Distinctive Programs
Westfield Professional Development Schools
The Westfield Professional Development School (WPDS) Network was established in 2001 when it became clear that a new and more collaborative relationship was needed in order to improve the work being done both at the college and in the elementary schools of the district. The WPDS original elementary schools were Abner Gibbs, Franklin Avenue, Highland, Moseley, and Southampton Road.
Reach-To-Teach
Reach-To-Teach is a Westfield State University Education Department initiative to reach out, recruit, and retain under- represented students in teacher preparation. Preparation of teachers has not kept pace with the increasing population of under-represented students in our public schools. Latino and African-American educators provide role models who can relate both professionally and personally to the needs of their students. Research suggests that under-represented students perform better academically when they have teachers who share their cultural heritage.
The Celebration of Teachers Event was begun by Dr. Jane Nagle and has been held each semester since the Fall of 1999, and annually since 2007. It is an opportunity for our students to honor an individual teacher who inspired them to teach.
The recipients are always honored to realize they have had such a profound effect on their students, many of whom they have not seen in years. This event truly celebrates the strong commitment to teaching that our students and honorees share. This is always a heartwarming and uplifting ceremony.
Teacher-In-Residence
Are you interested in becoming a teacher in residence?
The Teacher-in-Residence is a public school classroom teacher who joins the Westfield State faculty in a mentored one-year position. This individual teaches undergraduate curriculum and principles of teaching coursework. The Teacher-in-Residence is a member of the Westfield Professional Development Schools Network who works with faculty in program development and supervises student teachers. This individual works hand-in-hand with department faculty to support and improve teacher preparation practices at the college.
Begun in 2000, this program encourages veteran teachers to share their classroom experiences with students planning to enter the teaching profession. The Teacher-in- Residence Program benefits the individual teachers and the college. The teachers gain professional development experiences, the students gain insight into the real-world public school classrooms, and college faculty gain a valuable colleague.