Education Department Works with Local Organizations to Provide Real-World Teaching Experience

• Operation S.M.A.R.T (Science, Math and Relevant Technology) – a partnership with Girls, Inc. Through Operation S.M.A.R.T., kindergarten through sixth grade girls of diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds receive instruction in natural and social sciences, math and technology from College of Saint Mary students who are learning how to teach in this area. The girls from Girls, Inc. come to campus two afternoons a week for instructional activities. This is a long-standing partnership (nearly 20 years) that yields awareness and inspiration for girls in our community and hands-on, applied learning to College of Saint Mary students.
• Crestview Homework Club – a partnership with Mercy House. Students enrolled in College of Saint Mary’s guidance and management and multi-cultural education programs provide tutoring to elementary age children who live in Mercy Housing.
• Spellman Child Development Center – on the College of Saint Mary Campus. The Spellman Child Development Center provides many opportunities for College of Saint Mary education students. Early childhood education students complete field experiences at the center that involve observing children and teachers, as well as interacting directly with children to implement activities and teach lessons. The opportunity to work with infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a program that focuses on offering high quality care and education is essential. Students enrolled in other classes such as Child Psychology are also provided opportunities to observe children in a way that enhances their learning. The College of Saint Mary Early Childhood Education program is working on new initiatives with the Spellman Center including celebrating The Week of the Young Child, designing service learning projects and building opportunities to teach early childhood education students on site at the center.