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Fieldwork
Springfield College students are placed in high-quality, culturally-responsive classrooms in order to become teachers who are highly qualified, confident, and competent classroom leaders. Emphasis is on learning best practices for teaching across the curriculum.Notes From The Field: Brian Dutko, class of ’06:
“For me, the best part of my teacher preparation was doing my prepracticum and practicum at Kensington Avenue Magnet School!” This quote from Brian Dutko, class of ’06, typifies the sentiments of all early childhood and elementary education majors.
About Kensington Avenue Magnet School:
Kensington Avenue Magnet School located in the heart of Springfield (93% reduced lunch) is our partner school, a living laboratory for successful urban education. Each student spends at least 130 hours during Junior year teaching alongside model teachers in grades K through 5 practicing the Responsive Classroom® approach. Students mentor fifth graders and celebrate children, parents and families in a culminating exhibition at Springfield College. Kensington Avenue Magnet School is an IBO International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and uses an inquiry-based multicultural curriculum that provides experiences for students and pre-service teachers offered nowhere else in this area. It is the only Responsive Classroom® school in Springfield. It is an exceptional model for excellence in teaching, teaching children who are English Language Learners, immersion in multicultural classrooms with experienced teachers, and access to trainers of Responsive Classroom® methods. Embedded in the ideals and “amazing attitudes” at Kensington Avenue Magnet School are Springfield College’s values: Humanics Philosophy. Springfield College education honor society, Kappa Delta Pi, has selected Kensington Avenue School at their literacy partner and donates books for their library each year.
Sheree Nolley (the coordinator of college/school partnerships at Kensington) has been my most positive role model for teaching in my college career. She treats every child equally and believes everyone can succeed.” Adrienne Baker ‘07
“I have never seen such an enthusiastic school. Everyone is a family. I can’t believe how lucky I have been to learn how to teach at such a wonderful school and with such caring people.” Jackie Alessi ‘07
