators an opportunity to discuss global education, identify resources, and create opportunities for their students to take action to address global problems. This FREE workshop will take place in Boulder from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3rd, and lunch will be provided.
Interested participants may register at their earliest convenience at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BE_UNICEFMar2012, but they should keep in mind that space is limited. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Many thanks! Click here for flier!
Additional ways to engage with TeachUNICEF:
- IN PERSON: We will have a screening of the documentary film “Not My Life” about human trafficking on Friday, March 2nd, the night before the workshop. Details are on the workshop registration page.
- ON OUR WEBSITE: Teachers can always visit our website, http://TeachUNICEF.org, for free lesson plans, activity sheets, videos, and podcasts on the full spectrum of UNICEF’s work, as well as suggestions for ways young global citizens can take action!
- ON SOCIAL MEDIA: TeachUNICEF is on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TeachUNICEF. “Like” us there to stay current on our new teaching material and other resources for the globally-minded educator!
Daniel Sadowsky
Assistant Director, Education
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
125 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
(212) 922-2512
www.unicefusa.org
2012 AmeriCorps Week! March 10-18, 2012
Every day, AmeriCorps Members across the country are making a powerful difference in communities and their own lives. Each year during AmeriCorps Week, we recognize the commitment of AmeriCorps Members and alums and highlight the extraordinary value AmeriCorps brings to our nation.
Our two main goals for 2012 AmeriCorps Week are to:
- help make AmeriCorps Members and alums feel part of something larger than themselves and their projects by connecting them with each other and a nationwide effort.
- communicate the powerful impact AmeriCorps has on critical national and community challenges and on the lives of Members and alums.
Our theme this year is “AmeriCorps Works.” This theme communicates the value and effectiveness of AmeriCorps while providing flexibility to be used in many different contexts. It provides an overarching framework to communicate AmeriCorps triple bottom line return on investment — for the recipients of service, the people who serve, and the larger community and nation.
A list of scholarships, awards, conferences, and workshops can be found here. This information has also been posted to the UCTE edWeb community. For more information about what is going on during AmeriCorps Week, please contact Willie Brown.
Job/Volunteer Opportunities
Rocky Mountain Teacher Fair
Click here for flier.
2012 Colorado-Wyoming Teacher Fairs
Please click HERE to get a complete list of Teacher Fairs!
Extreme Sports Camp Seeking Interns
Extreme Sports Camp, a summer camp based out of Aspen, Colorado is dedicated to teaching extreme sports, life skills, and social skills to children on the Autism Spectrum. We are starting to hire for our summer camp counselor and intern positions. Employment applications and program information can be found here.
Check-out an ABC news report from last season which profiles the work of the Extreme Sports Camp:
Contact: Justin Engels
Extreme Sports Camp, Office Staff
New DPS School Seeking Teachers
West Generation Academy and C3 (new schools in DPS for 12-13) will both be holding Open Houses for teaching candidates in the couple weeks. The Open Houses will allow candidates to learn more about each school and ask specific questions of the administration. These will not be interview events and candidates should not expect to meet with the school leadership one-on-one.
West Generation Academy is looking for teachers in all secondary subject areas but they have a particular focus on those with dual endorsements or bilingual skill sets. Click here for the flier!
C3 is looking for Elementary Education, PE/Dance and Special Education candidates. Click here for the flier!
Megan Hendricks | Denver Public Schools | Human Resources Recruiter
Office: 720-423-2604, Fax: 720-423-3121
Seeking Long-Term Substitutes
Monaco Elementary is seeking a long-term sub for a 5th grade class starting March 14th. Preferred candidate will have knowledge of smartboard technology. Contact Kevin Greeley for more information!
Rose Hill is seeking a long-term sub for 2nd grade class. Starting April 11th. Contact Samara Williams for more information
I am a former graduate of the IPTE (currently known as UCTE) program. I’m looking for candidates with experience working with children and thought that UCD’s UCTE students would be a perfect fit! Contact me if you are interested! Thank you!
Cheers,
Sarah Dempster, Arts Enrichment and Camp Coordinator
ArtReach, Inc. 303.433.2882 ext. 223
Teton County School District Seeking Spanish-Speaking Elementary Teachers
We are a relatively new dual immersion program that is also adding another strand next year. Additionally, we are looking to expand foreign language offerings for all students in the district. So, we are looking for Spanish-speaking elementary teachers for Kindergarten, 1st, 4th, 5th, and middle school. I am always happy to answer any questions you might have about the position. Thanks again in advance for your help!
Chad L. Ransom
Dual Immersion Coordinator/ Sheltered Instruction Facilitator, Teton County School District
Click here for flier!
Hello,
I work for Colorado Fusion Soccer Club and we have a few spring and summer job opportunities for your Education students. Attached are flyers for both spring coaching and summer camp counselor/coaching opportunities. The jobs only require a couple hours each week (and the summer camp is just 2 weeks out of the summer), and would be perfect for getting extra experience working with kids ages 3-8.
Thank you!
Carolyn Laymon, Outreach Coordinator for Colorado Fusion Soccer Club
7808 Cherry Creek S. Drive, Suite 401 | Denver, CO 80231
Office: 303.399.5858 x103 | Fax: 303.399.5862 Cell: 614.579.0426
Seeking Raza Studies Teacher
Hola,
The Denver Center for International Studies at Montbello, is potentially looking for a Raza Studies teacher to co-teach the U.S. History class alongside the U.S. Literature course that I will hopefully be teaching next year.
If you know anyone who has their teaching credentials/license for secondary education (or will have them by next school year) and can teach from a “true” Raza Studies perspective please pass this information along to them or feel free to forward this e-mail to any listservs you are on that might reach folks who are interested in a position like this. We want to revision the U.S. History and Literature courses so that they can be taught from a more culturally responsive and critical perspective.
If a person is interested in the position but they don’t have teaching credentials, we might be able to work something out. Anyone interested should reach out to me, and I can start arranging the next steps with my principal. My contact info is:
e-mail: zach_serrano@dpsk12.org
cell (call or text): 303-829-0069
Muchísimas gracias por todo su apoyo!
Zach
Zach Serrano
9th Grade Humanities Teacher, Denver Center for International Studies – Montbello