Working Together to Prepare Math and Science Teachers

Tennessee State University and Warner Enhanced Option School have developed a partnership over the past three years that enhances the development of both pre-service and classroom teachers.  Through the Strengthening Instruction in Tennessee Elementary Schools-Focus on Mathematics (Sites-M) grant, the opportunity to work together to improve student success has enabled both schools to delve into what works best with students, as well as prepare future educators with a real world experience in  meeting the multiple needs of students.  Teacher candidates are able to work with large and small groups of students throughout their enrollment at TSU.  This gives them an opportunity to hone their craft and makes them better prepared math and science teachers.  In addition, classroom teachers get the benefit of serving as mentors to future educators as well as having the opportunity to see new strategies and ideas that TSU teacher candidates bring to their classrooms. 

This partnership works because of dedication and reciprocity from both the university and the school.  The leadership for Tennessee State University comes from Dr. Marcia Millet.  Dr. Millet is the instructor for the math and science course in the education department at TSU and serves as site coordinator for clinical experience at Warner.  She works closely with Principal Lori Flemming in order to place candidates with Sites-M mentor teachers.  Dr. Millet has a dedicated day each week where she is at the school working with both teacher candidates and mentor teachers on effective math and science instruction. She conducts observations, provides professional development and assists her teacher candidates with coordinating a Math and Science Night for students and their families. Dr. Millet, teacher candidates and mentor teachers are able to discuss best practices in math and science from a shared experience.  Teacher candidates are able to experience the essential components of being a teacher prior their residency year,” Millet said. Candidates are immersed in the classroom setting and have opportunities to co-teach math and science lessons with their mentor teachers. “I learned many new techniques in how to get the students engaged and excited about math” and  “I liked that students are taught that it is okay to solve problems by different methods and that they don't have to do it the teacher's way,” said Krystal, a teacher candidate enrolled in the program.

Having Dr. Millet on site along with her teacher candidates greatly benefits the teachers and students at Warner. Lori Flemming, principal of Warner Enhanced Option School, said “…having another adult in the room helping them [students] understand the concepts is an added resource.  I think we all have the responsibility of providing a differentiated learning experience for our students.  The practicum students from TSU allow us to accomplish that goal and in turn provide successful academic experiences for our children.”