IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8-22-05 CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

SILVER CITY—Western New Mexico University President John E. Counts has begun his term as the President of The Renaissance Group (TRG), a national consortium of colleges and universities with a major commitment to the preparation of educational professionals.

Formed in May 1989, the primary purpose of TRG is to address issues facing teacher education and to be a proactive force in the renewal and reform of education on a national level. TRG has 36 member universities preparing one in 10 of all new teachers for America.

A unique feature of TRG is the requirement that the president, academic vice president/provost, and the dean of each institution’s college of education be an active participant in TRG programs and activities. The leadership of university presidents is seen as a critical component in any initiative aimed at affecting the quality of teacher preparation programs.

“It is a privilege to serve as the president of The Renaissance Group because of WNMU’s rich tradition in teacher preparation programs,” said WNMU President John E. Counts. “I believe TRG will continue to improve as a viable and productive leader in teacher education throughout the country.”

Goals for the organization include improving learning in low performing schools, disseminating exemplary practices, and partnering with the Business in Higher Education Forum in its commitment to respond to the crisis in mathematics and science in the United States.

TRG espouses a set of operating principles to guide its pursuit of quality and best practices in teacher education. These guiding principles affirm the importance of the education of teachers as an all-campus responsibility, a campus culture that values and models quality teaching, the creation of partnerships with practicing professionals, the extensive use of field experiences in diverse settings, the adherence to high standards and accountability, a focus on student learning, the effective use of technology, and the development of teachers as creative and innovative leaders. Through its active commitment to these principles, TRG strives to be a proactive force for the improvement and reform of education, locally, regionally and nationally. These operating principles form a strong foundation for the achievement of TRG’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.

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