Microcredential at Winfield Elementary

Students in Dr. Janet Mattern’s EDUC 376 Special and Multicultural Education class and in Ms. Jennifer Delaney’s EDUC 310 Diversity and Social Justice in Education course completed a Cultural Diversity and Growth Mindset Microcredential during the Spring 2023 semester. Part one of the Microcredential engaged candidates in self-reflection to explore how their cultural perspectives and mindset influenced their classroom expectations and instructional decisions. Part two of the Microcredential provided the opportunity for candidates to observe Winfield Elementary School classroom teachers in Baltimore, Md. to improve their understanding of the complex interactions between teachers, students, content and culture on classroom instruction. Dana Bisker, Principal and Frostburg State University graduate, welcomed the pre-service teacher candidates and provided an overview of her school community before candidates spent the day in their assigned classrooms.

Ms. Laina Holler, student and aspiring teacher, provided great insight on the quality of the site visit. “I had the honor of attending a full school day at Winfield Elementary School in Baltimore County, and this was the most amazing field experience I have been a part of so far.” Holler continued, “During my time at Winfield Elementary, I was able to witness what a true classroom and school community look like. This school is filled with some of the most caring, compassionate, and phenomenal teachers. Having the opportunity to be included in this type of community was truly something I will carry with me through my future endeavors as an educator, and I would highly recommend attending this trip to any aspiring educator!”

This learning opportunity was supported by the Provost’s Experiential Learning Enhancement Program.