Springfield College Announces New William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship
Springfield College and the Springfield Public Schools have introduced the new William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship, which includes Springfield College awarding one full tuition and fees scholarship per year to a graduating Springfield Public Schools student of color, who is preparing for a PreK through 12th grade teaching profession. The announcement was made at the Springfield Public Schools Committee meeting on Thursday, Aug. 21.
“We are very proud to continue our strong relationship with the Springfield Public Schools and Superintendent Daniel Warwick,” said Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper. “This new scholarship is an example of our collective work in advancing opportunities for access to education. Our intent is that the future recipients of this Award will graduate from our institution and return to the Springfield Public Schools as a teacher working to enhance education for Springfield youth.”
The scholarship may be renewed for up to eight semesters, which has a value of $132,000, provided the student maintains a strong academic performance record. Potential recipients for the scholarship will be recommended by the Springfield Public Schools Guidance Department and the Springfield College Office of Admissions following a comprehensive assessment of the student’s academic record.
Following graduation from Springfield College with a teaching degree and upon conferral of Massachusetts certification and licensure, William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to apply for teaching positions within the Springfield Public Schools.
The William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship is named in honor of William H.J. Beckett, an African-American student who received the first degree from the College. Beckett received a bachelor of humanics degree in 1906.
Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide for the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy—educating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology. The college is ranked in the 2014 edition of “Best Colleges” in the top tier of “Best Regional Universities – North Region” by U.S.News Media Group, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its School of Human Services campuses across the country.
