news-category: Academics GWU College of Education Secondary Education Programs Achieve Perfect Score By Office of University Communications On May 13, 2020 Teaching Candidates Earn 100 Percent Pass Rate on edTPA Assessment BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For the second semester in a row, the Gardner-Webb University College of Education and its secondary education programs have received a perfect—100 percent pass—rate on the edTPA. This performance-based, subject-specific assessment and support system is used by teacher preparation programs throughout the United States. Success on the edTPA demonstrates a student candidate’s readiness for a full-time classroom teaching assignment.“This is an impressive, external endorsement of the quality of our College of Education and secondary education faculties, and the programs they have put in place,” noted Dr. Ben Leslie, provost and executive vice president. In addition, nine of the 19 GWU candidates scored in the range of Highly Qualified (HQ). If these candidates also achieve the appropriate GPA, they are guaranteed at least a $3,500-$4,000 bonus added to their starting salary. “This achievement is a predictor of the impact candidates will have as teachers on student growth,” affirmed Dr. Prince Bull, dean of the College of Education. “It also validates the data on the NCDPI (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction) dashboard that ranked Gardner-Webb teachers No. 1 for two consecutive cycles, 2015/2017 and 2016/2018, in percentage of beginning teachers ranked proficient or above at 99 percent.” An essential part of edTPA is the evidence the candidate must submit on how he or she has planned, taught, and assessed lessons to deepen student learning and success, noted Donna Suttle, GWU instructor of education. “Each content area has a different handbook with specific instructions related to planning, content tasks, teaching and videoing requirements, student work samples, assessments, and commentaries to write,” she added. “The success of GWU students with edTPA points to a team effort. The GWU College of Education and other undergraduate content courses have embedded edTPA components into the instructional process of teaching and learning. Education candidates are quickly introduced to the edTPA academic language, lesson plan development, commentary requirements, and rubrics for assessment.” Following these early courses, candidates are provided the opportunity to continue to deepen their understanding of effective teaching and how to address edTPA requirements as they take education courses. “Candidates are provided ongoing feedback with each course edTPA assignment and through edTPA Boot Camps,” Suttle shared. “The recognition for passing edTPA requirements is vitally important. Students must pass edTPA requirements in order to obtain a clear N.C. teaching license.” Learn more about the Gardner-Webb College of Education. Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.
News Article Gardner-Webb Students Start Needlework Club Focused on Crafting, Community, and Creativity Threaded Together Welcomes Both Experienced and Beginner Crafters By Marianne Luedeman, GWU-Today Lead Writer BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A group of Gardner-Webb students have started a new needlework club named Threaded Together. Officially recognized by the Student Government Association, the club has an interest meeting today, April 23, from 4-7 p.m. in Room 103, Dover Library. Club […] Office of University Communications | April 23, 2024
News Article Gardner-Webb Division of Student Success Opens Lounge to Support Commuter Students New Space Offers Students a Place to Relax, Study, Access Lockers, and Eat BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb commuter students now have a new dedicated space on campus to relax between classes, study, have access to lockers, or warm up a packed lunch. The Commuter Commons opened Thursday, April 18, on the Third Floor of Tucker Student […] Office of University Communications | April 19, 2024
News Article Gardner-Webb to Award Degrees in Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 2 More than 500 Graduates will be Honored for Achievements BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University will host its Spring Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in Spangler Stadium. Families and guests will celebrate the achievements of more than 500 students in traditional undergraduate, online, and graduate programs of study. The program will include speeches […] Office of University Communications | April 19, 2024