Overview
The award-winning, nationally recognized Dynamic Learning Teacher Education Program at South Mountain Community College prepares future teachers to become experts in creating exciting and effective learning environments and leaders in their fields. It provides students with the necessary general studies courses, internships in public schools, and classroom experiences for a smooth transition into Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and University of Arizona. The courses in this program lead to degrees in:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Multilingual & Multicultural Education
Unique Features of This Program
DYNAMIC LEARNING/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:
Dynamic Learning students benefit from the program’s long-standing, strong partnerships with local elementary and high schools.
- Field placement/internships and special projects provide students with real-life, hands-on experience.
- Working closely with mentor teachers and principals, students observe classrooms, keep journals, plan lessons, tutor, and develop projects.
- These projects include developing after-school programs, planning book fairs, working with science and math fairs, and working as team leaders for 7th and 8th graders learning about the environment.
DYNAMIC LEARNING/UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS:
Partnerships with universities provide support for transfer students.
- For the past ten years, Dynamic Learning has had a strong partnership with the College of Education at Arizona State University. ASU provides personalized advising for students in the program, informational sessions, tours of ASU, and a spring conference featuring former Dynamic Learning students and ASU faculty.
- In the fall of 2007, Northern Arizona University is opening a building at SMCC which will house an elementary education program that builds on the students’ first two years with Dynamic Learning.
FOUR-SEMESTER LEARNING COMMUNITY:
Dynamic learning students benefit from moving through the four semesters of classes with other students who have chosen education as a profession.
- Instruction reflects a shift from teacher-centered classes to a cooperative, engaging learning experience.
- Students have the opportunity to form alliances and friendships, giving each other support at SMCC and at the university.
- Some classes are taught at the University Center downtown, giving students the opportunity to use museums, the library and other downtown resources to enhance their learning.
- Some classes are taught in blocks, allowing time for developing relevant projects and for other field work.
- Students work closely with faculty and professional staff for intensive advising and assistance.
The Dynamic Learning Teacher Education Program is committed to preparing highly skilled educational professionals who have sensitivity toward multicultural issues, knowledge of the unique needs and styles of individual learners, the ability to respond creatively to change, and awareness of the role of schools in promoting social justice.