Program
Cumbres uses a cohort concept, in which an identified group of teacher education students begin together as freshmen and take a cluster of courses each year that not only prepare them for their area of primary teacher certification, but also for an endorsement in Second Language. What sets these teacher education students apart is that they are being specifically trained to teach public school children who may be bilingual in English or Spanish, or whose primary language is Spanish.
In addition to the bonding that the cohort experience produces, Cumbres students are also assigned mentors- individuals in the Greeley community or faculty and staff at UNC- who work one-on-one with Cumbres students. The mentors' role is to help guide Cumbres students through their program of study. Mentors are problem solvers, sounding boards, and informal advisors. The combination of taking courses together as a cohort and being "shadowed" by mentors concerned with their academic success provides Cumbres students an advantage when it comes to academic achievement.
As each Cumbres student starts their freshman year of college, each student is assigned a room in Sabin Hall located on central campus. Sabin Hall, specifically assigned for Cumbres students, has come to be a home away from home for all students. Beyond this, the fact that Cumbres students share common goals, helps create friendships that will not only last through their college years, but may well form the basis for lifelong relationships.
A key component of students enrolled in the Cumbres program is to study, learn, practice, and evolve into effective, visionary leaders as educations. When Cumbres students become educators/leaders, they must be willing by their leadership, to influence and impact the existing education system so those students in the public schools can meet or exceed state and national content standards and they are prepared to be successful in the work force and/or in post-secondary education.
To achieve these goals, Cumbres students are encouraged and supported in carrying out leadership development projects within the community. The goal of the project is to assist Cumbres students in their efforts to become influential change agents and educational leaders. As an essential aspect of the Cumbres program, the leadership project can be a lifelong journey within us all. Taking a step outside of your comfort zone, taking a risk, and doing something you have never done before will lead to personal growth and knowledge This will help with the leadership skills and tolls we believe are necessary in achieving the master teacher level that is expected of Cumbres teachers.
Mentor Follow-up Questionnaire (Word)
Cumbres Graduate Questionnaire (Internet Link)
Cumbres Graduate Questionnaire Part Two (Internet Link)