WHS Proud of Its State University Partnership

All of us here at Woodland Heights School are extremely proud of our ongoing partnership with the Education Department at Plymouth State University. WHS has quickly become a 'destination school' for students enrolled in the teacher preparation program at PSU. Many come to Woodland for their first classroom observations in regular or special education, their 'practicum' which involves their first real teaching experiences under the close and supportive eye of their experienced and talented WHS mentor teacher, and/or the culminating and final experience of their preservice teacher training: 'student teaching'.

We are honored to have the opportunity to work with fledgling teachers and contribute to their growing professional competence. In this effort, we also have the opportunity to contribute positively to the continued excellence and bright future of our profession. Woodland Heights School is, after all, a true learning community. We offer an education, as well as personal and professional growth for all students, staff, families, and 'teachers in training' who elect to become part of our Woodland Heights School community.

How do PSU and it's students benefit from our partnership? The PSU students who come to our school enjoy a carefully structured learning experience during which they can discover new talents and refine their teaching skills as they prepare for a career in Education. Under the care of exceptional professional models in a unique facility design, we offer a technology-enriched and progressive academic program, as well as opportunities to work with a diverse student population.

How do WHS and it's students benefit from our partnership? You 'know you know it' when you can teach it. Our cooperating teachers have risen to the top of their profession, performing at exceptionally high levels and are ready to teach future educators what it is, and what it means, to be an outstanding teacher. Through this 'teach the teachers' process, we become more mindful of our practice and achieve further refinement of our program and its delivery. Having the college students 'in the house' tends to make us all stand a little taller, perform a little better, and causes us to reflect on all that we do at WHS and how we do it. In essence, the process offers both a test and a validation for us -- one that continuously contributes to our overall school improvement effort.

We are extremely pleased and proud to have the opportunity to welcome 16 Plymouth State University students through our doors every Friday morning over the balance of the school year. Our school is a brighter, stronger, and even more caring community with them in the fold. With PSU on our team, everyone wins; especially our students!