Special ed lab aids future educators

Future educators from the University of North Georgia (UNG) are taking part this fall in a special education lab in which they work with a software tool that helps them assess students, craft education plans and receive feedback from their on-site professor in real time.

Dr. Jennifer Sears, associate professor of elementary and special education and technology professional development faculty coordinator, is leading this lab with nine College of Education students at New Hope Elementary School in Forsyth County, Georgia. Together, they are using the Let's Go Learn platform.

"We are giving UNG students access to these tools so they can get real-time data on their students and how they can help them get to grade level," Sears said. "They can get that immediate feedback from me, and they can ask me questions right there and then."

Elise Brubaker, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in elementary and special education, is grateful for how Sears is offering this essential hands-on learning for future educators at UNG.

"It helps us tailor our lesson to serve a student better. Our teaching is enhanced, and the student's learning is enhanced," Brubaker said. "Our professors are very passionate about what they teach, and they give us lots of tools to help these students in our placements."

Jack Troline, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, who is also pursuing a degree in elementary and special education, said this latest opportunity fits in with the well-rounded teacher placement experience UNG students receive.

"It's nice to give back to a school in the district I grew up in. It's a full-circle moment for me," Troline said. "I'm getting hands-on experience and learning on the spot."

Jennifer Clark, an educational consultant for Let's Go Learn, said using the platform empowers students with a new tool and also exposes school systems to its potential. In UNG's case, she has particularly enjoyed working with Sears.

"I am blown away by the investment Dr. Sears has in her students. It is apparent every time I interact with her students that she isn't just a professor," Clark said. "She is a mentor above and beyond, and she wants success for her students. I appreciate the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind what she does."