Teaching Fellows Program University of North Carolina Wilmington
TFP 201
Community Based Understanding in Education
Fall 2010
Catalog Description: (1) Prerequisite: Formal enrollment in the Teaching Fellows Program or
consent of director. The course is designed as an in-depth introduction to, and examination of,
the problems facing students and the community as a whole. Students will participate in a service
learning projects to better understand their students’ life experiences. Topics range from gangs
and poverty to ESL and immigration.
Conceptual Framework: This course is designed to focus on key components of the
Watson School of Education’s conceptual framework: The WSE develops highly
competent professionals to serve in educational leadership roles. TFP 201 supports this
framework through discussions, class activities, readings, projects and evaluations. These
projects afford students the opportunity to develop the following competencies:
Informed data driven decision making
o Reflective practice
o Commitment to ethical and professional standards
o Technology integration
o Ability to meet needs of diverse learners
o Knowledge and use of appropriate communication strategies
Individual student growth in these areas will result in educational practice that positively impacts
learning.
Course Objectives:
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Reflect on the impact of culture and diversity in the range of learning environments, as
well as on the individual student as he/she moves through K-12 schooling.
Explore deeper understandings of the importance of connections to the community that
surrounds school systems and the students attending the schools.
Gain an appreciation of the various cultural differences in the K-12 schools.
Heighten awareness of one's own cultural perspectives and the impact of those
perspectives on individuals from other groups.
Recognize and understand the diverse family backgrounds that their students will have
upon entering their classrooms.
Course Outcomes/Projects:
1. Walk A Mile Exercise
2. Privilege Exercise
3. Camera Safari
4. Digital Reflection
North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards
1.5 Teachers demonstrate high ethical standards.
2.1 Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship
with caring adults.
2.2 Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the world.
2.3 Teachers treat students as individuals.
2.4 Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs.
2.5 Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their
students.
4.1 Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels
of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.
4.7 Teachers communicate effectively.
Class Attendance
Tardiness, requests to leave early, and/or absences will result in your grade being lowered a half
letter grade. (ONE absence is permitted but not recommended.) None of these reasons excuse
you from fulfilling all course requirements. Please make an appointment with me within the first
three (3) weeks of class if you have scholarship responsibilities that require you to miss classes
due to UNCW-sponsored events or performances.
Grade Distribution – Grades earned are awarded using the University letter system.
A 90-100 C 70-79 F 59 & Below
B 80-89 D 60-69
UNCW Honor Code Statement
All students enrolled at UNCW are subject to the UNCW Student Academic Honor Code
(hereafter referred to as the Honor Code), which is intended to help every member of the UNCW
community appreciate the high value placed on academic integrity and the means that will be
employed to ensure its preservation. Students are expected to perpetuate a campus culture where
each student does his or her own work while relying on appropriate resources for assistance. In
such a climate students enjoy a special trust that they are members of a unique community where
one’s thoughts and words are attributed correctly and with proper ownership, and where there is
little need for systems to sanction those who cheat. As such, all UNCW students shall commit to
the principles and spirit of the Honor Code by adhering to the following pledge: “As a student at
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, I am committed to honesty and truthfulness in
academic inquiry and in the pursuit of knowledge. I pledge to uphold and promote the UNCW
Student Academic Honor Code.”