Page 4 No. 1 Benefit to Teachers Is Accessibility “T am through teaching at 3:30 p.m. and classes start at 4 p.m. at other universities. It is impossible to get there. I have credit at both the U and USU but nothing hzs been very stable 1 jist get a program going and it see-ns to fall apart >”? As a WSC graduate Mr. Marriott already has a rapport with the WSC faculty and ap preciates their easy accessibility. “Teachers are scheduled so easily that I’ve never had any difficulty seeing any teacher. They will come early or stay late.”’ Now, with four years teaching experience, Mr. Marriott feels a need to be to other professional people and ‘‘pick the brains of professors — to build on what I didn’t know enough to ask about before.”’ (continued from page 3) “With such an outstanding Department of Education in our community, it is unfortunate that our teachers have to look elsewhere for a _ graduate program,’ Dr. Nowak said. Another strong asset is the recently constructed Education Building, completed in 1973. It is an excellent and_ entirely adequate facility in which to conduct a graduate program. New physical facilities would not be required. In fact, a graduate program for in-service training of teachers would increase the numbers of students attending WSC in extended day and evening programs and increase the efficient utilization of the WSC plant. students. oP eet like Mr. Marrioit. Mark Marriott, sixth grade teacher, believes Master of Education his program could aid him in curriculum development for use with TF Marriott, a ’74 WSC graduate and a sixth grade teacher at Burch Creek Elementary School, Ogden. Mr. Marriott is just one of 3,194 public school teachers within a 25 mile radius of WSC. In a recent survey of Ogden City Schools 251 teachers indicated they would like to start graduate work immediately at WSC. Extrapolating from this brief sampling, it is estimated b2tween 600 and 700 teachers in tle 25 mile area would indicate similar interest. Distance to travel and serviceability of extension programs are important issues for teachers ms at the graduate level,’”’ said Mark One of Mr. Marriott’s most important undergraduate experiences was in an early orientation class when he spent 15 hours in an elementary school and 15 hours in a secondary school. At the time he was a major in political science and assumed he would prefer secondary students. “After spending 15 hours at Marlon Hills Elementary School in a fifth grade, I knew that was for me. I enjoy relationships with students and feel I have something to share with them to meet the needs they have. I would never have known that without that class.”’ Mr. Marriott indicates that courses in curriculum development on a master’s level would aid him in his teaching, for he is constantly involved in writing new curriculum units. His wife, the former Linda Johnson, also a WSC ’74 graduate, would also like to take advantage of a graduate program in education at WSC. Serula Chatmon, first grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, is extremely interested in earning a master’s degree. “Y’ve always had a desire to obtain a master’s degree in education in order to increase my ability to meet the needs of the disadvantaged children I enjoy working with,’ said Mrs. Chatmon. ‘“‘A family and other obligations do not allow me the time to travel to the U or USU. I’ve found my desire for a master’s degree hard to fulfill because of the demands of travel and time. If a graduate program were offered at WSC I —sa “If Weber State College can be nationally recognized as a leader in undergraduate teacher education, there is no reason why it can’t achieve the same results Serula Chatmon Dr. Betty Nowak would be able to take advantage of the convenience.”’ Statistics indicate that Ogden School District, with only 13 percent of its personnel holding master’s degrees and Morgan with 8.9 percent, are two of the lowest districts in the state. Weber County with 21.4 is significantly below Logan with 38.7 percent, Provo with 29.4 percent and Salt Lake City 26.7 percent. Superintendents, aware of the needs of their teachers, are also supportative of the Master of Education program under study for WSC. Dr. G. Leland Burningham, superintendent of Weber County Schools, said there are more than 800 teachers in his Dr. G. Leland Burningham district that could be served by WSC. He, too, recognizes traveling time as an important factor, especially for women trying to advance themselves professionally. ‘“‘They have home responsibilities which often make it umpossible for them to spend the time required to travel substantial distances for advanced work,’’ he said. ‘Personnel in the Weber School © District feel the staff and ad-— (continued on page 5) —