Tapteal Elementary hosts WSU Tri-Cities Teaching Laboratory School dedication | News
WEST RICHLAND, Wash. — WSU Tri-Cities College of Education and the Richland School District (RSD) are collaborating to give more experience to student teacher candidates. Tapteal Elementary School has been designated as a ‘WSU Tri-Cities College of Education Teaching Laboratory School.’
These students get to add more skills to their toolbelt, earlier than others.
“I didn’t get to do learning walks until I was in my 12, 13th year of education, and it was like, really? This was all here, and I didn’t get to see it? So, it’s a huge gift that you’re giving, and the fact that we have about 85% of our students stay in our region, it’s benefiting our region. We’re taking care of home, for decades. So, thank you for that,” said John Mancinelli, the field services director with WSU Tri-Cities.
This Laboratory School partnership is unique. Unlike traditional practicums, where student teachers are placed in one classroom, WSU Tri-Cities teacher candidates are able to observe several.
One student, Aracely Mendoza, said she’s gotten to be in classrooms across Tapteal Elementary since early September, and she has gotten access to observe multiple classrooms and teachers. She is a third year student, and in her first semester in the education program.
“Every classroom is so different. I feel like the young ones are just like, so like, they want to bond with you, they want to talk to you, and the older kids also want to bond with you. But it’s in such different ways, so it’s just been awesome getting to know how each grade level is so different, but also so alike,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza said she is grateful for this experience.
“They’re welcoming us into the school as teacher candidates, and it is super helpful. It means a lot to us,” Mendoza expressed. “Not everyone had this opportunity, and they’re able to take us in as volunteers, and just to have us learn from their staff as well.”
WSU Tri-Cities students led mini tours of the elementary school, to showcase what they’ve learned.
In addition to Tapteal, Maya Angelou Elementary and Rosalind Franklin Elementary in the Pasco School District have also volunteered to be a part of this new program. That will happen next month.
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