(5 credits)

This course is designed to equip teacher candidates with essential skills and knowledge for collaborating with families, professionals, and community members with the goal of working together to foster students’ healthy development and learning. As part of a focus on professionalism, candidates study and practice interviewing, resume, and networking skills. After self-assessing, analyzing, and reflecting on professional and teaching skills, the course concludes with creating a comprehensive professional development plan that includes individualized short- and long-term goals, incorporating skill enhancement, active learning, collaboration, self-care, and coaching. By the end of the course, candidates will have delved into the critical role effective collaboration, meaningful family and community engagement, enhanced communication skills, and individualized roadmaps for professional development play in their success in and contribution to the field of education.