District and University Partnerships: PARA to TEACHER Strategies that Work

Teacher shortages are not new but have become critical. Partnerships among districts, universities, and stakeholders can address shortages to prepare excellent teachers where they are needed.

Drawing on the successful results from a teacher preparation partnership for the last 26 years, Dr. Shirley Dawson will share strategies for teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention along with tips to initiate or implement partnerships in your own district.

Shirley Dawson, Associate Professor of Special Education at Weber State University, currently teaches special education courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. She was a public school teacher for 22 years in grades K-9 in the areas of elementary, gifted, and special education. She worked to prepare future teachers at University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, Westminster College, and Argosy University before coming to Weber State in 2013. Dr. Dawson has published and presented in areas of transition, special education law, educator ethics, and teacher preparation. Currently Shirley is the Director of the Teaching Assistant Pathway to Teacher Program, Co-Director of the Paraeducator Certificate Program, Co-Director of the STEP UP Program, Teacher Education Departmental Honors Chair, the advisor the WSU student chapter of Council for Exceptional Children, Utah Council for Exceptional Children Policy Advocate Coordinator, and partners with Davis School District to investigate transition outcomes for high school students with disabilities. Dr. Dawson was recently recognized with the John S. Hinckley Fellow Award for her ongoing work in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service. Dr. Dawson has authored 31 articles or book chapters. She is the mother of four sons and the grandmother of 12 children.