Wyoming launches distance elementary ed program

  A partnership involving the University of Wyoming's College of Education, UW Outreach School and the state's community colleges to deliver the second half of the elementary education degree throughout the state using distance delivery options was formally unveiled Thursday.
   Individuals who have been unable to complete the bachelor of arts degree due to lack of access to the UW/CC program in Casper or the UW-Laramie campus will now be able to complete the degree from their home community.
   Graduates of the three-year program will receive a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education. They also will complete most of the requirements for early childhood endorsement in Wyoming and will have an opportunity to continue course work completing that endorsement through a six-hour internship during the summer 2011 semester.
   The statewide program responds to ongoing requests by community college personnel and site-bound students interested in earning education degrees from UW. This collaborative project addresses an ongoing need and provides a win-win for education in Wyoming, according to College of Education Dean Pat McClurg.  
   Students can complete program prerequisites at any of Wyoming's seven community colleges. The UW College of Education and the UW Outreach School will then deliver all courses via online, videoconferencing or hybrid formats, with some face-to-face meetings to be centrally located in Casper. Students will complete field experiences such as Student Teaching in nearby schools.
   "What we tried to come up with was the best combination of courses, requirements and timing to fit the particular needs of site-bound students," Alan Buss, Head of the UW Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education, says.
   The first 35-member cohort will enter the program in the fall 2008 semester, with a spring 2011 completion date for the bachelor's degree. Students must have met program prerequisites prior to admission.
   Early interest in the program is high, according to Program Coordinator Sharyn Polley. More than 30 individuals had contacted her expressing interest prior to this official announcement.
   The deadline for submitting application packets to Polley is April 15, 2008. Packets must include a program application form, a copy of the student's admission letter to UW, a current copy of all post-high school transcripts, and evidence of a substitute teaching certificate.
   For more information, visit the University of Wyoming Teacher Education Program website (http://www.uwyo.edu/ted -- click on the "Statewide ELEM Program Pilot" link)or contact Polley at (307)587-9974, e-mail: srusk@uwyo.edu.

Posted on Friday, November 09, 2007