Aspiring teachers will have a more robust and meaningful practicum experience thanks to a new partnership between the Washington State University Tri-Cities College of Education and Tapteal Elementary School. The West Richland elementary school was designated as a “WSU Tri-Cities College of Education Teaching Laboratory School” at a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 18.

Teaching Laboratory Schools will provide a rich and meaningful early practicum experience for teacher candidates. Unlike traditional practicums that place student teachers in one classroom, WSU Tri-Cities teacher candidates placed in Laboratory Schools will observe multiple classrooms focused on specific topics about teaching and learning. After observing, candidates then volunteer in specific classrooms to support and apply teaching techniques.

Tapteal Principal, Sean Langdon is enthusiastic about being a Laboratory School. “We are excited to partner with Washington State University Tri-Cities to create new opportunities for future teachers and staff at Tapteal Elementary. This collaboration not only showcases the exceptional work of our dedicated teachers but also promises to enhance our educational programs and enrich the learning experiences for all involved!”

Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick School Districts have volunteered to initiate the Laboratory School partnership. In addition to Tapteal Elementary in West Richland, Maya Angelou Elementary and Roselind Franklin Elementary in Pasco have volunteered to be part of this new venture and will be designated as “WSU Tri-Cities College of Education Teaching Laboratory Schools” on Nov. 4.

John Mancinelli, the Field Services Director at WSU Tri-Cities, stated that creating impactful future educators benefits the community for decades. “Approximately eighty-five percent of WSU Tri-Cities students stay in our region,” he said.  “Tapteal’s partnership allows all our candidates to gain valuable insights into teaching and learning from exemplary mentor teachers, enhancing the significance of their education and the skills they develop to become educators. We are grateful for this partnership.”

Tapteal Elementary opened in the fall of 1978. The school is committed to developing self-motivated, lifelong learners while ensuring acceptance and respect for the individual needs and learning potential of all students. Tapteal also houses the district’s first bilingual classrooms.

WSU Tri-Cities Field Services places teacher candidates in regional schools for three types of practica: Early, Pre-Internship, and Student Teaching. All teacher candidates combined spend about 45,000 hours each academic year in 33 different school districts located in the Columbia Basin including Walla Walla, Goldendale, Yakima, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, and the Tri-Cities.

The WSU Tri-Cities College of Education offers multiple routes for individuals interested in earning a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in education, as well as certification programs for principals, program administrators and superintendents.