Why is there a need for TEXT?

Many teacher education students are completing degrees and receiving certification without being adequately prepared to meet the needs of students representing a variety of backgrounds. Many graduates of teacher education programs may not have developed through their experiences a familiarity with a variety of teaching settings (urban, suburban, and rural). This situation often leads to fewer teachers with the proper preparation seeking teaching positions in urban and rural areas.

Through TEXT, students at Avila begin their first educational experience in TEXT practicum with two diverse placements within their field of interest (by grade level and curriculum area). This allows the students to discover if they are truly interested in teaching as a career and to discover the rewards and challenges of teaching in various settings.

Within TEXT practicum, professional mentors provide a role model for excellent teaching and receive assistance from the practicum students who are encouraged to observe and serve as a paraprofessional in each of their five, full-day placements (serving a total of 10 days with two different mentors). Graduate Certification students serve their practicum at one site for five full days.