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Ga. State tests new teaching program in Fayette

Georgia State University has selected one of Fayette's elementary schools as the site for a pilot teacher training program.

The university and Huddleston Elementary have joined forces to implement a program called Vertical Supervision, which places interns and student teachers in all grade levels, K-fifth, at the school. After completion of their degree requirements, GSU students who have been in the program from start to finish will have experience working in all levels of elementary education.

“Huddleston and its staff provides the type of role models that our students need to experience and be a part of to become the best teachers that Georgia has to offer,” said Teresa Hampton, supervisor in the Department of Early Childhood Education at GSU.

While Georgia State has interns and student teachers at other elementary schools in the county, including Crabapple, Tyrone, Hood Avenue, Oak Grove and Peachtree City, Huddleston is the only Fayette school with the Vertical Supervision program. In fact, it is the only school in the state that is a test site. Principal Becky Maddox said GSU’s selection of Huddleston is the result of several years of working and developing a relationship with the university to increase the number of student teachers it places in the county.

“Most students go to systems that are closer to GSU. We have had student teachers at Huddleston in the past but not as many as this fall,” said Maddox.

A total of 14 interns and six student teachers are at the school this semester working in all grade levels. Their work started the week of preplanning where the student teachers got an insider’s look at what goes on behind the scenes to get ready for the school year. Typically student teachers do not attend preplanning sessions but that is a component of the pilot program. The students say the experience gave them valuable insight into how a school prepares for an entire year of teaching.

“It was good to be here from the beginning to see the procedures. We learned that it takes time to prepare for the year and that these lesson plans don’t just come from magic,” said student teacher Mandy Head, who left the computer industry after eight years to pursue a teaching career. “We read books about procedures but they don’t always help or tell you everything. This is an invaluable experience.”

Maddox said the program is a win, win situation for students, teachers and Georgia’s future educators. She said it also benefits her as a principal when she has to fill teaching positions.

“I have the opportunity to see the best future teachers and have them trained in Fayette and Huddleston’s policies and procedures. When it comes time to fill vacancies, I can select from the highest qualified applicants,” said Maddox.

Hampton said if the Vertical Supervision program is the success she believes it will be, then the program will branch out to other schools and counties next year.

“I know that it will benefit our future educators. They get to see well-modeled classrooms as well as the benefit of having seen the progression of what they will be doing after graduation. All of this will help us build a great teaching base for Georgia,” adds Hampton.