Catawba College is offering high school seniors interested in teaching an opportunity to apply for some of the largest teaching scholarships currently being offered by a N.C. college or university. Ten of the $13,000 scholarships, which include an additional $2,000 for eligible N.C. residents, are being offered for the 2007-2008 academic year.
Those who successfully apply and are awarded these funds will be designated Teaching Scholars at the College and will be eligible to participate in a variety of new enrichment opportunities designed especially to develop future educational leaders. The opportunities include travel opportunities and special culturalEvents, as well as leadership seminars, community service, and scholarly research and presentations. Early field experiences, beginning in the freshmen year, as well as training in advanced instructional technology to enhance student learning are an integral part of special curriculum for scholars. Those in the program enjoy small classes and regular personal interaction with faculty.
"Catawba has a long history of excellence in Teacher Education," says Dr. Jim Stringfield, Chair of the Teacher Education Department, "We see these scholarships as a way to invest in our future educational leaders while helping meet the teacher shortage both in our state and the nation."
Prospective students must complete both an application to Catawba College and an additional application for the prestigious Teaching Scholarship. Teaching Scholars' selection criteria include factors such as SAT/ACT scores, high school GPA, and demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to teaching.
Catawba has offered Teacher Education programs in Salisbury since 1925. As of 2006, more than 200 of its graduates have been employed as educators in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools and the College has a strong history of employment in education outside the immediate area. Each year since 2004, 100 percent of the institution's graduates who took the Praxis II passed it, placing Catawba's Teacher Education program in the first quartile of such programs in N.C.
Catawba's Teacher Education Program is nationally accredited through the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). It offers a major in Elementary Education (K-6) or Middle School (6-9), as well as a minor in Secondary Education (9-12) with licensure in English, Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry and Comprehensive Science, and Comprehensive Social Studies, and a minor in Special Subject Areas (K-12) with licensure in Music and Physical Education. A program leading to licensure in the special field of Reading (K-12) is also available.
Additionally, Teacher Education offers a graduate degree program. Practicing or in-service teachers having an initial or continuing license in Elementary Education may pursue a Master of Education degree in Elementary Education (K-6).
The Department currently has 80 students progressing through its program and all of its faculty have public school experience. Dr. Cynthia Osterhus, who serves as Assistant Professor of Teacher Education, is a former N.C. Teacher of the Year and was selected to participate in NASA's Teacher in Space program. Other faculty in the Department include Professor of Education, Dr. Lou Ann Kasias; Assistant Professor of Teacher Education Dr. Rhonda Truitt; Professor of Physical Education, Dr. William "Bill" Russell; Professor of Physical Education and Recreation, Dr. Patricia Whitley; Associate Professor of Music, Dr. Stephen Etters; and Director of Curriculum Materials Center, Ms. Amanda Bosch.
For more details on the Teaching Scholarships or the Teacher Education Department at Catawba, contact the Catawba College Admissions Office at (704) 637-4402 or visit www.catawba/edu/teachingscholars. Applications for admission to Catawba and applications for the Teaching Scholarships are available online or by mail.
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