ORLANDO, Fla. – One local elementary school is blazing a trail for developing teachers early in their career paths.
Deerwood Elementary School is home to a unique partnership with the University of Central Florida, where education majors like Victoria Rozsypal are able to get hands-on experience before their actual internship.
Small groups abound in classrooms at Deerwood, helping reduce the student-to-teacher ratio thanks to the Active Observation Program.
"What really brought me back is the kids. Even though they change classes, they're loving, passionate kids, and all they want is to learn," Rozsypal said.
Principal John McHale developed the program to identify education majors who are serious about teaching careers. Right now, about 100 college students are participating. Fifth-grade teacher Sonya Santiago says she's fortunate to have two students helping in her classroom.
"We have a system when they come to school, they start working with the kids in small groups, one on one, even with the whole group," McHale said.
"I'm now able to work with small groups, pull kids who need instruction, have up to five small groups going at the same time and I know that each group is actively engaged in what they're doing," Santiago said.
For Rozsypal and other up-and-coming educators, the experience helps fuel their passion for teaching and many are hoping to start their careers locally.
"I hope I can get my first years here, after internship, keep my fingers crossed because I'm in love with the school," she said.
McHale says Deerwood is actually a model district-wide for the active observation component, and other schools are looking at possibly starting the program on their campuses.
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