GVSU, Holland schools create partnership

Educators at Holland Public Schools and Grand Valley State University believe not only does it take a community to raise a child, it takes a community to raise a teacher.

Under a new partnership established between the two institutions, Grand Valley education students will participate in a teacher-training program at Washington School, a K-5 school in Holland's historic district. Marcia Bishop, HPS superintendent, announced the partnership at a school board meeting on June 17.

Bishop said Washington School was selected because of its diverse enrollment and active community center. Washington School serves 267 students; it also houses a community center that is open daily until 6 p.m.

'The staff and students learn from the diversity, celebrate it, and value their community,' she said.

Anne Mulder, interim dean of GVSU's School of Education, said the partnership involves students and Grand Valley faculty and staff, who will engage in 'front line' initiatives with the school.

'Our hope is that when our students emerge from this year-long experience they will be well-versed in the teaching/learning community that constitutes a school within a specific environment,' Mulder said.

The program, designed by Grand Valley and Washington School faculty, will begin in January 2003.