Future Educator

Applications are now closed

• Elementary Classroom Teacher - Bachelor’s Degree
• School Psychologist - Bachelor’s Degree & Master’s Degree
• Occupational Therapist - Bachelor’s Degree & Master’s Degree
• Early Childhood Education - Associate’s Degree
• Secondary Classroom Teacher - Bachelor’s Degree
• Speech-Language Pathologist - Bachelor’s Degree & Master’s Degree
• Paraeducator/Educational Assistant - High School Diploma
• Special Education Teacher - Bachelor’s Degree
• School Counselor - Bachelor’s Degree & Master’s Degree

Fall - Semester 1

CTE EDUCATION EXPLORATION

79102303 - 0.5 Practical Art

Prerequisite: None

Course fee: None

Education Exploration is a semester course designed to provide students with an overview of professions within education. Students will discover their own learning style and how learning styles impact teaching and the delivery of lessons. Experiences with various education professionals will enhance the understanding of classroom planning, licensure requirements, and career opportunities within school systems.

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UCCS IELM 3900: FIELD PLACEMENT I - ELEMENTARY

6910401 - 0.5 Elective credit/3.0 Credits - University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Prerequisite: None

Course fee: ($20 per UCCS credit)

Teacher Candidates enrolled in the 3900 Field Experience I will work in inclusive elementary and secondary classrooms to experience effective instructional practices with emphases on learners of English and students with disabilities. Students will also be introduced to rural school districts and our local school districts through panel discussions.

Spring - Semester 1

UCCS 1030: INTRODUCTION TO INQUIRY-BASED TEACHING

6910410 - 0.5 Elective credit/3.0 Credits - University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Prerequisite: None

Course fee: ($20 per UCCS credit)

This course allows students to explore teaching as a career. Following an introduction to the theory and practice behind excellent inquiry-based science and mathematics instruction, students observe within an elementary and middle school and team-teach lessons in middle school classrooms to obtain introductory, firsthand experience in lesson planning and implementation. The course instructors are Master Teachers, chosen for their experience and success in secondary science and math classrooms, who provide students guidance and exposure to people who love teaching and view it as a rewarding career choice. Future teachers are provided a true taste of working in a supportive and diverse educational setting at each selected school site where mentor teachers demonstrate effective teaching techniques and classroom management skills. The future teachers then practice their learned techniques within the same setting and consistently reflect upon their experience.

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UCCS EDUC 2100: INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION

6910408 - 0.5 Elective credit/3.0 Credits - University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Prerequisite: None

Course fee: ($20 per UCCS credit)

This course explores the foundations, strategies, and tools for using technology as a means of engaging all students within inclusive educational settings. A focus is placed upon Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a framework for selecting, evaluating, and implementing educational technology hardware and software.

Fall - Semester 2

UCCS EDUC 2000: INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

6910409 - 0.5 Elective credit/3.0 Credits - University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Prerequisite: None

Course fee: ($20 per UCCS credit)

This course provides teachers with the knowledge of psychology most relevant to teaching. The focus is on areas of child development and major learning theories and their application in the classroom. An introduction of significant theories of human growth and development that form a foundation for effective instruction will be provided along with the basis for understanding and applying theory related to student learning, growth, and achievement to teaching.

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UCCS IELM 3150: SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

6910405 - 0.5 Elective credit/3.0 Credits - University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Prerequisite: None

Course fee: ($20 per UCCS credit)

This course presents a broad survey of second language acquisition research. It stresses theoretical concerns, research findings, and practical applications to teaching second languages. It gives emphasis to applied second language acquisition, cultural awareness, and social and economic factors that contribute to ELLs' success in schools. Students are expected to articulate a well-schooled understanding of the various models, philosophies, and underpinnings of bilingual/ESL education and its applications in a variety of situations. Students will be expected to discuss the research presented in terms of theoretical concepts, sociocultural perspectives of language interactions, literacy instruction, and learning. The extensive use of technology is an inherent part of the course.

Spring - Semester 2

UCCS EDUC 1000: INTRODUCTION TO INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

6910406 - 0.5 Elective credit/3.0 Credits - University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Prerequisite: None

Course fee: ($20 per UCCS credit)

This course introduces the history, theoretical foundations, law, and an overview of programmatic designs to meet the diverse needs of all young children. We will integrate 15 hours of practical experience related to classroom models and personal experiences with disability into the weekly reading and activities.

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UCCS EDUC 2600: INTEGRATED SCIENCE FOR TEACHERS I

6910402 - 0.5 Elective credit/3.0 Credits - University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Prerequisite: None

Course fee: ($20 per UCCS credit)

This course introduces the exploration of major connecting themes in life sciences, earth science, and physical science. This course examines the nature of energy and matter, earth and biological systems. Topics include: the nature of science, the nature of matter, forms and transformations of energy, force, motion of objects, the concept of waves, sound, electromagnetic radiation, gravity, electricity, and magnetism, living and non-living environments, life/biosphere, diversity, heredity, cells, ecosystems, earth systems, lithosphere, hydrosphere, solar system, stars, and weather. The concepts covered explore a wide variety of science topics through discussion, demonstrations, inquiry activities, hands-on laboratory activities, readings, and presentations. This course integrates the fundamental science concepts, skills, attitudes, and implications for sustainability.

