K-12 education
The College has extensive faculty involvement in teacher training and the enhancement of K-12 education. As a student, you’ll not only be prepared to join the next generation of educators, but also have the opportunity to participate in community programs that encourage children, particularly from underrepresented populations, to pursue a college education and careers in math, technology and science.
Teachers in the community are also invited to receive professional development through VCU’s continuing studies programs in the Division of Community Engagement.
- College and campus initiative
- Academic programs
- Community resources
College and campus initiatives
The following VCU programs and initiatives offer opportunities for student and faculty involvement in K-12 education in the community.
College initiatives
- Math faculty members Bill Haver, Reuben Farley and Aimee Ellington are involved in efforts such as the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition to strengthen math instruction work in elementary, middle and high schools.
- William Eggleston, chair of the Department of Forensic Science, received funding for enhancing biotechnology and forensic science education in the K-12 classroom, with community partners including Richmond Public Schools, Charles City County Schools, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Virginia Department of Forensic Science and the Virginia BioTechnology Research Park. This effort will enhance biotechnology and forensic science K-12 education through continuing education workshops, mentoring and providing kits and resource kit access.
- The Science Technology and Society program brings engineers, scientists, doctors and health professionals in training, as well as undergraduate or graduate students of the humanities and social sciences together for a cutting-edge lecture series about science and society.
- Sallie Hunnicutt, assistant professor of physical chemistry, is working to enhance chemistry education through a National Science Foundation-funded project that supports high school chemistry teachers and students in conducting research during the summer.
- College faculty such as Bob Fisher, Helen Ruth Aspaas and Alyson Baski teach courses for future and current teachers that bring science to life.
- Laura Browder and undergraduate student Kate Fagan brought VCU English department alumni, undergraduate students and faculty to the John B. Cary School to lead creative writing workshops for third grade classes. The project culminated with the publication of an illustrated literary magazine created by the students.
- Shawn Utsey, associate professor of psychology, has received support for the Peep This project and will work with African-American adolescent males in developing film projects focusing on Richmond history.
- Faculty like Pat Cummins and Kathy Murphy Judy, who coordinates the Foreign Language Educators’ Exchange, work with the community to strengthen language instruction.
- The Center for Psychological Services and Development offers counseling and consulting for individuals, families and organizations in the community.
- The VCU Clark-Hill Institute for Positive Youth Development works with a range of community partners to reduce risk for Richmond youth.
- Our Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory provides research support for many public and private nonprofit organizations.
- The Wilder School’s Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute supports the development and implementation of public policy that improves elementary and secondary education through research, policy analysis, service to school divisions and support services for local, state and national educational policymakers.
Campus initiatives
- The School of Education’s Center for School-Community Collaboration works to prevent and reduce youth problems in Virginia by working with school and community leaders throughout the state, while its Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium brings University faculty and local school leaders together to apply research to improve education and develop programs.
- The Virginia Department of Education’s Training and Technical Assistance Center at VCU offers a variety of services tailored to assist personnel in schools, interagency coordinating councils and state-operated programs.
- The VCU Rice Center provides an outdoor, living laboratory for students of all ages to study our surroundings hands-on.
- Many VCU students volunteer and support success among elementary and high school students by tutoring or mentoring. Learn more about volunteer opportunities on campus and across the state, such as the Carver Promise Program and the Virginia Mentoring Partnership.
Academic programs
Education for secondary teachers within the commonwealth of Virginia involves undergraduate training within the academic discipline of focus. A large number of VCU’s middle and high school teachers in training are students in the College; as a result, we have strong collaborative relationships with the School of Education. If you’re interested in elementary education, the College also offers a major in liberal studies for early and elementary education, which results in a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. All these degrees require completion of a Master of Teaching (through the Extended Teacher Preparation Program) or a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Teaching for certification to teach.
Community resources
The following school systems and educational resources in the community partner with VCU to create unique learning experiences for K-12 students and educational opportunities for our students in the College.
