Hundreds of educators and others have signed a petition asking Eastern Michigan University to sever ties with the Education Achievement Authority. Some of these people spoke against the partnership at Tuesday's board of regents meeting.
Chair of the board of regents Francine Parker says administration needs to listen to the concerns and work to ensure all E-M-U students can find student teaching positions.
Steve Camron is a special education professor and chair of the College of Education Council. Camron says the E-A-A connection is hurting E-M-U education students beyond the student teacher boycott. He says the E-A-A's use of Teach for America Candidates with less training makes EMU grads unable to compete for teaching positions.
President Susan Martin says she is closely listening to faculty and student concerns and trying to get more information. She says it's unfortunate E-M-U students are being punished and great educators are struggling to find student teaching positions. Martin says the E-A-A however is one of many creative efforts to address under performing schools and it makes sense for E-M-U to be part of the effort.
The regents approved Provost Kim Schatzel's appointment to the E-A-A board.
