December 09, 2019
Though a national report released Dec. 3 shows enrollment declines in teacher-preparation programs across the United States
— including more than 50 percent in Indiana — Trine University continues to experience
growth in the number and quality of its teacher education students.
“The strong student growth of our Franks School of Education has been a true team effort,” said Anthony Kline, Ph.D., dean of Trine’s Franks School of Education. “From our passionate student-centered faculty, excellent coaches and dedicated Office of Admission, we all work collectively to attract high-quality students. We are proud that this year's freshman secondary education majors had the highest high school GPA of any major on campus.”
The report from the Center for American Progress examined federal data from 2010 to 2018 and found that almost the entire country saw declines in teacher education program enrollment over that period. Nine states, including Indiana, saw drops of more than 50 percent during that time.
However, Trine University has seen the number of its education majors increase by 92 percent over the past four years.
Kline attributed Trine’s success to multiple factors, including an average class size of 13 in major-related courses, 100 percent job and graduate school placement over the past seven years, and getting education majors into area schools during their first year on campus.
“We have enhanced all programs to better prepare our graduates for day one in their classrooms,” he said. “We have completely redesigned our classrooms on campus to provide students an incredible learning environment. We provide our students with options to earn multiple teaching licenses within four years or less.”
Trine University education students also can earn certification in Google Classroom and in Project Lead the Way programs for STEM education, and receive training in the Responsive Classroom system for classroom management.
“We provide more than just a teaching degree,” Kline said. “We have designed a unique program that prepares students to be that teacher who will change students' lives.”
Twenty-five Trine University students, along with high school students from Angola and Kendallville, learned how learned how drones aid law enforcement during a special presentation on Oct. 20.
At an event offered as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Trine University students not only learned about the issues surrounding domestic violence today, but took away insights on how to combat it in the future.
Trine University students, employees and members of the community will have the opportunity to play, watch and create characters for video and board games at the university’s Art of Games event.