Aspiring Elementary School Teachers Invited to Prospective Student Information Session

(September 26, 2007 ­ Littleton, Colo.) Adams State College (ASC), Arapahoe Community College (ACC) and the Douglas County School District (DCSD) invite anyone interested in becoming a K-6 elementary school teacher in the south metropolitan area to attend a prospective student information session at ACC's University Center at Chaparral (UCC) on October 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. ACC's UCC is located just three miles east of I-25 at 15653 Brookstone Drive in western Parker. ASC advisors will be available to evaluate transcripts for potential program placement. Advisors will also counsel students about the role of the program's three partners (ASC, ACC and DCSD). Refreshments will be served.

Referred to by the partners as "The Triple Play Elementary Education Teacher Preparation Program," the curriculum is the only one of its kind in the Denver area. "The Triple Play," enables students to attend all four years of their bachelor's degree to become a teacher in the south metropolitan area. First, students earn the first two years of their degree from ACC faculty (culminating in an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in Elementary Education Transfer). After completing the ACC coursework, students transfer to ASC and receive the last two years of their teaching education from ASC professors at ACC's University Center at Chaparral (culminating in a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Elementary Education teaching licensure).

Further, during the program, teaching students gain the on-the-job experience they need by completing their teaching practicum at elementary schools within the Douglas County School District. Bobbie Kuminka began the "Triple Play" program in 2005, is currently completing her student-teaching assignment and expects to graduate soon. Kuminka found pursuing a teaching program in the south suburbs a huge advantage as she balances the demands of work, school and being a single parent of two teenagers. "During my coursework, I met with the same group of students three nights per week and became very close to them," remarks Kuminka. "It was a great support group which I needed going back to school at an older age." Adds Kuminka, "The program's faculty are very knowledgable, well respected and the curriculum is right on target with what is being taught in Douglas County schools. I am finding as I teach that I have received very relevant knowledge to instruct students."

ACC Early Childhood/Teacher Education Coordinator Linda Forrest points out that the evening and weekend hours of the program give students like Kuminka a highly convenient way to pursue a rewarding career in Elementary Education." Adds ASC's Assistant Provost for the Extended Campus Dr. Sandra Starnaman, "Not only can they earn upper level Adams State College credits in Douglas County without traveling to Alamosa, they can pursue their entire degree close to home." Concludes DCSD Director of Certified Recruitment, Jack Kronser, "We are absolutely delighted to give these future teachers their first instructional experience in our district."

The prospective student information session will include short presentations from the various partners as well as former and current students in the program. For more information contact Linda Forrest at 303.797.5784.

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