By Sheila Berger

Sumner Elementary Principal

Twenty-six college students from Winona State University have just concluded their first semester of their junior year, without leaving the Austin Community. After years of planning, Austin Public Schools, Riverland Community College, and Winona State University have begun a cooperative effort to produce Elementary Education degrees at Sumner Elementary School.

The college students have the advantage of attending a four-year university without commuting or relocating from Austin. Students can gain their first two years of college at Riverland Community College followed by attending classes at Sumner Elementary School during their junior and senior year. The students have numerous opportunities to participate in observations and practicums in kindergarten through sixth-grade classrooms across the district.

Advantages for this collaborative effort are many from the school district’s perspective. WSU students have the opportunity to watch the district’s teaching strategies and curriculum in action before potentially teaching in the district. Austin Public School’s staff models effective teaching for the college students. Finally, the district has the multiple opportunities to observe potential teachers.

Sumner Elementary school students are gaining valuable exposure to a college setting, within the walls of the school building. Many a college student have been observed joining in at recess, building critical relationships with elementary students. With a growing emphasis on post-high school experiences, Sumner students “see” what attending college looks like first-hand.

A second-grade student was recently overheard explaining to a visitor about the picture of the college students hanging on the staff bulletin board. The student stated, “Oh we have college right here in our school!” The seed has been planted with our young children about how attainable college is for all.