Student Involvement in K-12 Education

Practicum

Most courses in the Teacher Education Program require a practicum in a school classroom or similar setting.  Although the course-related assignments differ, all students participating in a practicum are expected to become active participant-observers, working closely with their host teachers, interacting with individual students as well as with small groups, and (whenever possible) assisting with classroom instruction.  Some additional courses in Music Education also provide students with practicum experiences in traditional and non-traditional classroom settings.   For example, students from Associate Professor Brigetta Miller’s General Music Methods I class work with the Mom’s Club at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton to teach parents and young children music that enhances early childhood development.  A recent article in Lawrence Today, “Tiny Tunes”, profiles the students’ impressions of this invaluable learning experience.

Tutoring Programs

Lawrence students are involved in a number of different tutoring programs.  Through the Center for Teaching and Learning on campus, students serve as peer tutors for specific classes or academic skills, including writing, oral communication, quantitative reasoning, and time management/study skills.  For more information about tutoring through the CTL, please visit the CTL website. Many students also reach out to the local schools and community by becoming involved in one of the following K-12 tutoring programs:

Lawrence Assistance Reaching Youth (LARY) Buddy Program

LARY Buddies are matched with Edison Elementary students to provide them with help and support both in and out of the classroom. LARY Buddies mentor elementary students who are in need of extra help due to familial difficulties, learning disabilities, or social problems.  They do everything from working on homework, to playing games, to attending class with their mentees.

VITAL Tutoring

VITAL Tutoring is a free service provided by Lawrence student volunteers for elementary through high school students in the Fox Valley area.  Lawrence student volunteers are matched with K-12 students who need help in academic subjects. Volunteer tutors arrange to meet with each tutee for one hour per week at the Seeley G. Mudd Library at Lawrence University.

Partners Reaching Youth in Science and Math (PRYSM) Partnerships

The PRYSM program partners Lawrence women undergraduates with an interest in science and/or math with 7th and 8th grade girls from Roosevelt Middle School. These partnerships are designed as one-on-one opportunities to encourage girls in their math and science classes and help them develop self-confidence in their skills and interests. The partners meet weekly at Roosevelt and make occasional visits to area destinations of science interest.  

ArtsBridge America

ArtsBridge America is an innovative and nationally recognized arts education outreach program headquartered at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. LU ArtsBridge provides stipends to qualified Lawrence students (ArtsBridge Scholars) to develop and teach arts-based projects in school classes at all levels, from elementary through high school.  Through projects in the visual arts, dance, drama, and music, K-12 students come to learn about history, geography, and science.

The String Project of the Lawrence Academy of Music

In partnership with the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), Lawrence University was selected to implement a String Project—a teacher-training program for college students that also provides area children with affordable instruction on the violin, viola, cello, and string bass.  Classes are taught by Lawrence University Conservatory of Music string majors under the supervision of Lead Teacher Carrie Gruselle, a certified, experienced strings instructor. 

Professional Development for Teachers

Mielke Summer Institute in the Liberal Arts at Lawrence

The Mielke Summer Institute is a liberal arts approach to the professional development of K-12 educators from the Appleton and Shawano public schools.  Each year, it provides participants with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the liberal arts while exploring new ideas and examining issues of cultural and societal importance from a multidisciplinary perspective.  The week-long Mielke Summer Institute is held at Lawrence’s Björklunden campus in Door County.

Summer Institute for Secondary School Teachers

The Summer Institute for Secondary School Teachers is an intense enrichment opportunity for teachers of Advanced Placement or other accelerated courses for high school students capable of college-level work. Classes, limited to 15 to 20 participants each, are taught primarily by Lawrence University faculty members, who also assist the participants with the development of curricula and materials appropriate to individual needs and interests. Special workshops are held with experienced teachers.  Four or six units of graduate credit are available (equivalent to two or three semester hours).

Recognizing Teaching Excellence

Lawrence Awards for Outstanding Teaching in Wisconsin

The Lawrence Awards for Outstanding Teaching in Wisconsin recognize two outstanding Wisconsin teachers each year with monetary awards and citations of excellence presented at Lawrence’s annual Commencement ceremony.  Teachers are nominated by former students who are graduating seniors at Lawrence.  Winners are selected based on how effectively they communicate their subject to students, create a sense of excitement about their subject, motivate students to work toward excellence in academic achievements, and show evidence of genuine concern for students both in and out of the classroom.