Hinds Community College News October 23, 2012 Hinds, Delta State recruiting for spring 2 plus 2 elementary education program Hinds Community College and Delta State University are recruiting now for their new class of students in the 2 plus 2 teacher elementary education program housed at Hinds' Raymond Campus. The program under the direction of Delta State based in Cleveland allows students in the Jackson metro area to get a four-year degree in elementary education with a combination of hybrid, face-to-face and virtual formats through Hinds Community College. Students are required to complete field experience hours during the day as part of the program. Enrollment officially opens on Nov. 1 for spring classes but recruiting is taking place now, said Terry Parrish, director of the Delta State University/Hinds Community College 2 plus 2 elementary education program. The program appeals to students who want the quality program Delta State is known for at an affordable cost and close to home. Jackie Langston of Madison, 23, received an associate degree from Hinds Community College in early childhood technology and decided to get a degree in elementary education through the 2 plus 2 program. She graduates in May 2013. "Instead of transferring I decided just to stay at Hinds. With the Delta State program, most of it is online. It fit my lifestyle better," she said. Langston enjoys the weekly meetings, which are held either at Hinds or online through a program called Wimba, similar to Skype. She is also impressed by the field experience. "We are in countless classrooms all over the state. I've had the privilege of working in public and private schools, and it gives you the tools to decide what's best for you, where you want to end up working some day," she said. "Me being a hands-on learner, it works so well. I'm able to practice things, and I'm learning." Elementary education is one of the top declared majors at Hinds and is the second highest, after biological sciences, at Mississippi's public universities, with nearly 4,000 in fall 2011. Many of the students are adults ages 25 and older who are already teacher assistants working in local schools. The program allows them to keep their current jobs while pursuing their bachelor's degree. The average teacher assistant's salary in Mississippi is $15,181 but with an education degree teachers earn an average of $41,976. For information on enrolling in the 2 plus 2 elementary education program, contact Parrish at 601.502.7590 or by email at tparrish@deltastate.edu<mailto:tparrish@deltastate.edu>. Or see the Hinds website at https://www.hindscc.edu/2Plus2/DSU.aspx. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.