The PVCC Education Program continues this year’s theme of “Perspectives” by offering engaging and enriching activities that give students so much more than traditional classroom lessons.
Structured Autism Event
The Education Program hosted its Structured Autism Event at Sunset Canyon Elementary on November 2nd. Over 30 PVCC students attended as well as approximately 25 PVSchools instructors. Students shared their experience as participants:
"My highlight of the Structured Autism Outreach was when we were exploring classrooms and got to see how different student levels/abilities translate to the work they do in class. I thought it was interesting to see all the visual and interactive pieces that go into it. I learned that children benefit from interactivity inside and outside of the classroom and that there are different challenges all the students struggle with, even being in the same grade level or classroom." -Cassie Washington, PVCC Student
"The Structured Autism Outreach Event was an amazing experience and I enjoyed learning more information and taking tours of the classrooms. It was interesting to see the difference between the academic and functional classrooms and as a visual learner, it was helpful to have this first-hand experience. I also enjoyed helping the teachers prepare the tasks they use in the classrooms. Learning and working with the teachers to gain their perspective of what it's like to be a teacher was amazing! I had a truly fun time and learned a lot." -Grace Bechard, PVCC Student
In addition, Michelle McCumber, Teacher-On-Assignment for Autism with PVSchools reflected on the value of the event and the partnership with PVCC:
“PVCC/PVUSD Collaboration Night is enlightening and inspiring for educators and future educators alike. The collaborative event gives current special educators the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for teaching and pass along invaluable knowledge. The PVCC students' involvement directly affects the lives of the students. The task-based curriculum that the PVCC students help to create can be used the next day in the classroom. We're doing what's best for students and we're so grateful for the PVCC partnership.”
Video: Structured Autism Event
Guest Presentations
Students’ perspectives were further expanded with the many guest speakers and activities that took place this semester which included Navajo Artists from the past, a transgender panel, a School Board member, a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher and principal, a guest from the Islamic Speakers Bureau, and decorating Sugar Skulls for Dia Des Los Muertos. Student, James Villa appreciated what he learned from the transgender panel:
"The most influential guest presenters for me were Catherine and Sam. Before their presentation, I had an insignificant amount of knowledge about transgender people, and now although there is still so much more to learn, I feel as if I have a much better grasp on how to better serve and affirm my future students."