The Pre-Practicum Guidelines require that, beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, Sponsoring Organizations evaluate initial licensure teacher candidate performance in early field-based experiences (the "pre-practicum") by administering at least two licensure-specific performance tasks, or "gateways." Gateways provide SOs with an opportunity to 1) identify at-risk candidates and provide them with the necessary supports and guidance to improve or exit the program (The Candidate Criterion 4) and 2) monitor individual licensure programs to ensure that each is effective (Continuous Improvement Criterion 1).
The following pre-practicum gateway task templates represent model tasks aligned to the Professional Standards for Teachers that have been designed to be adaptable to any licensure area and are available for optional use by Sponsoring Organizations. Each task template includes instructions for adapting, administering, and scoring the task.
The following pre-practicum gateway tasks are designed to assess candidates' performance using mixed reality simulations. Each task is aligned to specific indicators from the Professional Standards for Teachers and content knowledge specific to a defined set of licensure fields. Both include instructions for administering and scoring the task and are available for optional use by Sponsoring Organizations.
The Gateway Induction Program is official! We are a newly-state approved program as of Fall 2022 and are serving new teachers in Gateway Middle School, Gateway High School, and other partner schools.
The Gateway Induction Program is a two-year, individualized, job-embedded system of mentoring, support and professional learning for new teachers. Our program includes three key components to support new teachers to grow their practice and become agents of transformative change in schools: mentoring, inquiry cycles and professional learning. For more information, please see our Gateway Teacher Induction Program website.
A Gateway High School teacher who was put on paid leave after being accused of groping a 14-year-old student in class surrendered Wednesday to face felony charges, including institutional sexual assault.
Speaking with permission from his mother and stepfather, Bogesdorfer described the teacher: "He makes jokes here and there, inappropriate jokes about females, and he's like, he always talks about their body and things."
During the school year which follows, these teachers share their experiences, with their students, relating stories of climbing lighthouses, exploring gun battery tunnels, and slogging through marshes in search of rare frogs. Participants in the program, and their classes often become regular users of the park. Each teacher ranger produces park-focused lesson plans which can be used at Gateway, and in other classroom presentations. During National Park Week in April the teacher/ rangers relate their experiences at Gateway and with the National Park Service to students in their whole school to help them connect with these special areas of natural history at their doorstep.
Jennifer Porcheddu
Jamaica Bay
I was very excited to have a phone call from Dan Meharg, educational specialist at the National Park Service- Gateway National Recreation Area. I was selected as a teacher-ranger-teacher! I am extremely happy about this. This means I get to explore the Gateway National Recreation Area, my favorite national park! I get to learn more about the wildlife and the activities of the rangers have work in this amazing location.
My name is Heather Winters, and I have the opportunity to serve the families and students of Heritage Academy as the Receptionist. I have been a teacher aide for kindergarten and first grade for the past four years. Prior to this I ran my own daycare for over 10 years. I am a wife of 16 years and a mom of 3 beautiful children who keep me very busy. When I am not working I enjoy the mountains, working out, puzzles, crafts, and being with my little family. I am very excited to work at the new school, and I look forward to getting to know the amazing scholars and parents at Heritage Academy.
I am Mrs. Jackie Alexander. I am originally from North Carolina. I lived twelve years in California before moving to Arizona nine years ago. I attended North Carolina A&T State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. I have happily dedicated twenty-six years to teaching. When I am not teaching, I enjoy watching movies, curling up with a good book, painting, and spending time with my loving family, which includes my husband and three children. My educational philosophy is that I firmly believe to be an effective teacher you must have high expectations, provide a classroom that not only nurtures intellectual development but also fosters self-confidence, pride, strong character, and a love of learning. I am thrilled to be a part of the Heritage Academy family as a first grade teacher. I look forward to what the school year holds and helping my young Heroes have a successful year in first grade.
My name is Mrs. Ryan, and I am excited to teach 4th grade at Heritage Academy! There is something special about getting to work at a new school right from the beginning. I have been a teacher for over twelve years and have taught many grades, but 4th grade has always been one of my favorites.
I am Megan Rodriguez, and I am excited to be the K-5 music teacher at Heritage Academy Gateway. I have been an elementary music teacher for ten years. Elementary music is my passion, and I love to create engaging, fast-paced, and fun music lessons that allow all students to engage and explore music. I have a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and a Master of Music Degree from ASU. I have completed my Kodaly level I, II, and III training and Orff level I which have heavily influenced my teaching. I play French horn in the Chandler Symphony, and I enjoy traveling, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, and spending time with my husband and three daughters.
I was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. I have been married to my beautiful bride for 31 (ASL teacher at Heritage Gateway HS) and we have four children, our youngest is currently enrolled at Heritage Gateway.
My name is Andria Timmons, and I will be teaching dance this year. I have always been into the arts in one form or another. Throughout my childhood, I was a competitive figure skater and dancer. Dance became a more prevalent art form for me because of its freedom of self-expression. This led me to pursue dance in college and obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in dance choreography from Arizona State University. I have danced with several companies including Off Center Dance Company with Mesa Arts Center, coached a varsity pom team for years, and have choreographed numerous musical theater productions. I am heading into my 17th year as a teacher, having taught a range of grades from pre-k through high school. Teaching dance is my favorite! When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and doing anything artistic. I am excited to join the Heritage Academy team and share my passion for dance with my scholars!
Gateway Virtual Academy uses curriculum provided by FuelEd. Learning can happen at home, on the road, or wherever an Internet connection can be found. While attendance, teacher interaction, and daily lessons are conducted online, our lessons use physical materials and offline tools as well.
At Gateway Virtual Academy, all students interact with one or more state-certified teachers (depending on the grade level) and communicate regularly with their teachers through e-mail, telephone, and online meetings. Each Gateway Virtual Academy family receives online and offline materials, including a wide array of textbooks, CDs, videos, and other hands-on tools and resources when needed to enhance the learning experience. These materials complement the interactive online elements of our program, ensuring that students receive instruction using the best method for each subject matter.
At the high school level the adult is less involved, as students work at more of a collective pace with a class of students in conjunction with the teacher. Each teacher is Highly qualified and trained in his or her specific subject area. In addition, monthly networking opportunities are provided through various events and outings, enabling the entire school community to keep in close contact.
This program prepares students to be assistant teachers and teacher aides in the early education and care profession. The program also provides training for individuals already employed in a preschool situation who desire to improve their knowledge and competency in working with children.
Students who complete this program are qualified to assist teachers in all aspects of professional childcare and to guide and supervise individual and group activities. Graduates may also transfer into the Early Childhood Education program leading to the Associate in Science degree. For more information, e-mail the Program Coordinator, Carmelita Valencia-Daye, at CValenc...@gatewayct.edu.
Our Mission
Access to high-quality educational experiences is a basic right of all learners and a cornerstone of equity. The Gateway Writing Project is committed to improving 21st century writing and literacy in the St. Louis metropolitan area by providing high-quality learning opportunities for teachers and students across all subject areas.
Our Vision
The Gateway Writing Project recognizes that writing is the center of communicating ideas, understanding thought processes, and promoting high academic achievement for all learners. Building on a network of teachers, GWP focuses on being the heart of sharing expertise in writing across the curriculum, exploring new writing technology, reflecting on diversity, equity and social justice issues, building teacher leadership, and creating collaborative learning communities for schools.