Spring 1998 Table of Contents
Versión Español de este artículo (Spanish Version)

Overview of University Training Options for VI Professionals

by KC Dignan, Personnel Preparation Coordinator, TSBVI Outreach

As you may have heard, professional preparation for VI teachers and O&M specialists is changing. As a result of a new interagency contract, Stephen F. Austin (SFA), Texas Tech University (TTU) and TSBVI are able to offer more and expanded training options and supports. Below is a listing of the types of training that are currently available or will be in the near future. Both SFA and TTU offer programs for O&M specialists and VI teachers. Other training opportunities are also offered through a variety of ACP programs statewide.

On-campus training is available at both SFA and TTU. Both offer programs at the graduate or certification levels. SFA also has undergraduate programs.
An outreach program is when the university staff travels to a service center or district to provide training to participants in that geographical area. Both SFA and TTU provide outreach programs. Tentatively, TTU will be providing O&M in San Antonio (ESC Region 20) and VI in El Paso (ESC Region 19). SFA will continue with the VI teacher training started in Houston (ESC Region 4).
Participants in the Professional Development School (PDS) will attend training at TSBVI for three summers. The courses will be taught cooperatively by both universities. Participants in the PDS will also be given the opportunity to interact with students while taking coursework. (Deadline for application was April 15, 1998.)
Distance education is when the university professor is in a different location than the students. Professor and students may use interactive video, internet options, telephone conferences or other combinations. Currently, distance education training is in the planning stages. Future See/Hear Newsletters will discuss distance education options as they become available.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about professional preparation options in Texas at 512-206-9156 or email <kcd@tsbvi.edu>.

Go to Top of Page

| Spring 1998 Table of Contents | Send E-Mail to SEE/HEAR|

Please complete the comment form or send comments and suggestions to Webmaster

Last Revision: April 25, 2005