The Department of Teacher Education and Graduate Studies at Salem College received a renewal grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to continue the Teachers as Practitioners Benevolence Fund, which was established in 2013 by a similar grant. This fund supports financially challenged students, particularly adult students, who must quit part or full-time jobs during their student teaching semester as they seek teaching licensure, a requirement for all full-time teachers in North Carolina.

"This grant affirms what we are able to contribute to education in Forsyth County through the teacher education program at Salem College,” says Mary Ann Davis, program director. “Student teaching is a full-time requirement. Some of our student teachers need paid employment at the same time in order to pay rent and buy food for their families. These funds will allow them to focus on their teaching, giving them a stronger classroom experience."  

Each semester, between 15 and 50 students seeking their teaching licensure at Salem College begin a semester-long Teachers as Practitioners student teaching program in a local school. During the 2013-2014 academic year, the number of student teachers in the program nearly doubled. The renewed Benevolence funds will be accessible to qualified students beginning in the fall 2014 semester and will not only help many of Salem’s students to earn their licensure, but also help provide qualified teachers for schools in Forsyth County. 

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust was established in 1947 and is now one of the largest private trusts in North Carolina. Its mission is to improve the quality of life and health for the financially needy of North Carolina. The Health Care Division promotes wellness state-wide by investing in prevention and treatment. The Poor and Needy Division of the Trust responds to basic life needs and invests in solutions that improve the quality of life and health for financially needy residents of Forsyth County. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. serves as sole trustee.

Published on June 9, 2014