FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2003

TRENT’S CONSECUTIVE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM RECEIVES PROVINCIAL ACCREDITATION

Program begins August, 2003

30 years after the closure of the Peterborough Teachers College Trent University’s School of Education and Professional Learning is pleased to confirm that the University’s consecutive education program has received official accreditation status from the Ontario College of Teachers.

"The decision by the Ontario College of Teachers is an affirmation of the high quality of teaching and learning that Trent University is building into its new consecutive education program," says Dr. Deborah Berrill, Director of Trent’s Teacher Education and Professional Learning program. "It is also a positive reflection on Trent’s decision to offer a full time and a rare part time program that responds to the changing needs of today’s students."

Dr. Berrill stressed that the accreditation is a result of strong partnerships with the local district school boards and teaching federations. She also highlighted the important role that Trent faculty from different academic disciplines have played in developing and advocating for a Trent consecutive program.

"Community partnerships will continue to be crucial to the program’s future," said Dr. Berrill. "Providing education students with placements in local schools, delivering ongoing professional development programs for educators, and recruiting high quality faculty to deliver courses will be supported by the connections we build with the wider community." The School of Education and Professional Learning anticipates it will recruit an additional two full time and nine to 15 part time faculty.

Applications to Trent’s program have exceeded expectations. A total of 2,797 applications were received by the December 2, 2002 deadline. Over 300 offers have been sent resulting in a full complement for first year classes. The 126 full time and 75 part time students will be organized into two divisions: primary/junior and intermediate/senior. The full time program is split evenly between these two divisions.

Dr. Avis Glaze, Director of Education, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, stated that Trent University’s teacher education program is responding to provincial and community needs. "We need new teachers. Our school district will benefit tremendously from having a teacher education program at Trent. We would like to do everything possible to support this initiative and to find practicum placements for new teachers. At KPR we have a stake in the success of Trent’s program. Our Board needs Trent graduates to stay in Peterborough and teach in our schools."

David Hill, Director of the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, said this is "tremendous news for Trent University and the education community in the region." He added, "I am extremely pleased that students in our area who aspire to become educators will have access to a new program in our own backyard. The accredited program will provide great benefits for the Trillium Lakelands Board and to aspiring teacher education students throughout the Trent valley area."

Michael Langlois, Director of Education, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, stated, "This announcement opens the door to an infusion of education professionals within our local community. The unique part-time option provides choices for those individuals who cannot give up employment or be absent from family responsibilities. Trent University is renowned for its commitment to educational excellence and I am confident that this commitment will be reflected in the caliber of its teacher education graduates in the years to come. Congratulations on receiving provincial accreditation – we welcome the opportunity to continue our excellent working partnership with Trent as its embraces this exciting new venture."

In addition to Trent’s Consecutive Bachelor of Education program, the University offers a Concurrent Bachelor of Education program in conjunction with Queen’s University, and an Emphasis in Teacher Education program, within a Bachelor of Arts or Science program.

A motion passed by the College of Teachers states, "That the Accreditation Committee, in accordance with O. Regulation 347/02, Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs, grant initial accreditation to the proposed consecutive Primary/Junior, and Intermediate/Senior program of professional education at Trent University for a period of two years."

More information about teacher education at Trent University is available at: http://www.trentu.ca/education/

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For more information contact:
Dr. Deborah Berrill,
Director of Teacher Education and Professional Learning,
(705) 748-1011, ext. 1376