SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Feb. 9, 2023 — A partnership between Drury University and Nixa Public Schools will, for the first time, give undergraduate education students the opportunity for hands-on teaching experience throughout their entire senior year and lead to a guaranteed job interview.
Through the agreement, Panther Interns will spend two semesters in the classroom working alongside a certified and experienced Nixa teacher. They will receive comprehensive, firsthand knowledge and attend professional development activities. The partnership is a hybrid model allowing students to complete Drury’s rigorous and competitive education curriculum while also gaining valuable teaching experience. During the first semester students will split their time between classes on Drury’s campus and the classroom at Nixa. During the second semester they will be in the classroom fulltime.
“This is truly a fantastic opportunity that we’ve spent a lot of time working toward and we’re excited to take this step with Nixa Public Schools,” said Natalie Precise, dean of the School of Education and Child Development. “This partnership will allow our students to start using the skills they’ve gained in their coursework right away. They will graduate more confident in their teaching abilities and have more experience in the classroom prior to their first year of teaching.”
While student development is one goal of the collaboration, another is to provide a pipeline for new teachers entering Nixa Public Schools, helping to address the teacher shortage being felt across the country. At the conclusion of their internship, all student-teachers who apply for a position at Nixa, are guaranteed an interview.
“Giving those entering the teaching profession a full year of experience before entering the classroom will serve our students well and give them high-quality educators ready to be teachers when they enter their own classroom,” said Dr. Gearl Loden, Nixa Public Schools superintendent. “We are excited for this partnership, not only to enhance the teaching profession, but also to help address the teacher shortage in the state and help us find the best teachers for our students.”
Drury education students may now begin applying for Panther Internships at Nixa for fall 2023. Scholarship opportunities are available.
###
Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.
