NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - Monroe College is launching a new program next semester that it hopes will smooth the transition for teachers working in high-risk schools.
The Bachelors in Early Childhood Education is a new track for the 7,000-plus student body. Education was the fourth most pursued major for undergrads in 2010 behind health sciences, social sciences, and business, according to the Department of Education.
Josephine Moffett, dean of the school of education at Monroe, said she has seen a high turnover rate for teachers in schools that are considered high-needs.
Within about five years, most of the teachers leave, said Moffett. In order to support the teachers in those high needs schools, Monroe realized that we needed to provide a different kind of program based on real-word support to make sure that our students not just get the jobs in teaching but also stay in the community and stay to help students.
Candidates in the program are expected to fulfill about 400 hours of student teaching field work, which is nearly double the average most students experience. Moffett said once enrolled in the program, students will have to work in classrooms and see teacher-student interaction very quickly.
Acceptance into the program is competitive. Candidates must have at least a 3.0 grade point average, two letters of recommendation, an essay, placement tests and pass a background clearance.
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