Discussion to focus on preparing great teachers

“Creating Tomorrow’s Great Teachers: Innovative Programs of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College” is the topic of a complimentary lecture and discussion from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., March 13, at Arizona Broadway Theater, 7701 W. Paradise Lane in Peoria. The event is part of a series of premier community outreach opportunities offered by the ASU Foundation for A New American University through its President’s Community Enrichment Programs (PCEP).

Sign-in is from 6:30 to 7 p.m. and includes refreshments. The program, which includes time for Q&A with the audience, runs from 7 to 8:30.

The speaker is Elizabeth Hinde, director of teacher preparation for Teachers College. She will discuss the innovative ways in which ASU is responding to society’s need to prepare excellent teachers.

“Teachers College, which is active on all four Valley campuses of ASU as well as in several communities around Arizona, has received national attention for the innovative ways we are preparing teachers. I look forward to a lively discussion with attendees about the challenges facing K-12 education and how we are responding to them,” Hinde said.

“As we face a state and national need to create the next generation of outstanding teachers, Teachers College has increased the rigor of course offerings, is collaborating with faculty from other ASU colleges in developing new courses for aspiring teachers, and now requires an enhanced full academic year of clinical experiences – formerly known as student teaching – that is unique in Arizona,” Hinde said. “In addition, world-renowned experts in science, technology and other areas have joined the Teachers College faculty.”

Hinde’s presentation is hosted by PCEP and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Through these premier community outreach events, PCEP connects metropolitan Phoenix and other Arizona communities to ASU’s visionary scholars and ideas through multi-week courses, single lectures and custom campus tours. PCEP showcases how ASU is creating solutions to the major challenges of our time and is a unique gateway to greater involvement with the university.

Admission and parking for the event are free; R.S.V.P.s are required. Attendees may register online at www.asufoundation.org/pcep. For more information, call (480) 727-7208.