Education Department Newsletter, September 22, 2017

Posted on Categories Newsletter

  Spring 2018 Student Teaching Announcement: Teacher candidates in general education (every content area other than special education) who will be ready to student teach in Spring 2018 are required to attend a mandatory Information Session to learn about the application process. “Ready to student teach” means you are done with all of your licensure coursework before the term in which you student teach. In order to learn more, attend the remaining session:

Saturday, September 23, 10:00am-12:00 pm in the Marshall Room of Christensen Center

If you have a class or work conflict, contact Barbara West (westb@augsburg.edu) immediately to make other arrangements. Understand that learning the application process after September 23 will put you behind in the endeavor to secure a student teaching placement.

New  Civic Literacy Project: The Civic Literacy Project is an opportunity to learn about civics in partnership with teachers at Anne Sullivan School, 3100 E 28th St, Minneapolis. The project dates are every Friday starting October 27, 2017 until the end of April 2018. Earn more than 20 hours of field experience. Four mandatory training sessions are required. Questions? Contact Joaquin Munoz <munoz@augsburg.edu> or Ann Marie Yacobucci <yacobuca@augsburg.edu>. More information may be found at: <http://bit.ly/CivLit>.

New  Geofest 2017: Geofest 2017, a social studies curriculum event open to pre-service teacher candidates, takes place Saturday, October 14th at Washington Technology Magnet School in St. Paul. Participants will learn from, and collaborate with, professionals who have developed creative ways to enhance social studies curriculum.  Presentations include: the newest in geospatial technologies, the many uses of HyperDocs, ArcGIS, and MN Landscapes-introducing our own giant map of Minnesota!

Registration and session information can be found at: <http://lt.umn.edu/mage/geofest-minnesota/>. (Rates increase on October 6, 2017.)

  Attention Augsburg teacher education students: All undergraduate level courses taken to fulfill requirements for a teaching license must be taken at the traditional grading system (A, B, C…), and students must earn a C or better. A grade of C- is not sufficient for the teaching license. Starting fall 2017. A “P” can be earned with a C-, thus the P/N option is not allowed for the teaching license. Teacher licensure candidates with questions about this policy should speak with Peg Finders, Chair, Department of Education <finders@augsburg.edu>.

  Special Education candidates and ABS licensed teachers: Legislation impacting academic and behavioral strategist licensure (ABS) has changed.  ABS continuing licenses may be issued and renewed without requiring the candidate to hold or be recommended for licensure in any other field.

This means that those holding an ABS license will NOT be required to seek additional anchors to maintain their teaching licenses.

  Teacher Candidate Grant Funding Available for Qualified Students: The Office of Higher Education is excited to announce the application for the Teacher Candidate Grant is now available. The Minnesota Teacher Candidate Grant provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in Minnesota teacher preparation programs during one term in which the student is completing a required 12-week or more student teaching experience. On a funds available basis, selected undergraduate and graduate students may receive awards of up to $7,500. Applicants must intend to work in an identified shortage area and/or belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce to be eligible. Go to: <http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2248> for more information.

  Jobs at Avalon Charter School: Avalon Charter School is hiring Special Education Assistants for the upcoming year. More information is available at: <http://www.avalonschool.org/about-us/employment>.

  Jobs in Fridley: The City of Fridley Recreation Department is looking instructors for their Fall Youth Programs. There are a variety of positions available in the After-School (3:30-5:30 p.m.), Evening and Weekend hours instructing classes (sports, crafts, games, etc.) for pre-school, elementary and middle school age children. Staff are scheduled monthly, working anywhere from 1 to 5 days each week, $10-13 per hour depending on experience. To apply online go to: <https://fridleymn.gov/1148/Online-Job-Application>. For further information contact the Fridley Recreation Dept. at (763) 572-3570 or e-mail <margo.numedahl@fridleymn.gov>.

Submitting news to Augsburg:

  • To the Education Department News: Send your news to Joseph Erickson at C.B. 312 or erickson-AT-augsburg.edu.
  • To the Augsburg Now published by the Augsburg College Office of Public Relations and Communication: Send your news to C.B. 145 or now@augsburg.edu.
  • To the daily A-Mail electronic newsletter: Go to AugNet Home Page and login. Then click on “Submit News and Announcements” link.

Connecting with Alumni and Friends:

Augsburg College provides several ways to stay connected with Alumni and friends. Here are some links to get you started:

  • Alumni Information Update: Submit news and contact information changes to the college’s Alumni Office.
  • TC2 New Teachers’ Blog

Other Sources of News for K-12 Teachers:

Here are links to some of the very best online news sources for K-12 teachers:

  • Education Week
  • Teacher Magazine
  • Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (also, subscribe to ASCD SmartBrief, a daily email news resource delivered right to your inbox).