The first cohort of the Elementary Masters Program of WSSU recently gathered for their last class before their upcoming May graduation at Outback on April 20. The group, consisting of teachers from Cooleemee, Cornatzer, Pinebook, and William R. Davie Elementary Schools, celebrated with two of their professors from Winston-Salem State University, Dr.Cassaundra El-Amin and Dr. Edwin Bell.
The Elementary Masters Program operating at Pinebrook Elementary School began as a dream for Dr. Robert Landry (now Superintendent of Davie County Schools), then an assistant professor of education at the Graduate School of Winston-Salem State University, three years ago. Dr. Landry recognized that it was a hardship for his teachers to leave school immediately and work on advance degrees.
Front row (left to right): Dr. Cassaundra El-Amin (WSSU professor), Tracy Miller (Pinebrook), Crystal Donley (William R. Davie), Christin Howard (Pinebrook), Emily Moore (Pinebrook), Dr. Edwin Bell (WSSU professor) Second Row (left to right): Kathy Mannino (Cornatzer), Sunni Collins (Cooleemee), Wendy Drane (Pinebrook), Tracie Welch (Pinebrook), Leah Hayes ( Cornatzer)
“Nine students from across the Davie County Schools enrolled and are graduating. A third cohort is also underway and an interest meeting for a fourth cohort will meet in May,” said Landry. ”The Masters Program provides teachers comradeship as they progress through the program and work towards their action research and graduation.”
The master’s program requires three years to complete includes classes in all core subject areas, with an additional focus on performing action research. Graduate students also gain knowledge in preparing portfolios, which can be submitted for National Board Certification.
Davie County is working with WSSU to offer an elementary undergraduate program for teacher assistants lacking certification, but who are field tested and upon completion of the program may apply for teaching opportunities in that school system.
