Photo of people looking out over Crater Lake

Learning

from

the Lake

by Linda Hilligoss,
Assistant Professor of
Education

WHEN EDUCATORS CLOSE their classroom doors in June, their professional development is just beginning. For some local teachers, their summer plans involve a beautiful caldera and two days of training in the field and classroom as they explore the wonders of Crater Lake National Park.

A place of inspiration and scientific wonder, the park is the centerpiece of the Classroom at Crater Lake project, proposed and funded by the Crater Lake National Trust Board. I represent Southern’s School of Education in this collaboration with elementary science educators from the Rogue Valley. Together, we offer a unique and breathtaking learning opportunity for more than 1,000 fourth- and fifth-graders.

LITERAL INTERPRETATION

ReadOregon: Graduate-Level Literacy Education
for K–12 Teachers

IN RESPONSE to the Oregon Department of Education’s statewide priority to improve children’s literacy skills, Southern Oregon University partnered with Eastern Oregon University, Oregon State University, Portland State University, and Western Oregon University to develop an online reading endorsement program. The ReadOregon Program (formerly CREADE) is a 24-credit graduate reading endorsement program that prepares K–12 teachers to become more proficient reading instructors.

In addition to coursework, students complete a field-based practicum in local public schools. They work collaboratively with teachers and administrators to develop, implement, and assess literacy programs that address a school’s needs, providing positive learning and reading outcomes. Currently, there are 141 SOU students in the ReadOregon Program. They benefit from the accessibility of an online program and instruction from reading experts at SOU and all four partner institutions.

The project brings together SOU, the Southern Oregon Educational Service District, Medford 549C School District, Rogue Community College, Oregon Institute of Technology, and Crater Lake National Park. In its second year, the project increases teachers’ and students’ knowledge in geology and biology while encouraging them to embrace scientific inquiry. Teachers learn to combine classroom curriculum with two field experiences. Serving as the anchor education program for the new Science and Learning Center at Crater Lake, the project is open to fourth- and fifth-grade public schoolteachers in Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, and Klamath Counties.

Working closely with project facilitators and park staff, I proposed project outcomes, created and implemented an evaluation tool, interpreted the data, and wrote a summary report. To assist the participating teachers in gaining the confidence and content knowledge necessary for successful trips to the park, I work with project facilitators Teena Staller (Elementary Education, 1990) and John Salinas. Staller is a national awardwinning elementary science teacher currently working with the Medford School District. Her leadership and curriculum skills have been instrumental to the success of the project. A science instructor at Rogue Community College, Salinas has implemented many workshops and training sessions at the park. Rangers also play a pivotal role in scheduling school groups, providing pre-visit support, and leading engaging hikes through the Hemlock forest, up to the Watchman’s Peak fire tower, and on a snowshoe hike in the winter.

Several teachers have SOU Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) students working in their classrooms. These pre-service teachers glean experience by helping their mentor-teachers plan and implement the trip to Crater Lake.

Thanks to Crater Lake National Trust Board members such as SOU President Elisabeth Zinser and other financial supporters, the park is no longer underutilized by area schools. This classroom without walls has become an inspiring teaching tool. Plans are underway for year three of the project!