UofL, school districts sign agreements to help future teachers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - What’s the secret to inspiring more Kentucky high school students to become teachers? Answer: start early, offer hands-on learning, provide access to experienced educators and help students earn college credit while still in high school.

Those are the main goals of a University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development initiative that kicks off this semester. The Teaching and Learning Career Pathway Program is a collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Education.

The college has signed memorandums of understanding with three Kentucky school districts—Jefferson, Bullitt and Gallatin counties—and expects to sign agreements with more districts in the next few weeks. The contracts leverage the Kentucky Dual Scholarship Program, a statewide initiative administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority that funds college-level courses for high school students.

“When a high school student expresses an interest in teaching, we want to do our part to help and inspire that student,” said Amy Lingo, the college’s associate dean for academic affairs and unit effectiveness. “Those who earn college credits during high school have a big leg-up because they have already saved time and money and are better prepared for the academic rigors of college.”

University officials expect about 100 students to take part in the teacher education-focused curriculum during the 2017-2018 academic year. High school students will enter the pathway as freshmen with a sequence of courses that include The Teaching Profession, Foundations of Instruction and Building Learning Communities.

UofL is one of four institutions participating in the pilot program. The other universities are Murray State, Northern Kentucky and Kentucky State.

Completed classes count toward either an education degree or as general education credits. For more, contact Lingo at 502-852-0563 or amy.lingo@louisville.edu.

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