Summer+News+and+Welcome

June 2012 Dear Bridges Cohort Members,

It hardly seems possible, but it's time to start getting ready for your TEACH Bridges to the Future Program. The intent of this letter is to address many of the questions you may have about the upcoming school year. *Note: This is not an official acceptance letter (it is informational only). Your official acceptance letter is sent to you from the graduate school. Please check your status before putting this information into "action" since, this letter is intended to address candidates (recommended for acceptance only). Keep in mind that your graduate paperwork follows your placement timeline. It takes a few weeks for the graduate school to recognize your status once you are placed in a school. If you would like to confirm your status, please contact: Phone: (413) - 545 - 0722 (8:30 AM - 5:00PM M-F) Fax: (413) - 577 -0010 Email: gradadm@grad.umass.edu

The Bridges to the Future Program Orientation will begin on Monday, August 24th-25th, 9:00-Noon, in Room 20 at Furcolo Hall, School of Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst. During Orientation you will be on campus experiencing the following: * Meeting the other candidates, UMASS, Faculty and Administration -get to know each other and begin to work together. * An overview of the Bridges Program -get a sense of what your year will look and feel like * Coursework * Taking care of logistics and other matters -i.e. health insurance, financial aid, ID cards, parking, computer accounts, etc.
 * ORIENTATION WEEK **

The start of the school year and your responsibilities will depend on your community placement. Please contact your Supervising Practitioner /Mentor Teacher for details. Your roles and responsibilities as a Bridges teacher in these schools, as well as the schedule of graduate courses, will be discussed during orientation. The times and locations of the school-based classes are still being finalized. The school should have this information during Orientation; however you can plan on attending classes after school two - three days per week. During the first semester you will travel to both the University as well as school sites. Courses are typically held from 3:40-6:30pm. Education 524 may be offered during the school day (your schools are aware of this schedule).
 * YOUR SCHEDULE AFTER THE PROGRAM/ ORIENTATION WEEK **

We recommend that you purchase the following book, “The First Days of School: How to be an Effective Teacher” by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong. This is not mandatory, but many graduates believe it to be a helpful and handy guide to the realities of the classroom - and you will certainly find it useful when you begin teaching! Try to find a used copy online! *See also our [|Summer Assignments June to August 2011].
 * READING LIST and SUMMER COURSEWORK **

You will need to pass both the Communications/Literacy and Subject Area of the Massachusetts Teacher Test as soon as possible. Hopefully, many of you have already passed these tests. It is not recommended that you take both the Com/Lit and Subject Area tests on the same day. They are exhaustive and exhausting! It does make sense for you to get the tests out of the way as soon as possible. It's very difficult to study for them once the Bridges Program begins in August. It is extremely important that you designate the University of Massachusetts Amherst as a recipient for your test results. It is also extremely important that you give us a copy of the score sheets. We will collect them on the first day of Orientation, so please bring them with you.
 * MASSACHUSETTS TEST FOR EDUCATOR LICENSURE (MTEL) **

You will need to obtain a copy of the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Form that every teacher and tutor working in a Massachusetts school system must complete before being in schools. Be sure that you contact your school district to inquire if you need to complete the document in person. This process must be complete before Orientation. While completing the form, please identify yourself as a Bridges Teacher next to your signature. (If you are in communication with your mentor teacher, feel free to ask them how to attain a copy of this form ASAP).
 * APPLICATION FOR PRACTICUM PLACEMENT/CRIMINAL OFFENDER RECORD INFORMATION (CORI) REQUEST FORM **

When you arrive at the School of Education for Orientation you should be able to park at the meters on either side of the building. It is costly to pay the meters. Many candidates prefer buying day passes from the University's Parking Service Office. For more information call Parking Services at (413) 545-0065. Once you park, enter the building by the main entrance (front door facing the street). Follow the sign to Room 20, in the basement, which we will be using for Orientation Week meetings and classes.
 * PARKING INFORMATION **

Continuing and Professional Education will be posting the Bridges Courses on SPIRE. You will receive an email from the Bridges Office telling the exact course numbers and sections for which to register on line. If you are unable to register in this way, we will assist you in registering for classes during Orientation. You will need to pay for the fall semester when you register. If you are paying for your first semester with a personal check, you must register in person. If you are paying for the fall semester with financial aid and/or a credit card, you may register online.
 * REGISTRATION/PAYMENT INFORMATION **

The program consists of 36 graduate credits, 18 in the fall and 18 in the spring semester. The cost per credit is estimated at around $417. There are some general fees which are itemized on a separate sheet for the projected costs for the program. Other fees may depend on your individual circumstances. If you have questions about your costs, please contact the Business Office at the University's Division of Continuing Education at 413-545-2414 (Select option #2 from the menu). _ _ Fall Courses: EDUC 510: Teacher of the Middle/High School Classroom EDUC 500M/S: Student Teaching Secondary 8-12 EDUC 524: Work of the Middle/High School Teacher EDUC 592SS: Seminar: Pre-practicum in Education EDUC 615TT: Education in Context Math Interns - Only Interns Register for: EDUC 511 – 02: Teaching Math In Mid & Hs Science Interns - Only Interns Register for: EDUC 512 – 02: Teaching Science In Mid & Hs History Social Studies Interns - Only Interns Register for: EDUC 514 – 02: Teaching History & Political Science in Mid & High School English Interns – Only Interns Register for: EDUC 515-02: Teaching English in Mid & High School ___ We are looking forward to meeting you again and getting started with the Bridges Program for the '11-'12 academic year. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
 * COSTS AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION **

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