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UCCS IELM 3250: TEACHING STUDENTS WITH COMPLEX SUPPORT NEEDS

6910404 - 0.5 Elective credit/3.0 Credits - University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Prerequisite: None

Course fee: ($20 per UCCS credit)

The purpose of this course is to provide information, skills, and tools for the successful education of students with complex support needs in inclusive settings. We will consider the meaning of complex disability both historically and currently in our culture. We will explore strategies that foster a student’s meaningful participation in heterogeneous classrooms and build a foundation for preparing students for active lives in the communities in which they live. Specific topics include, but are not limited to, universal design for learning, curriculum accommodations and modifications, assistive technology, augmentative alternative communication, assessment and evaluation, friendship and social connectedness, and advocacy.

• DCSD
• BASE programs
• Local childcare centers

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

 

• TREP
•  

 

  Karen Whitney
  Future Educator Pathway Developer
  303-387-7822 | kwhitney1@dcsdk12.org

Karen Whitney has been teaching and mentoring students for over 25 years. With a B.A. in English, an M.A. in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, and a CTE certification in Education and Training, she is thrilled to bring her experience and passion for teaching to the Future Educator Pathway at Legacy Campus.

Throughout her career, Karen has taught a wide variety of students and subjects, including middle school French and elective courses, high school English and AP Language and Composition, and community college Developmental English and Academic Achievement courses. No matter the subject or level, she works to engage students in meaningful ways to develop skills critical thinking, time management, communication, and collaboration. As a LINK Crew and WEB Coordinator for many years, Karen has also fostered student leadership by mentoring student leaders as they supported and guided younger students through transitions to middle and high school.

Karen is  excited about the Future Educator Pathway because she believes education is a powerful tool for creating opportunity and equity for all students. Helping future educators develop their own teaching styles, practice classroom management skills, and build confidence in their abilities feels like the perfect  way to support the next generation of creative, passionate, and highly effective teachers.

When she’s not teaching, Karen loves spending time with family and friends and cheering on her children as they pursue their dreams in college and beyond. She enjoys hiking, reading, going to concerts, traveling, and always learning new things.

 Patrick Campbell
 Future Educator & Special Education Facilitator
 303-387-7836 | pcampbell@dcsdk12.org

 

Mr. Campbell has been teaching high school English and special education for eleven years. After earning a Master's degree in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh, Patrick relocated to Colorado to start his teaching career. Working with aspiring teachers has always been a point of passion, and he is thrilled for the opportunity to work with the Future Educator pathway at the Legacy Campus. Over the past eleven years, Patrick has taught a wide variety of English classes to all high school grade levels. He takes pride in ensuring that all of his students have equitable access to education in an inclusive setting.

When not teaching classes about special education to the Future Educator students, Mr. Campbell spends his time supporting students with diverse learning needs across all nine pathways at Legacy. He relishes the opportunity to help students who are interested in Career and Technical Education. Outside of Legacy, Patrick is most likely to spend his time skiing, reading, cooking, golfing, and coaching hockey.

Katie O'Sullivan
Future Educator Instructor & CLDE Facilitator
303-387-7818 | kosullivan@dcsdk12.org

 

Katie O'Sullivan is a Colorado native who has taught in districts along the front range for 18 years. She has a Master's in Teaching (MAT), a Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and a CTE certification in Education and Training. Beginning her career in elementary education, Katie has many years in the classroom teaching grade level classes as well as technology and STEAM. In recent years she's been a specialist teaching Multilingual Learners (ML) from preschool to adults

Teaching at the university level is another of Katie's passions. She has served as a graduate and undergraduate teacher at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and is excited to join Legacy as the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) course instructor. Katie is truly thrilled to share the joys of teaching diverse student populations with future teachers. When not teaching in the Future Ed pathway, she also supports ML students at other high schools in DCSD.

 Jean Wolach
 Future Educator Field Placement Facilitator
 303-387-6731 | jhwolach@dcsdk12.org

 

Jean retired from the Douglas County School District in June of 2023 after 35 years in education, all in Douglas County.  She taught kindergarten, first grade and fourth grade, before becoming an Assistant Principal and then the Principal at Heritage Elementary School in Highlands Ranch.  She loves being a part of the DCSD and is so happy to now work with our high school students around the district who are interested in becoming educators.

She had two daughters her oldest, Hannah, is a school nurse in Douglas County, and her youngest, Karlee, is working towards an early childhood degree and is currently a preschool teacher.  She has one grandson, Harrison whom she watches twice a week and loves spending time with.  Her husband is semi-retired and together they love to travel.  She feels fortunate to work at the Legacy Campus with the Future Educator Program as the field placement advisor.