Campus Connection

Called 'Outstanding partner in education'

[caption id="attachment_26595" align="alignright" width="385"] The La Crosse School District recognized UW-L as an outstanding partner in education with an award presented Sept. 16. Pictured, from left, La Crosse Superintendent Randy Nelson, UW-L Provost Heidi Macpherson, La Crosse School Board President Connie Troyanek, and UW-L Chancellor Joe Gow.[/caption] The Board of Education for the School District of La Crosse has recognized UW-La Crosse for its partnership with the district. “The university is an outstanding partner in education,” says Superintendent of Schools Randy Nelson. “From providing professional development opportunities for our staff to hands on learning opportunities for our students, we value our relationship with UW-La Crosse and we know that we are fortunate to have such a fine working relationship.” The board gave the recognition at its meeting Sept. 16. UW-L provides multiple opportunities for their students to volunteer and complete clinical and student teaching requirements in La Crosse schools. It not only provides value to college students, but also La Crosse School District students benefit from one-on-one and small group instruction. Joint grants have provided professional development for La Crosse School District teachers in the areas of math, science and history. The installation of high definition video systems at the high schools allows university students to observe high school science classes directly from campus, allowing pre-service teachers the opportunity to observe high quality instruction. The School District of La Crosse and the university have also partnered on a variety of professional development opportunities. For the past two summers, a jointly organized Blended Learning Institute has provided technology education for teachers, university instructors and university students. This summer the district and university partnered on the organization of the recent Educators’ Symposium, a two-day conference that focused on professional learning communities. The university is also a key partner in the district’s international education programming. UW-L provides Spanish clinical students at North Woods International School, guest speakers for Logan Middle School’s Global Fridays presentations, along with coordinating Chinese exchange teachers from Luoyang each year. Each month the Board of Education is recognizing a community or business partners that have made an impact in the school district. “This is an opportunity for us to acknowledge and thank our partners for the important contributions they make to our schools and students,” says Board of Education President Connie Troyanek. “We want them to know that their commitment to our district doesn’t go unnoticed and is sincerely appreciated.”