Read Across America Day at Roane State's W.H. Swain Scott County Center involved dozens of young students.
April 11, 2017
By Bob Fowler
Roane State staff writer
HUNTSVILLE -- Students in a program for aspiring elementary school teachers recently helped 60 preschoolers celebrate the 113th birthday of “Dr. Seuss,” one of the most adored children’s book authors of all time.
The occasion on March 2, also known as “Read Across America Day,” was held at Roane State’s W.H. Swain Scott County Center, where “2+2” college students take classes in a unique partnership between Tennessee Technological University and Roane State Community College.
The 4-year-olds launched the day by singing “Happy Birthday” in honor of the late Theodor Seuss Geisel, whose Dr. Seuss children’s books have sold more than 600 million copies. Geisel died in September 1991. He was 87.
There are 13 students in the “2+2” program, which offers “an amazing path to becoming an elementary education teacher,” said Tennessee Tech instructor Angela Jones.
“I’m not certain who enjoyed it the most – the 4-year-olds, the teachers-in-training or the faculty and staff,” Jones said of the event. “I was extremely proud to showcase my students,” she said. “The professionalism they demonstrated was remarkable.”
Read Across America Day at Roane State's W.H. Swain Scott County Center included plenty of fun games
Their students for the day of hands-on training were preschoolers enrolled in Scott County Elementary School.
The “2+2” program is a two-year program where college students graduate from Roane State and then stay at the Scott County campus and transition as juniors into education classes at Tennessee Tech.
They guided the preschoolers through a day full of learning-related activities, all with a Dr. Seuss theme - at different stations within Roane State’s Scott County campus.
“It’s my job, through my courses and mentoring, to make sure my students are prepared for their future job of being a teacher,” Jones said. “Hosting the pre-K students and planning quality, interesting, engaging activities for them was an added bonus for these teachers-in-training.”
For more information about TTU’s 2+2 Program, contact Rick Moles at 931-372-3532. To learn more about academic programs at Roane State’s Scott County campus, call (423) 663-3878.
Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulation and by Tennessee board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. View full non-discrimination policy.