College of Education and Human Development
Mason and Prince William School Districts Bring Together Their Education Leaders
October 23, 2013
George Mason University and Prince William County public school districts brought together their education leaders this week for a morning of partnership and shared dialogue.
The event, held at the Kelly Leadership Center in Manassas, was nearly a year in the planning and created a forum for university researchers and school system superintendents and administrators to share insights on common issues.
Allison Ward-Parsons (front right), assistant professor and academic program coordinator for Mason's literacy and reading program, discusses literacy research and practice with school representatives, including co-facilitator Dr. Roberta Apostalakis (front left), supervisor of language arts for Prince William County Schools.
Mark R. Ginsberg, dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Mason, and Steven L. Walts, the superintendent for Prince William County Public Schools, were the impetus. Each saw the advantages of bringing together K-16+ colleagues to discuss common issues and determine opportunities for collaboration that will positively influence student and teacher learning.
“The value of what we do together today is somewhat immeasurable,” said Dr. Ginsberg. “But I do know that what we do will have an impact on things we do measure.”
Mark R. Ginsberg, dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Mason, and Steven L. Walts, the superintendent for Prince William County Public Schools.
The event, which also included senior representatives from the Manassas City and Manassas Park City Schools systems, was an acknowledgement of the deep value that both the university and the school systems place on their many existing partnerships and relationships.
“Our hope is that out of these facilitated discussions, a community of practice will emerge that increases the relevancy and strength of our work together,” said organizer Joyce Dantzler, coordinator of school relations at CEHD.
School representatives selected ahead of time the eight issues that are top of mind for them, which were: online learning integration, teacher evaluation, professional learning communities, literacy, STEM, dual enrollment, English language learners, and special education. The university brought more than 15 professors and other key representatives to the meeting to discuss the research around these issues and to hear, in turn, from school system representatives how the issues manifest themselves in schools and classrooms.
Another purpose of the gathering was expressed by Dr. Walts, who noted that “colleges in Virginia do not produce nearly the numbers of teachers that we need.” He pointed out how rapidly the county is growing, the diversity of schools, systems, and communities within the county, and the value of Mason education graduates.
Professor Beverly Shaklee, Assistant Professor Jered Borup, and Professor Priscilla Norton were among those listening and discussing with district representatives in the online learning integration group.
Janine Sadki, director of ESOL for the schools, and Associate Professor Eirini Gouleta, academic program coordinator for Mason's multilingual/multicultural education program, discuss possible approaches for English language learners.
Associate Professor Scott Bauer listens as Dr. Janet Greer, director of professional learning, describes ideas around professional learning communities.
About CEHD
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the largest teacher preparation and education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a comprehensive range of degrees, certificates, courses, and licensure programs on campus, online, and on site. The college is distinguished by faculty who encourage new ways of thinking and pioneering research supported by more than $75 million in funding over the past five years.
For additional information:
- CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
- College of Education and Human Development: cehd.gmu.edu
- Graduate School of Education: gse.gmu.edu
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