Shorter University Associate Professor of Education Dr. Kristy Brown and the teacher-candidates in her class have been familiar faces at North Heights Elementary School throughout the 2015-16 school year. On Monday, April 4, the fourth grade students and teachers with whom they have been working returned the visit.

Students in the fourth grade classes of Ashlyn Ritch and Jennifer Campbell visited the Shorter University campus, where they were talked with Vice President of Student Affairs Corey Humphries and Head Football Coach Aaron Kelton. The students took part in a campus tour and were able to ask questions of current Shorter students and to have lunch in the university cafeteria.

“We were so excited to have the North Heights students visit campus,” Brown said. “Fourth graders need to set goals and know that college is attainable. We are happy to provide a resource to help them because we know that if they can see it, they can believe it and then achieve it.”

The campus visit is the culmination of a year-long partnership in which North Heights has allowed Dr. Brown to hold classes at their school two days a week. After the teacher-candidates in Shorter’s School of Education finish their own lesson for the day, they then worked with the fourth graders in small groups, helping students in the area of writing.

“This a tremendous opportunity for our teacher-candidates because they are working with students two hours for two days a week,” Brown said. “Principal Tonya Wood and Ms. Ritch and Ms. Campbell have hearts of gold, and they want the best for the students at North Heights. They are strongly student-centered, and Ms. Wood wants what is best for their students. She recognizes that this partnership is preparing our teacher-candidates to be ready to promote student learning from their first day as teachers.”

Ms. Ritch said the experience has been mutually beneficial for North Heights and Shorter. “I think the Shorter experience has been good for all parties involved. I feel blessed that our Literacy Coach and Administration are willing and confident enough to let Dr. Brown and the students come in and teach. I wish that there had been such an experience for me my first year.”

Through the partnership, Dr. Brown has worked closely with Ms. Campbell, a first-year teacher, aiding in the induction process. The Shorter graduate says that the added support of the Shorter faculty and students have been invaluable in her first year in the classroom.

“The benefits of this partnership have exceeded all of my expectations,” Ms. Campbell said. “Dr. Brown has been an asset to my classroom. My students have received more one-on-one instruction than I could have ever given by myself. The Shorter University candidates have formed relationships with my students that will never be forgotten.

“Although this was designed to help college students prepare for their future endeavors, I can’t help but point out how much my fourth grade students have learned from this experience. I believe having Shorter candidates in our classroom twice a week and touring the campus will brighten their future and create more opportunities for students. I am very thankful to be a Shorter University graduate and now a partner with the education program.”

Photo Gallery

Photos by Daniel Ware, student photographer

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its list of best Southeastern Colleges. Shorter is a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, and four master’s programs. Learn more about Shorter at www.shorter.edu.

###