Teachers training teachers: Charlestown High School recognized by IUS for helping student teachers

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April 23, 2012

Teachers training teachers: Charlestown High School recognized by IUS for helping student teachers

By JEROD CLAPP jerod.clapp@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Mon Apr 23, 2012, 08:27 PM EDT

CHARLESTOWN — For helping future educators get a taste of teaching, Charlestown High School has been named school of the year by the School of Education at Indiana University Southeast.

Charlestown High has worked with IU Southeast to bring in student teachers since 2012. Faye Camahalan, chairwoman of the Faculty Development and Student Support Committee at IU Southeast, said helping education students get hands-on experience is crucial to training good teachers.

“The quality education really starts with the teacher,” Camahalan said. “If we do not teach them well, they won’t be ready to be real teachers in the classrooms.”

Keith Hedges, principal, said accommodating student teachers is important for their education, but also important for schools to make sure they get real-world experience.

“We have a lot of teachers that were trained by [IU Southeast],” Hedges said. “They have always opened their doors to the people of Southern Indiana and we feel its important to maintain that relationship with them.”

But the university has also helped the school when they’ve been in a pinch for a teacher. Hedges said when teachers have gone on medical leave, he’s been able to call IU Southeast to see if there’s another student who can fill in for that faculty member.

James Hollenbeck, associate professor of secondary science education, said he’s glad to see Charlestown High get the award.

“They are recognized for their strong student-centered programs that assist our graduates participate in and help them to learn from strong teachers skill. they will need to succeed in their future career,” Hollenbeck said.

The school will get recognition at a public reception in the Hoosier Room at IU Southeast at 4:15 p.m. Monday, April 30.