Future teachers share housing, support

January 21st, 2010  |  by  |  Published in Campus News

Hale Anuenue dormatory

Hale Ānuenue dormatory

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education has teamed up with Student Housing Services on campus to help students Get FIT for a teaching career.

Get FIT, which stands for Future in Teaching, is a two-year pre-education program for Mānoa, community college and other college students who plan to apply to the College of Education. It offers prerequisite courses and assistance in preparing for the PRAXIS teacher certification exam.

In conjunction with Student Housing, Get FIT is launching a residential college in fall 2010. Participating students will live together in Hale Anuenue, an air-conditioned, freshly furnished, 88-bed residence hall with interior courtyards, and an exterior grassy area.

Residential college amenities include study groups, PRAXIS study aids, a computer lounge, early advising and assistance with applications.

The program, open to both education majors and pre-education students or those thinking about an education career, operates on four E’s. “Freshmen are invited to explore the idea of teaching as a career; sophomores will be supported as they engage in applying to the COE; juniors will participate in activities to enhance their work within the college; and seniors will be given opportunities to excel in their chosen field of education,” says Get FIT Director Margit Watts.

College of Education graduate students will serve as hall director and resident advisors, providing support as mentors. Community educators will join faculty and staff from the College of Education, Sinclair Library and Student Success Center to provide enrichment activities, dinners and picnics throughout the semester.

Twelve $1,000 scholarships are available for native Hawaiian students who participate. At least nine additional stipends are expected.


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