Leander ISD Partners With UT On New Literacy Learning Program

LEANDER, TX — Leander ISD officials this week announced a newly formed collaboration between the district and the University of Texas at Austin offering future teachers experience in virtual learning at three dual language campuses.

Via Zoom, UT-Austin education students instructed Reed Elementary, Whitestone Elementary and Danielson Middle School students from Nov. 2 through Dec. 2, officials wrote on the district's website. The teaching students led guided reading opportunities, critical thinking skills practice, processing tasks and more under tutelage of carefully selected teachers at each campus, officials explained.

Teaching students received hands-on experience at a high-performing district while Leander ISD students benefited from individual attention. The program furthers literacy at its dual language campuses while identifying new teaching talent that may join the district after graduation, officials said.

“The pure joy and excitement of the UT students are so evident!," elementary curriculum specialist Karen Turner said in a prepared statement. “Having more hands, hearts, and minds on our virtual learners, we can increase one-on-one opportunities. In addition, we can better note the behaviors, skills, and attitudes of our learners and collaborate on next steps.”

Pre-service teachers are educators in their first semester of education coursework at UT-Austin, officials noted, adding that they have not yet completed their classroom observation or student teaching cycles. The partnership allows a chance to influence, inform and shape future educators, which district officials categorized as a true win-win for all involved.