| Teaching and learning constitute the central mission of Western Carolina University and the commitment to service, research, and creative activities complements this mission and extends the benefits of its scholarship to society. More specifically: “The College of Education and Allied Profession (CEAP) strives to provide leadership and technical assistance for the improvement of teacher preparation and elementary and secondary schooling in North Carolina, the nation, and developing countries. The College is strongly committed to partnering with the public schools in order to educate pre-service teachers to teach all children to high standards, to assist beginning professional educators to be successful and remain in the profession and to provide quality staff development for career professional educators” (CEAP Strategic Plan, Mission Statement).
The Center for the Support of Beginning Teachers is designed to address identified needs of WNC teachers and build upon established partnerships, programs and initiatives. The Center will sponsor and conduct research examining the effects of induction programs on teacher retention and new teacher development. Professional development activities will be tailored to the region and include experiences intended to result in highly qualified teachers who implement classroom activities that promote high student performance.
The Center will collaborate with the School-University Teacher Education Partnership, specifically the Induction Committee which provides support for new and initially licensed teachers, assesses the needs of beginning teachers, and works to meet these needs.
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