CU-Bloomsburg, Berwick Partnership is a Win–Win

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2. CU-Bloomsburg, Berwick Partnership is a Win-Win

A unique partnership between Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg and the Berwick Area School District is creating meaningful learning opportunities for both future teachers and current educators. During scheduled early dismissal staff development days, Berwick's faculty members participate in professional development sessions and collaboration, while University education majors step into the elementary buildings to lead STEM learning activities for students in kindergarten through 4th grade.

The initiative, coordinated by Dr. Amanda Stutzman in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Shotwell, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Berwick Area School District, is embarking on its 4th semester. The half-day staff development time has provided opportunities for more than 100 education majors and approximately 500 K-4th graders.

Students from Stutzman's ECED 430 Mathematics Methods and ECED 440 Science Methods courses design and facilitate hands-on STEM stations and inquiry-based activities that engage young learners in creative problem solving, collaboration, and exploration.

While the district's teachers benefit from focused time for professional development, Dr. Stutzman's students gain valuable classroom experiences planning lessons, managing learning environments, and applying instructional strategies in real-world settings.

"This collaboration truly embodies the idea of a win-win," said Dr. Stutzman. "Our university students have the chance to bring their ideas to life with real learners, while district teachers receive uninterrupted time to strengthen their own practice. Everyone involved grows as an educator."

"We often talk about teacher recruitment and retention as two sides of the same challenge," shared Shotwell. "Through this initiative, we've moved beyond discussion to real solutions, engaging with pre-service educators early, providing our current teachers with valuable collaboration time, and ensuring our K-4 students continue meaningful learning. It's inspiring to see those same university students return as substitutes and, eventually, full-time teachers in our classrooms.

The partnership highlights the power of university-school collaboration to enrich both teacher preparation and ongoing professional learning. It serves as a model for how educational institutions can work together to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and cultivate the next generation of educators.

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