This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

10/04/2016 03:09 PM

North Branford Principal Studies UCONN PreK-3 Leadership Program


Jerome Harrison Elementary School (JHS) principal Dr. Carter Welch, Ed.D., went back to his university alma mater this summer to participate in an innovative PreK-3 Leadership Program at UCONN's Neag School of Education in Storrs.

Welch studied at UConn as an undergraduate, graduate student, and doctoral student.  He was named JHS Principal in 2014. Prior to that, he served as North Branford High School assistant principal since 2010.

UCONN's highly competitive PreK-3 Leadership Program took 15 participants for the 2016-17 school year. According to a press release, the program prepares participants to "lead efforts to close the preparation gaps that exist as students enter public schooling and to strengthen students' academic and social-emotional skills through consistent programming and instruction."

The program has been developed through federal funding in conjunction with the University of Connecticut, Harvard University, and the Connecticut State Department of Education.

Welch said he's excited to be part of the cutting edge program and to learn from expert researchers and practitioners from across the country.

"This program was of particular interest and relevance, because it addresses harnessing community support and consistency around pre-kindergarten standards and consistency, something that is missing in the current education system," Welch added.

Welch said he appreciates North Branford Public School's support of his participation in the UCONN program. He added he's looking forward to the impact his professional learning will have a JHS and within North Branford.