The University of Michigan recently admitted eight Washtenaw Community College students as part of its incoming cohort of future teachers in the U-M Teacher Education program.
Transferring to U-M this fall, six students plan to study elementary education while the other two pursue secondary education.
“Many of the WCC students who applied had both experiences with children and course work that conveyed a strong commitment to developing skills and expertise needed to continue on the path of teacher education,” said Dr. Timothy Boerst, Chair of Elementary Teacher Education at U-M’s School of Education. “It’s clear that WCC students are enthusiastic about learning to teach and we are excited to welcome them to our program.”
Boerst notes the number of students transferring from community colleges to U-M’s Teacher Education program has increased in recent years. He also points out the substantial increase in the number of applications and admissions from WCC reflect the recent work to enhance communication and support transitions between WCC and the U-M Teacher Education program.
“Having eight students accepted for transfer to the U-M School of Education is a fantastic testament to the quality of students we have at WCC,” said Kris Good, Dean of Arts and Sciences at WCC. “These individuals have worked very hard and should feel extremely proud. We are also proud, as an institution, of the relationship we are building with the U-M School of Education to ensure this opportunity exists for many more WCC students in the future.”
For Charles Held—one of the eight students admitted, enrolling at U-M might not have happened if he hadn’t enrolled at Washtenaw Community College first.
“WCC helped to clarify my career path, elevate my aspirations, and empower me in my pursuit of working in education,” he said.
By Princess Gabbara
Writer, Public Relations