University faculty, public school personnel, Education Service Center staff and community members work together to design, implement, and evaluate educator preparation programs which serve the needs of the diverse student population of the region. Educator preparation is field-based . A significant portion of all educator licensure programs takes place in partnership schools. The integration of technology and effective teaching practices receives high priority . All participation partnership school classrooms equipped with at least one multimedia computer work station to prepare interns to use the technology they will encounter in their teaching careers.
School teachers assume partial responsibility for learning at the schools.
The quality and relevance of staff development receives high priority . The El Paso Collaborative for Academic Excellence includes mentor teachers and administrators in its continuous staff development activities. Nationally recognized authorities in teaching and school administration provide workshops seminars in which mentor teachers and University clinical faculty participate. Emphasis is placed on professional development programs which address the needs of diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, academic and socioeconomic backgrounds. A community involvement component is added to teacher preparation .