Stoop Lauds College Merger

University of Canterbury College of Education principal and chief executive Dr Graham Stoop believes the newly merged college will have many advantages for students.

The result of a merger between the Christchurch College of Education (CCE) and the University of Canterbury (UC), the college combines the benefits of both institutions.

Stoop says that as regular UC students, those at the college will have access to the full range of university student services, including hostels, health care and libraries.

“Students will also be a part of a research-led institution. From an academic perspective this is central to the merger initiative.

“Teaching is a learned profession and the profession intrinsically requires an educated, and not merely trained, workforce.

“The merger will situate teacher education in a university environment, something enjoyed by other professions for decades. These other professions have long realised, and now take for granted, the value of having professional education in a diverse culture of research and scholarship.”

He believes social and educational benefits will also accrue as teacher education students mix with other UC students and vice- versa.

“Alongside this new university environment, students will still have the benefit of 129 years of CCE history and all that means — the strong emphasis on teaching practice, 125 academic staff members who are well-versed in the theory and practice of teacher education, and strong links to schools and early childhood centres.

“Our current courses continue and cover early childhood, primary and secondary teacher education.

“The strong professional development focus continues as well; that is, programmes of study for practising teachers. Our Teacher Support Services, known as UC Education Plus from 2007, also continues to provide professional development for teachers in centres and schools.

“Regional initiatives continue in many places as well,” Stoop says.

“The new UC College of Education brings together a research focus with a practitioner focus.”

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