Vision
The BYU–Public School Partnership exists to simultaneously renew public schools and educator preparation through consistent collaborative inquiry, mutual reflection, and positive change involving both the university and public schools. The Partnership is comprised of five school districts, the BYU colleges of arts and sciences with teacher preparation programs, and the David O. McKay School of Education.
Our Beliefs
Teaching is an inherently moral endeavor because it involves human relationships and judgments
that impact
others. Educators act morally when they decide and act to create conditions that promote thriving for
students.
Education plays a vital role in preparing young people for the rights and responsibilities of
self- governance. Public schools are not the only institution responsible for preparing our youth for
citizenship, but they are an important and necessary one.
Public schools teach and nurture students in the
manners and habits of a democratic way of life. Such habits must be taught, modeled, practiced, and acted
upon to ensure the continued health of our society.
Public education plays a fundamental role in providing
access to education for all.
Good schools require well-prepared teachers, and good teacher education
programs require access to good schools.
Distinct Features of the BYU Partnership
Scale
The Partnership is comprised of a university working with five school districts responsible for educating over a third of Utah’s PK-12 students.
Multiple Shared Interests
Multiple interests shared by the partners help to establish a stronger basis for continuing relationships.
Longevity
Originally established in 1984, the Partnership remains vibrant today.
Leadership
Leaders from all the partner organizations are involved and viewed as equals, including superintendents of the five districts and the dean of the McKay School of Education.
Unifying Purpose
The university and public school districts, while different, focus on a common purpose; to help every student learn.
Mutual Benefits
This is what an educational partnership is all about—achieving together what cannot be achieved alone; collectively working to enhance the quality of education. This is what the Brigham Young University-Public School Partnership is about—working together to address common goals so that every child will have access to the finest educational experiences.
Our Commitments
The Partnership develops educators who model and teach the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for civic virtue and engagement in our society.
The Partnership develops educators who are committed to and actively provide equitable access for all students to the fullest possible range and richness of the educational experience.
The Partnership develops educators who are competent and caring and who promote engaged learning through appropriate instructional strategies, high expectations, and positive classroom environments and relationships.
The Partnership assists educators in their role as stewards who oversee, protect, and care for the wellbeing of students, schools, and communities.
The Partnership cultivates in educators a commitment to continuous improvement through inquiry, reflection, and action, both within one’s professional practice and collaboratively within the Partnership.
Collaborative Structures
A major source of the Partnership’s vitality springs from the ongoing, dedicated collaboration of university and K-12 educators working to improve teacher education and schooling. Key decision-makers regularly meet within established collaborative structures. Professional Advisory Councils (PACs) plan and coordinate activities and professional development in their respective areas of stewardship.
Questions?
Contact us for more information about programs, initiatives, endorsements, or other questions.