[402] MTSU educators to take part in ‘Read Across America’ March 3-6

MURFREESBORO — Several members of the MTSU community will take time out of their busy schedules to read to preschoolers next week.

They will participate in “Read Across America” Monday, March 3, through Thursday, March 6, at MTSU’s Child Development Center, 820 Fairview Ave. in Murfreesboro.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, Provost Brad Bartel, College of Education Dean Lana Seivers, interim Department of Elementary and Special Education Chair Kathy Burriss, and Smyrna, Tenn., Mayor and MTSU alumna Mary Esther Reed are among those who will share stories with the youngsters who attend the center.

McPhee is scheduled to read at 10:20 a.m. and Bartel is slated to read at 2:45 p.m. Monday, March 3.

Reed will read at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 5. Seivers and Burriss will read Thursday, March 6, at 10:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., respectively.

In addition, Donna Williams will read at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, and Rosemary Sadler will read at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 5. Both are retired Rutherford County teachers.

“Read Across America” is sponsored by the National Education Association, which has declared Monday, March 3, Read Across America Day.

The Child Development Center currently cares for 30 infant/toddler-age and 24 preschool-age children. It has received a three-star grade from the Tennessee Department of Human Services and grades of 98 for preschool and 95 for infants and toddlers from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

“We believe in education and what can be done to help children,” said Beverly “Marzee” Woodward, the center’s director and lead mentor/teacher of the infant/toddler program. “We have children with different needs and different ability levels.”

In addition, the center is one of only 100 laboratory schools of its kind in the nation. MTSU’s human development majors work with both age groups and do research at the center. Early childhood practicum students working at the center are called preservice teachers and may pursue either a child development or family studies degree track.

“We strive for a research-based effect in teaching,” said Woodward. “We’re very hands-on and get actively involved.”

For more information, contact Woodward at 615-898-2198 or beverly.woodward@mtsu.edu.