Service-learning is a strategy both taught and used in the program to achieve knowledge, skill, and disposition outcomes for our teacher education students. As a result, students move through the program in diverse cohorts. Additionally our partners are communities that are endeavoring to find proactive ways to respond to changing demographics and school reform. These sites provide opportunities for Gustavus faculty and students to learn and to contribute in new and authentic ways. And so, we have shaped our program and our practices to model our philosophical framework.
Students enroll in our program by meeting with the coordinator for initial advising.
This typically happens very early in the student's first year at Gustavus in both group and individual sessions. Students create a detailed plan for applying and advancing through the program. At that time also, students are assigned an ongoing education advisor who gets to know them and helps them continue to refine a personal plan. Secondary and K-12 teacher education students are also assigned an advisor in their major to serve as a mentor within that discipline. Regular communications are sent via e-mail regarding such things as events, opportunities, and proposed program changes.