Educator Preparation
The Preparation to Practice Group (PPG) provides central administrative roles for teacher education in the College of Education and Human Development. We engage College programs for recruitment, preparation, and program improvement.
The DirecTrack to Teaching (DTT) program is coordinated by PPG staff in coordination with student services. Through DTT motivated freshman and sophomores can apply for early admission in the teacher education program. DTT students are required to take two courses, complete 100 hours of classroom volunteering, and attend professional development meetings. As a result of admission to DTT, the students can take several of their masters-level foundation courses early, which shortens the number of credits they have to earn for licensure.
Clinical Learning is a central support function for practicum and student teaching experiences that lead to licensure. PPG clinical learning activities include maintaining partnerships with 150 plus districts for purposes of student teaching placements, establishing training and development materials for cooperating teachers and university supervisors, and managing central data systems for placements and evaluation of student teaching.
Program Evaluation and Accreditation services are provided to educator development programs by PPG. These services include the aggregation and reporting of central performance data, the conduct and summary of surveys of our completers and their employers, and support through the state program approval and national accreditation processes.