Private sector funding priorities for Woodring College of Education were determined through discussions with faculty, department chairs, and our constituents including individuals from P-12 schools, higher education, and the community.

Ershig Assistive Technology Resource Center.  $100,000

The Ershig Assistive Technology Resource Center (E-ATRC, pictured above) provides Woodring students and faculty access to equipment and materials to support the learning and development of individuals with special needs and abilities.  Through collaborative connections with other university departments and programs, the E-ATRC has served nearly 600 students and 75 faculty members over the past year.  Funds would be used to maintain the Center and to expand the Center’s outreach to regional school districts, alumni and families in the community.

Center for Educational Pluralism. $100,000

The mission of the Center for Educational Pluralism (CEP) states that it: “supports the Woodring College of Education’s mission in its commitment to an education that promotes cultural understanding and social justice in a pluralistic, democratic society.” The center provides resources that support faculty and student understandings of, and ability to work with, diverse people. These resources include: lesson plans/curricula, articles, children's books, non-fiction books, special education books, activity books, novels, videos, magazines, catalogs, games, and posters. Throughout the year the CEP sponsors special events that include speakers, films and student discussions on issues related to education and pluralism. The CEP publishes an annual newsletter and is in the process of creating an interactive electronic journal. Grants for the CEP would be used to fund additional resources, support special events, and assist with publication costs for the center.

Preschool Inclusion Project.  $7500

This project would support parents and toddlers with disabilities by identifying and developing community/neighborhood options for their children at three years of age. Faculty in the Special Education department, working with the WWU campus child care program and a local school district, will provide support and technical assistance in assessing student needs, incorporating community-based goals and objectives into children’s IEPs, and implementing best practices for young children with disabilities.

Faculty Exemplary Teaching Projects.  $50,000

Consistent with our goal of “preparing thoughtful, knowledgeable, and effective educators for a diverse society,” Woodring faculty seek professional development that enables them to prepare educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to support the learning and well-being of all students, including students of color and students with English as a second language.  Funds would be used to provide professional development grants to faculty for projects that enhance course work within the college. Special consideration will be given to proposals that integrate technology and culturally responsive teaching into curriculum and instruction.  The projects completed through the grants would then serve as models for other faculty.

Faculty/Student Research Program. $100,000

The Faculty/Student Research Program would provide small grants to faculty and students who are working together to conduct research in areas of interest to the college. These grants would support the data collection, research, and writing of faculty and students as they engage in this important aspect of university life. Research supported by these grants would be shared with others in the college and community through seminars and workshops.

Student Scholarships.  $200,000

There is an ongoing need to support students with additional scholarship monies. Continually rising tuition rates, coupled with declining state and federal dollars for scholarships and loans makes it imperative that additional private donor funding for scholarships be found. The following areas are being targeted for further scholarships:

• Human Services
• Future Teachers of Color
• Students entering high need areas such as special education, mathematics, and the sciences
• Students in off-campus sites (Bremerton, Oak Harbor, North Seattle, Everett)
• Graduate and post-baccalaureate students

 

September 1, 2006

Woodring College of Education

Stephanie Salzman, Dean

Michael Henniger, Associate Dean

Michael Reinke, Director of Development for Woodring College of Education