St. Louis Teacher Enhancement Partnership (S.T.E.P.)
The St. Louis Teacher Enhancement Partnership (S.T.E.P.) between St. Louis Public Schools and the University of Missouri-St. Louis strives to produce highly qualified teachers for work in urban districts. S.T.E.P. works to develop "communities of practice" within St. Louis Public Schools partnerships for preparing teachers that include a wider circle of support involving teacher candidates, practicing teachers, community educators, UM-St. Louis Education and Arts & Sciences faculty, and district administrators. The S.T.E.P. partnerships will help prepare new teachers with strong content knowledge, deep understandings of the local school community, and the ability to integrate technology in teaching. Teacher candidates will spend a full year working in a St. Louis public school and community so they are well equipped to educate all children when they begin their first years of teaching.
Opportunities for Teachers
- Competent classroom assistance
- Additional support for children
- Instructional supplies and teaching resources
- Mentoring relationship with interns
- Professional development
- Support for graduate education
Opportunities for Administrators
- Expanding partnerships
- School-community connections
- Increasing school technology resources
- Professional development driven by school needs
- Attending professional conferences
- Recruitment of well-prepared teachers
Opportunities for UMSL Interns/STs
- Greater sense of community
- Multiple support systems
- Preparation for work in urban schools
- Access to instructional resources
- Job recruitment opportunities
Opportunities for UMSL Faculty
- Collaboration with university and school-based colleagues
- Practical knowledge of urban schools
- Professional development
- On-site teaching
- School-based research
Benefits to Children
- Highly qualified teachers
- Caring adults working together
- Strong content teaching
- Culturally relevant curricula
- Increased access to technology