Dear School of Education Students:
The last couple of weeks have been pretty challenging as you might imagine as a result of the quick progression of the Covid-19 virus throughout the county. The result is that Indiana University and its colleges and schools have needed make curricular adjustments as things have changed daily. I'm sure that you are aware that Spring Break has been extended an additional week. Spring classes will resume only online through Canvas beginning on March 30th.
The entire faculty in the School of Education is dedicated to your success. Please don't hesitate once classes resume to email your instructors either through their regular email or through Canvas should you have a concern or questions. The University has made several technology tools available for faculty for teaching on line. Many will also be using Zoom, so they can have a sort of face-to-face class, even while you can't be together in a regular classroom. Some faculty may have you call into a conference line, so you can hear the lessons and ask questions and some may develop discussion questions for you to respond to and them to respond back to you. In any case, we would anticipate that you will have a fine learning experience as all of us work with the technology.
We have learned that the Prometric Testing Center in Merrillville has closed at least until April 14th, not permitting our teaching candidates to take the PRAXIS Core (pre-blocks) or Indiana Core Tests (pre-student teaching). We are hopeful that Prometric will be re-opening in in mid-April, so tests can be taken. We have already extended the deadline for successful passing the Indiana Core tests for student teaching to June 1. We will revisit all deadlines should Pro metrics not open as projected.
Those of you who are currently doing your student teaching, we have received flexibility from the Indiana Department of Education with regards to completing these requirements and receiving your license. All candidates have or will receive an email from Mr. Vassar in this regard. UTEP students will be contacted by Dr. Benna in the very near future. Administrative candidates will be contacted by Dr. Smith to work on assignments and internships. We do not want any of our candidates to worry that you won't complete your student teaching or administrative internship requirements to be licensed. We are working very closely with all of your cooperating teachers, Student Teaching supervisors and the Indiana Department of Education to work out arrangements for you. Candidates who are in field placements will be contacted by their supervisor or faculty member to work out details with you.
We are working diligently and collaboratively to resolve all student issues as they arise. All of the JU Deans, faculties, and campus administration are working together for the success of all of our students during this crisis. If I can be of assistance to you, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or your Professional Staff Advisor or Faculty Advisor should you have immediate questions. In view of the challenging circumstances, many of our faculty are monitoring their email during the Spring Break. If you don't get an immediate answer, you will receive one once classes resume.
I appreciate your understanding and wish you a nice Spring Break.
Mark B. Sperling, Ed.D. (masperli@iun.edu)
Interim Dean
School of Education
