University forum shares initiatives with local schools

Deputy Principal of The Glennie School Brenda Suhr with Dean of Education Professor Nita Temmerman and Principal of Toowoomba Christian College Richard Brown

Principals from around the region converged at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) today (Friday, 30 May 2008) to hear about the latest plans in the Faculty of Education.
 
Representatives from Government, Catholic and Independent schools learnt how the Faculty plans to introduce new initiatives into its education degrees following the release of details as part of the University's Realising our Potential project.
 
USQ Dean of Education Professor Nita Temmerman said the forum was a good opportunity to share some of the changes to programs with principals directly.
 
'I was very encouraged by the positive comments made by the schools,' Professor Temmerman said. 
 
'They especially liked the idea of a common first year program and our aim to meet the needs of our students – many of whom work while they study,  by allowing them to move in and out of different study modes, including on campus and flexible online delivery.'
 
Deputy Principal of The Glennie School Brenda Suhr said she was impressed with the initiatives USQ Education Faculty was taking.
 
'It was excellent, I learned a lot,' Mrs Suhr said.
 
'I liked the idea of the liaison representatives partnering with each of the schools to form a conduit between the schools and the University. 
 
'This will mean the University and schools can work together to solve issues for matching student teachers with the schools, which may encourage teachers who are overworked to take on pre-service teachers and enjoy the experience.'
 
Principal of Toowoomba Christian College Richard Brown said the forum allowed him to see USQ is committed to education in the region.
 
'I think this is an opportunity to see USQ is willing to engage with leaders in the local education community,' Mr Brown said.
 
'We have seen they are responsive to changes and pressures and are adopting new programs.
 
"From here we will re-evaluate our needs in light of what USQ is offering and see how we can work together.'

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559