Saturday, June 28, 2008

Union Institute & University Announces Tuition-Free Semester for Student Teachers

MIAMI, FL- In keeping with its mission of social responsibility, Union Institute & University (UI&U) today announced a full tuition scholarship available to learners during their student teaching semester. UI&U learners enrolled in UI&U’s teacher certification program are eligible for the scholarship, which waives their entire tuition while they student teach.

“We believe our learners deserve our full support in their efforts to accomplish this important educational goal,” said Dr. Marie Bogat, dean of the Florida Center. “Becoming licensed classroom teachers will make all the difference in their future, at the same time that it fulfills the need that presently exists in South Florida for more teachers.”

Union Institute & University administrators and staff decided on the scholarship in response to a number of their students who felt it difficult to support themselves and families while student teaching. Committed to providing a rigorous and progressive education to under-served and non-traditional adult learners, UI&U believes this scholarship will have far reaching and positive implications on the public school system as a whole.

“Since a crucial part of the teacher certification process involves student teaching, prospective school teachers must often quit their jobs in order to accommodate their teaching schedule,” said Frank Scala, coordinator of student teachers for the Florida Center, located in North Miami Beach that serves working adults from around southeastern Florida. “The financial burden is such that many committed and talented educators elect not to go through the process of student teaching rather than complete their degree.”

To be eligible for this scholarship, a UI&U learner must meet all the requirements of UI&U’s Florida-based programs. This includes successful completion of all requirements leading to a Bachelor’s of Science degree in their elected major (Elementary Education K-5, Exceptional Student Education K-12, Physical Education K-12, Secondary Math, Science, English or Social Sciences grades 6-12).

A review committee has been established to oversee that each prospective candidate has met all of the requirements before being recommended into the program.

For more information contact Frank J. Scala, Coordinator of Student Teachers for Union Institute & University’s Florida Academic Center – 800-486-9968.

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