SOUTHWEST CENTER NEWS
December 2021

The Southwest Center and Educator Preparation Programs at KSC wish you a peaceful holiday season filled with warmth and joy!
sparkling-snowy-trees.jpg
KSC Educator Preparation Accreditation
Call for Comments

Keene State College has held Accreditation by the Council of Educator Preparation (formerly, The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, “NCATE”) since 1954.
 
The Educator Preparation Programs at Keene State College are hosting an accreditation visit by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) from April 3rd to 5th, 2022. Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments to the evaluation team. Please note that comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of professional education programs offered and should specify the party’s relationship to the provider (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates).
 
We invite you to submit written testimony to:
Email:
 
Postal:
CAEP
1140 19th Street NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036 
 
Such comments must be received by February 18, 2022 and based on the core tenets of CAEP accreditation standards of excellence, which recognize that:
  • In CAEP’s performance-based system, accreditation is based on evidence that demonstrates that teacher candidates know the subject matter and can teach it effectively so that students learn. In the CAEP system, EPPs must prove that candidates can connect theory to practice and be effective in an actual P-12 classroom.
  • A professional education provider that is accredited by CAEP is expected to be involved in ongoing planning and evaluation; engaged in continuous assessment and development; ensure that faculty and programs reflect new knowledge, practice, and technologies; and be involved in continuous development in response to the evolving world of education and educational reform.
  • Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of professional education programs offered, and should specify the respondent’s relationship, if any, to the institution (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates). Copies of all correspondence received will be sent to the university for comment prior to the review. 

Dr. Tanya Sturtz
Associate Dean
School of Arts, Education and Humanities
Educator Preparation Leadership
Keene State College
 
KSC Educator Preparation Accreditation website: https://www.keene.edu/office/teachered/accreditation/
Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement

The SW Principals Collaborative group were fortunate to have a presentation by Scarlet Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, at their November meeting. Here is a 37-minute recording of the presentation if you would like to learn more.
SW NH Principals Collaborative & SW Student Services Leaders

The SW NH Principals Collaborative and Student Services Leaders groups provide support to leaders in the southwest region of New Hampshire through regularly scheduled meetings to discuss pertinent issues, share resources, and participate in professional development opportunities. The groups currently meet virtually on a monthly basis. If you are a principal or student services leader in our region and would like to join either group, please contact Betsy Street for more information. Meeting schedule for 2021-22
Graduate Education Options
at KSC

Interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Principal or Teacher Leadership? Do you want to be certified to teach Special Education? KSC can meet your needs.

We are accepting applications for the Educational Leadership M.Ed., Post Masters M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, or Special Education options. Our Educational Leadership and Special Education programs are nationally accredited and meet New Hampshire certification standards (grades K-12).

Email Steve Bigaj (or call 603-358-2782) if you are interested in customizing a graduate course for yourself or your school or district, or for more information about our programs.

Email Lance Neeper (or call 603-358-2589) for information about Special Education options.
Customized Courses & Programs for Educators

The Southwest Center and Education Department at KSC can work with your school or district to design a program to meet your unique needs. Some examples of the work we've been doing are:
  • A multi-event Culturally Responsive Teaching Initiative with the Hopkinton School District
  • Customized courses with the Monadnock Regional School District
  • A multi-year Leadership Academy with the Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District
  • A Leadership Academy with the Hinsdale School District

Contact Steve Bigaj if you are interested in learning more about these innovative initiatives!
Calling All Educator Preparation Community Members!

Are you a KSC alum? Join the LinkedIn KSC Educator Preparation Program Learning Community group. It’s for KSC Educator Preparation Program current students, graduates and faculty to exchange professional development information and continue working as a team to have impact on the K-12 students we serve. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8912489/
News & Resources from the
NH Bureau of Student Wellness and Nutrition

Follow the NH Bureau of Student Wellness and Nutrition on Facebook
KSC has partnered with VESi to provide online courses for CEUs

Courses offered for 2.7 or 4 CEUs with fees starting at just $325.

 
SOUTHWEST CENTER FOR EDUCATOR SUPPORT AT
KEENE STATE COLLEGE
Contact: Steve Bigaj
sbigaj@keene.edu / 603-358-2782