11/02/11 ema

HAYS, Kan. -- The number of elementary education student teachers from Fort Hays State University is currently the highest it has been in the last 16 years, according to Kerry Schuckman, teacher licensure specialist in the Department of Teacher Education.

"If you combine elementary education and early childhood unified emphasis, the number of student teachers is at an all-time high," said Schuckman. Early childhood unified is an elementary education degree with an emphasis in children and families from birth to grade 3. The unified portion of this degree includes special education coursework.

Sixteen years ago, in the fall of 1995, there were 39 student teachers. This number varied until it hit a low point with only 17 student teachers in spring 2009, elementary and early childhood unified emphases combined. From there the number rose and stayed in the 40s and 50s until this year when the number hit the highest mark with 59 student teachers. The projected number of student teachers for spring 2012 is 64, which would be the all-time high in the last 20 years.

The job placement rate for student teachers at FHSU has also been very high. The placement rate is comprised of those employed in their major field, employed outside of their major field, continuing their education and not seeking employment. In the academic year 2007-2008, the placement rate was 100 percent. It was 93 percent in 2008-2009, and 96 percent in 2009-2010. Placement for the 2010-2011 year graduates will be available mid-December from the FHSU Office of Career Services.

More specifically, the placement rate for student teachers who acquired a job in their major field was 84 percent in 2009-2010. It was 80 percent in 2008-2009 and 100 percent in 2007-2008.

"Because of the quality of FHSU's teaching programs, the numbers have really increased. We have different minors to go along with the degree which could cause the increase as well," said Schuckman. "Since the programs are available virtually, the numbers have also increased," referring to FHSU's Virtual College.

"The increase of teachers, especially in elementary education and early childhood unified, creates more licensed teachers available for hire from FHSU," said Schuckman.