McKay School of Education > CITES > Initiatives > Associates
Associates Program
What?
The Associates Program is a series of five two-day retreats in which a diverse group of educators read books and articles on issues of importance to teaching and learning, then meet for enrichment and discussion on these topics. For most of these "cohorts," the retreats are interspersed with one-day visits to exemplary classrooms.
Who?
Any cohort will bring together individuals from several of the following units: teachers and administrators from the public schools, representatives of the Utah State Office of Education and district school boards, administrators and faculty from the McKay School of Education, and faculty and administrators from colleges and departments across the university that participate in preparing teachers. Each district holds its own sessions, so most participants will already know some of their associates colleagues and have the privilege of meeting new ones.
Where
Retreats are held at attractive locations a compfortable distance from the districts so that participants can focus on the sharing experience without feeling obligated to rush back to schools or offices to complete details of their everyday work. Most districts hold their sessions at a resort in Park City. Participants enjoy the relaxing atmosphere that enhances their opportunities to reflect on their own experiences and share ideas and applications with their colleagues. Shared meals enable them to continue conversations beg
un during the sessions or share personal experiences related to discussion topics. Many of the cohorts enhance group friendships with recreational evening activities.
How
Participants prepare for the sessions by reading and reflecting on assigned book chapters and articles. Meetings involve large and small group discussions, with occasional presentations, guest speakers, video clips, and activities. John Goodlad's moral dimensions of teaching are the focus:
1. Enculturating 
the young in a social and political democracy
2. Providing access to knowledge for all students
3. Practicing nurturing pedagogy
4. Ensuring responsible stewardship of the schools.
Readings vary by district, but most include such works as The Right to Learn by Linda Darling-Hammond, The Public Purpose of Education by Goodlad and McMannon, Change Forces by Michael Fullan, Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher, and Education for Everyone by Goodlad, Bromley, and Goodlad, along with a number of journal articles.
How Valuable?
Many participants claim that their Associates participation has been a life-changing experience. They are treated respectfully and validated as capable professionals, whose ideas are sought and considered. They form close, trusting relationships with members of their cohort and learn to value the perspectives and experiences of people with different "jobs" but similar feelings and concerns. They think deeply about their profession; they come away renewed, excited, and eager to share their ideas and experiences.