Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation

The UMHB Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation (MSCTP) was created to serve two purposes. The center is an opportunity for UMHB pre-service education teachers to practice the skills they have been taught in class. UMHB students implement the techniques they have learned for teaching all children including those with various disabilities. This learning opportunity is vital and has been shown in research to be critical to the development of quality teachers. Additionally, the MSCTP offers parents of children with disabilities research-based, high quality, low-cost services for their children. Parents are able to watch their children work with UMHB students on a big screen television via multiple cameras in every classroom. The children play a crucial role in the education of our students. It’s possible that the children and the UMHB students will see each other again in a public school classroom.

All teachers face great challenges upon entering the classroom door. They must be prepared to meet the individual needs of students with a variety of abilities. This challenge can only be overcome through extensive preparation and exposure to children of all ages and needs. It is through the UMHB Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation that pre-service teachers are able to practice the skills they learned in class. The UMHB student prepares lessons, implements behavior strategies, modifies skills, and communicates with parents. Each moment in the center is a learning opportunity that prepares the student for a future in education. It is our honor and privilege to interact with so many amazing families who allow the students at UMHB the opportunity to better prepare themselves for being the best teacher possible.

Programs of Service

The UMHB Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation tailors lessons and activities to the needs of the participant. All participants learn independence through the use of an appropriate visual schedule. Young adult participants may work on skills necessary for job placement, interest inventories, and soft skills. School age participants engage with academic content. During their session, UMHB students work with children on reading, writing, math, communication, behavior, and social skills. Employing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, students use discrete trials to teach new skills to the children and to generalize those skills to other areas. Children are taught communication strategies including augmentative communication, sign language, and Picture Exchange Communication.

Required Forms

The UMHB Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation requires the following information from each participant:

• Updated shot record
• $50 annual fee collected in September or when the child enrolls in the center.

Please complete the admission forms on the links below.

You may email the forms to Dr. Smith at emily.smith@umhb.edu or may bring them on your first day of lab. A Frequently Asked Questions form is available below for your convenience.