By Deseray McKinzy
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced Wednesday that it was recently awarded a two-year grant of $469,420 to support teacher preparation programs for students through its Educator Preparation Program that was provided by the Windgate Foundation.
In the University’s news release announcing the award, they said that they intend to use the funds to continue its improvements to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP), over the next two years, starting this fall. UAPB also announced that the program will be providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to be prepared for their first day in the classroom.
The article further explained that the program aims to increase the number of highly effective educators by supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices that prepare, develop, and strengthen the skills of UAPB students through the EPP’s transformative competency-based curriculum.
Dr. Wanda Newell, dean of UAPB’s School of Education was featured in the news release and said, “We are deeply appreciative of the Windgate Foundation’s support for helping generate transformative work that impacts our education students.”
UAPB added that the funds allow the School of Education to develop, expand, and evaluate practices by providing education students with robust training, mentorship, academic supports, and scholarships that will produce future high-quality teachers. Also that the School of Education will help collect information about the program’s performance and provide important feedback to improve the educational experience for teacher candidates.
The Executive Director for the Windgate Foundation, Patricia M. Forgy said, “Windgate is proud to be able to provide support to UAPB as they work to enhance and create greater educational opportunities for future teachers. We look forward to hearing of their successes and
accomplishments in the coming year.”
Chancellor of the University, Laurence B. Alexander said, “The Educator Preparation Program is another way we are showing our commitment to supply our students with innovative and aggressive preparation for successful careers.”
