Issue link: http://tcnj.uberflip.com/i/738858
12 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PREPARING URBAN EDUCATORS Urban education—a popular specialization in the elementary/early childhood education program—was approved as a freestanding major in May. Acknowledging that urban schools present unique challenges to new teachers, this five-year integrated bachelor's and Master of Arts in Teaching program is designed for students who have an interest in working in this dynamic environment. "Four years isn't enough to get students prepared to teach in an urban setting," says Jeff Passe, dean of the School of Education. "The extra year gives students time to grapple with the systemic issues in urban education, as well as an ESL certification." Passe also notes that TCNJ-prepped teachers are getting jobs in schools in Jersey City, Newark, and Trenton—and they're staying there. Additionally, the School of Education hired two new faculty members specifically for the program. Lina Richardson comes to the college with experience in the Philadelphia public school system, and Marissa Bellino from New York City public schools. Last fall, the college opened the doors of the TCNJ Student Evaluation Clinic, a service that provides educational, psychological, and speech-language evaluations for students and children. Sponsored by the Dyslexia Initiative at TCNJ, the clinic specializes in performing Dyslexia Screenings and evaluating students with identified dyslexia, learning disabilities, or severe reading/writing disabilities. Moreover, the staff hopes to provide parents with comprehensive strategies for turning their child's education into an effective learning experience. Located on campus, the clinic works with both parents and school districts at a rate that is nearly half the cost of existing options. Evaluating Dyslexia