Students in the college’s teacher education program will now have enriched experiences thanks to a new partnership with the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education (NUA). The two joined forces to create a Center for Urban Education. Housed in the college’s School of Education & Human Services, the Center enhances the quality of teaching and learning in urban schools across Western New York.
The NUA’s mission is to substantiate an irrefutable belief in the capacity of all public school children to achieve the high intellectual performances demanded in higher education and the workplace.
Canisius University President John J. Hurley said the college is excited to launch a center committed to inspiring urban students to reach the highest levels of academic performance.
“The expertise and resources of the partnership will serve to enhance the overall quality of our teacher education program and provide potential teachers for Buffalo and Western New York schools,” Hurley said. “And an invigorated recruitment and retention component of this project will enhance the number and diversity of the candidate pool – and promote the retention and success of graduates in urban teaching positions.”
“The partnership between NUA and Canisius University in this effort is a natural one,” added Jeffrey R. Lindauer, PhD, dean of the School of Education & Human Services. “Canisius has a long history of preparing educators. More recently, the School of Education has invested more time and resources in preparing educators to work with students in urban settings. And our campus’ location – in central Buffalo – makes us an ideal place to house such an innovative center.”
Partnering with Buffalo’s schools and applying NUA’s successful approach is also a good fit for the college. “This falls squarely within our Jesuit mission,” said Hurley. “Together, we believe we can help close the achievement gap in urban schools, and make teaching and learning more meaningful and engaging for all.”
