Mount St. Mary’s University Signs Agreement with Frederick County Schools

Goal:  Improve Teacher Training and Student Learning

Emmitsburg, Md. - Mount St. Mary’s University signed a memo of understanding Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, renewing its partnership with Frederick County Public Schools and initiating a partnership with St. John Regional Catholic School. The agreement demonstrates the continued support between the university and public and private schools to substantially improve pre-service and in-service teacher education, with the ultimate goal of increasing PreK-12 student achievement countywide.

“Mount St. Mary’s was the first institution of higher education to form a Professional Development School network in Frederick County,” said University President Thomas H. Powell. “Since its inception in 1996 when four schools were involved, the network has grown to a point where now all teacher candidates complete an extensive internship in a Professional Development School.”

Area schools host more than 200 Mount students each year. “The partnership has successfully evolved and remains a cornerstone of the Mount education program,” said Barbara Martin Palmer, chair of the Education Department.

Professional Development Schools are committed to improving teaching and learning for both students and adults. The signing Thursday in the Bradley Conference Room at the Mount included the following: Dr. Powell; Dr. Linda Burgee, superintendent, Frederick County Public Schools; and Dr. Ron Valenti, superintendent, Archdiocese of Baltimore. The memo of understanding clarifies the commitment, expectations and resources each party brings to the partnership.