K.C.-Area elementary education grads honored at reception
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Thursday, December 6, 2007
A partnership that is helping ease the shortage of elementary school teachers in the Kansas City metropolitan area will be celebrated at a reception tonight. What’s provoking the festivities is the graduation of 11 more students in an elementary education program jointly operated by Emporia State University, Kansas City Kansas Community College and Kansas City Kansas Public Schools.
“The purpose of the reception is to first congratulate the eleven December graduates,” said Fred LeMaster, ESU early childhood/elementary education instructor, and student advisor for the program. “We also want to further weld this partnership by recognizing the individuals from ESU, KCKCC, and USD 500 who make this four-year degree possible for students in the Kansas City area.”
In the fall of 2002, ESU made its nationally-acclaimed elementary education program available in the Kansas City area through Kansas City Kansas Community College. Students who enroll in the program complete a two year Associate of Arts degree from KCKCC, and then continue to get a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Emporia State.
Emporia State sends its instructors to the KCKCC campus, meaning students can continue their education without having to drive long distances to the classroom. Classes are offered in late afternoons, evenings and on weekends, allowing students to plan around daytime family and work schedules. The students complete their student teaching in the Kansas City, Kans., or Olathe school districts.
ESU representatives planning to speak at the graduation reception include Tes Mehring, dean of ESU’s Teachers College, and Jean Morrow, Elementary Education Department chairperson. Also to be introduced are administrators from USD 500 and KCKCC, including members of the community college’s Board of Trustees.
The 11 students recognized will receive gifts from ESU’s Alumni Association and from the Lifelong Learning office, which is responsible for directing and coordinating all distance learning program offices for Emporia State.
For more information on ESU’s Elementary Education program in the Kansas City area, call (913) 288-7373 or e-mail elemadvi@emporia.edu.