Fort Hays State University (FHSU) has reached a significant milestone in its history with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) approving an affiliation agreement between the university and its longstanding education partner, the Haysville School District. This historic partnership, effective July 1, 2024, marks a new chapter in FHSU’s commitment to educator preparation and strengthens its ties with the local community.
The affiliation agreement allows the Haysville School District to become an official FHSU Education Partnership Site. This means the district will now be fully integrated into FHSU’s educator preparation programs, providing a robust and collaborative learning environment for aspiring teachers.
“This partnership provides a valuable opportunity for our students to gain hands-on experience in a high-quality school district,” said Dr. Tisa Mason, Dean of the FHSU College of Education. “It also provides the Haysville School District with access to the university’s expertise and resources in teacher preparation and professional development.”
The partnership will offer a number of benefits to both FHSU and the Haysville School District. FHSU students will benefit from:
Increased access to diverse learning environments: Students will have the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds and engage with experienced educators in a real-world setting.
Enhanced mentorship and support: FHSU faculty will collaborate with Haysville School District staff to provide mentorship and support to student teachers throughout their program.
Improved career readiness: The partnership will provide students with valuable experience that will prepare them for a successful career in education.
The Haysville School District will benefit from:
Access to a pool of highly qualified candidates: The partnership will provide the district with access to a pool of highly qualified teacher candidates who are prepared to teach in today’s diverse classrooms.
Enhanced professional development opportunities: The partnership will offer staff access to professional development opportunities and resources offered by FHSU.
Strengthened community partnerships: The partnership will build stronger relationships between FHSU and the Haysville School District, creating a shared commitment to educational excellence.
This historic affiliation between FHSU and the Haysville School District signifies a shared commitment to preparing future educators and enriching the learning experience for all students. This innovative collaboration will continue to shape the future of teacher education in Kansas.
