Drury enters student-teacher partnership with Nixa Public Schools

Drury University and Nixa Public Schools have launched a partnership to help develop the next generation of educators.

Through the pact, student-teacher interns from Drury University will spend two semesters at Nixa schools working with experienced teachers, according to a news release. At the conclusion of the internship, the student-teachers who apply for a job at Nixa will be guaranteed an interview.

Jasmine Cooper, director of university communications and media relations for Drury, said via email the program would focus on elementary education, from first through sixth grade. The program starts in fall 2023, she said.

“Giving those entering the teaching profession a full year of experience before entering the classroom will serve our students well and give them high-quality educators ready to be teachers when they enter their own classroom,” said Gearl Loden, Nixa Public Schools superintendent, in the release. “We are excited for this partnership, not only to enhance the teaching profession, but also to help address the teacher shortage in the state and help us find the best teachers for our students.”

During the first semester, students would split their time between Drury's campus and Nixa classrooms, and they'd be in the classroom full time during the second semester.

“This is truly a fantastic opportunity that we’ve spent a lot of time working toward,” said Natalie Precise, dean of the Drury School of Education and Child Development, in the release. “This partnership will allow our students to start using the skills they’ve gained in their coursework right away. They will graduate more confident in their teaching abilities and have more experience in the classroom prior to their first year of teaching.”