Lees-McRae College has established a promising partnership with Curriculum Associates aimed at better equipping its Teacher Education majors for the challenges they will face in their first teaching roles. This collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between educational theory and practical classroom application, ensuring that new teachers enter their positions with confidence and familiarity with the curriculum they will be required to teach.
Director for Teacher Education, Kimberley Simmons, highlighted a common issue in teacher training: while colleges focus extensively on pedagogy—encompassing lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement—many candidates lack exposure to actual teaching materials until they are in the classroom. “When you walk in as a first-year teacher, you often find yourself overwhelmed by ‘Teacher’s Editions’ of the curriculum, expected to teach right away,” Simmons explained. Recognizing this challenge, Simmons aimed to alleviate some of this anxiety by incorporating practical resources into the teacher training program.
Through her connections with alumna and trustee Julia McCombs, Simmons reached out to Curriculum Associates, a leading curriculum development company utilized by numerous school districts in North Carolina. The partnership allows Lees-McRae students to access demo accounts for Curriculum Associates’ math (iReady) and reading (Magnetic Reading) curricula. This initiative is reportedly the first of its kind for teacher education programs in North Carolina.
By using these resources, students can compare the iReady math curriculum with their lesson plans, gaining practical insights and enhancing their educational experiences. Simmons emphasized the advantage this gives students in job applications; being familiar with widely-used curricula like iReady and Magnetic Reading not only boosts their confidence but also makes them more attractive candidates to potential employers.
Simmons, drawing from her extensive 18 years in the classroom, noted the common gap in teacher preparation regarding familiarization with Teacher’s Editions. “Our focus has often been on pedagogy, but we want our students to feel ready and competent when they step into their own classrooms,” she said. The hope is that by incorporating practical experiences with standard curricula into their education, students will have a more solid foundation upon entering the teaching profession.
This innovative partnership between the Lees-McRae Teacher Education program and Curriculum Associates is expected to enhance the educational landscape for future teachers, serving as a model for improved teacher education initiatives across higher education.
