FSU/PDS Partnership Expands

New teachers will be better prepared for real school contexts. Public school teachers will have more opportunities for professional development. Thanks to the expansion of Fairmont State University's Professional Development School Partnership, educators at the P-12 and higher education levels will be closer partners in providing stronger public education for West Virginia.

Over the past 15 months, the PDS Partnership at FSU has grown from three schools in Marion County to 40 schools in Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor and Wetzel counties. Through the partnership, FSU teacher education students gain expert knowledge from experienced teachers in the public schools, and FSU faculty collaborate with practicing teachers and share professional development opportunities to support each others' practice.

"I am extremely pleased that so many schools have been engaged in our expansion process over the past several months and that 40 public schools have chosen to work more closely with Fairmont State University," said Barbara Owens, FSU Director of Clinical Services and PDS Partnership Director.

"Together, we will put together a structure that will blend the knowledge and skills of public school educators with university faculty to ensure more support for future teachers as well as continued professional development for practicing educators. The Professional Development School Partnership is critical to the goals and future direction of the School of Education at FSU."

The PDS Partnership has collaborated with West Fairmont Middle on their 21st Century Pilot School program through the Department of Education. Training for teachers in the public schools hosting FSU student teachers has been offered for supervising, observing and classroom assessment. Last summer, the Partnership held a joint conference on 21st Century initiatives for FSU faculty, public school administrators and teachers. In April, the Partnership is jointly hosting a two-day professional development conference for its partners focused on 21st Century initiatives and the Appalachian culture; by the end of the second day of the conference, teachers will have developed a unit they can take back to their schools. Also in April, a "Salute to Professional Development Schools" featuring state professionals is planned. The event will allow representatives of the PDS Partnership to have dinner and network with those from other schools.

"Marion County Schools are very pleased with the progress being made with the Professional Development Schools in Marion County," said Dr. James Phares, Superintendent of Marion County Schools. "Barbara Owens has worked tirelessly to bring professional development directly into the schools, and the collaboration with aspiring teachers will strengthen the young teacher skills for schools of the 21st Century."

The following schools in Marion County are part of the FSU/PDS Partnership: Barnes Learning Center, Barrackville Elementary/Middle, Blackshere Elementary, East Dale Elementary, East Fairmont High, East Fairmont Junior High, East Park Elementary, Fairmont Senior, Fairview Elementary, Fairview Middle, Jayenne Elementary, Mannington Middle, Monongah Elementary, Monongah Middle, North Marion High, Pleasant Valley Elementary, West Fairmont Middle, White Hall Elementary.

The following schools in Harrison County are part of the FSU/PDS Partnership: Big Elm Elementary, Bridgeport High, Liberty High, Lumberport Elementary, Norwood Elementary, Nutter Fort Primary, Nutter Fort Intermediate, Simpson Elementary, South Harrison High, Robert C. Byrd, Washington Irving Middle.

The following schools in Monongalia County are part of the FSU/PDS Partnership: Cheat Lake Elementary, Cheat Lake Middle, Ridgedale Elementary.

The following schools in Preston County are part of the FSU/PDS Partnership: Bruceton, South Preston Middle, West Preston Middle.

Taylor County Middle in Taylor County is part of the FSU/PDS Partnership.

The following schools in Wetzel County are part of the FSU/PDS Partnership: Hundred High, Long Drain Elementary, Short Line Elementary, Valley High.