Some Teacher Education students at Missouri Southern are going back to high school this fall. It’s all thanks to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) recently approving an off-site cohort in the McDonald County R-1 School District.
So what does it mean?
“When students enter this cohort they can complete their BSE in Elementary Education, grades 1-6,” said Dr. Susan Craig, interim department chair of Teacher Education. “They don’t have to come to campus to take classes. Everything is delivered there.”
The key part is its authenticity – a two-year program that will take students from tentative admission to graduation, and will include practicum, or field placements – located in a partner school.
“That’s unprecedented at Missouri Southern,” said Lorinda Hackett, interim dean in the School of Education. “And what makes this particularly unique is that not only can they complete their degree, but it’s located in a school where the students will receive the kinds of experiences that aren’t as easily maximized when they’re taking classes here on campus – because they’re in a school.”
The cohort’s geographical location will be favorable to both MSSU students and transfer students in the region. It will also assist less traditional students, many of whom are parents, because classes won’t typically begin until 9 a.m. and will be finished by mid-afternoon.
Its existence will benefit McDonald County, as well – considering MSSU students will have the opportunity to do their student teaching within the R-1.
Missouri Southern professors Dr. Jennifer Stegall, Dr. Jeri Goswick and Brian Neugebauer will
teach at the new location beginning in the fall.