Duke grant helps teachers, schools

From Opinion

Public education in Durham got a boost this week when Duke University announced plans to spend $925,000 over the next few years to support teacher training and improve teacher retention. That's a welcome development that should pay off handsomely for teachers and students.

With thousands of employees here in the Bull City, the university understands it has a vested interest in helping to improve Durham's public schools. Quality public schools help keep Durham attractive as a place to live and help the university and Medical Center recruit faculty and staff.

"We can think of ourselves as living in separate universes, but the truth is, we all rise or fall together when it comes to education," said Duke President Richard Brodhead.

He's right, and Duke's $925,000 pledge will go far in helping DPS reach its goal of academic excellence. The money will be spent in three important areas: a scholarship program called Durham Teaching Fellows, a Spanish- language program and mentoring for new teachers.

The scholarship program is designed to lure graduates into the teaching profession by paying their tuition to complete master's degrees in education at Duke. The value of the scholarship is about $43,000. Eight students per year over the next three years will receive the scholarships. In return, they agree to teach in Durham Public Schools for at least two years.

It has also become increasingly important for Durham teachers to be able to speak a second language, namely Spanish. The Spanish Leap Program will train about 30 staff and faculty members from schools near Duke -- Lakewood, E.K. Powe, George Watts Montessori and Forest View elementary schools -- in conversational Spanish.

A third program will help teachers who have worked in the school system for three to seven years with coaching and other training to help them obtain National Board Certification.

The Durham Public Schools is fortunate to have a generous partner such as Duke -- one with the desire, motivation and resources to help the school system, its teachers and students reach their full potential.

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