McKay Campus School

College Collaboration

The McKay Campus School is the Teacher Education Center at Fitchburg State University, as well as a public elementary school for the city of Fitchburg. This dual mission adds a uniqueness to the teaching and learning atmosphere at McKay. This collaboration with higher education is a partnership that brings professionals together in our school setting to share:

• responsibility for the preparation of new teachers
• the professional development of experienced classroom teachers
• the support of research directed at improvement of practice
• and, most importantly, enhanced student learning for our elementary students.

This partnership encourages those teaching at McKay to pursue structural reform that supports the changes necessary in teaching and learning.

Students in the education departments have the opportunity to have pre-practicum experiences in our McKay classrooms. In addition to providing research-based pr-epracticum experiences for Fitchburg State University students, this also increases the opportunities for small group instruction for McKay students. Student teaching opportunities are also provided at McKay that not only enrich the teaching / learning experience for all, but also support a culture in which exemplary practice and new knowledge gained are nurtured and sustained.

FSC students also partner with McKay faculty in co-curricular activities after school, in the evenings and during vacations. This allows for many "mentoring" opportunities where college students begin to support the life-long learning of McKay students and their families.

McKay Campus School and Fitchburg State University have a shared understanding of and commitment to learning for children and adults. This culture of learning is one that values risk-taking, inquiry, reflection and collegiality. This community has children at its core and encompasses school and college faculty, parents and members of the wider community of Fitchburg and its surrounding towns.

Ruth Joseph, Ed.D.
Interim Associate Dean/Principal

Jennifer Fichtel, M.Ed.,
Assistant Principal

McKay Campus School
Phone: 978-665-3187
Fax: 978-665-3523
Email: rjoseph@fsc.edu
jfichtel@fsc.edu