Friday, March 8, 2024 — Distinguished guests, educators, and community leaders converged to celebrate the grand opening of the Norco College Center for Child Development and Teacher Preparation. This innovative teaching and learning program is a collaborative effort between Alvord Unified School District and Riverside Community College District's Norco College. This occasion marked a significant advancement in student learning and showcased a joint commitment to excellence in education.
Emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning experiences and fostering a dynamic, integrated approach to teacher preparation, the program's vision became a reality. This achievement was made possible through meticulous design and renovations by the architects and construction team, programmatic support from Norco College faculty and classified professionals, and the mentoring and modeling of authentic teaching to the Stokoe Elementary School teaching staff.
Representatives from both entities instrumental in the project's success were present, including RCCD, Norco College, Riverside County Office of Education, Alvord Unified School District, Stokoe Elementary, and WWA Architect and Construction.
Allan Mucerino, superintendent of Alvord Unified School District, underscored the collaboration's significance, stating, "This model is exemplary and should be shared with other districts to encourage communication and focus on the development of future and veteran teachers and the students they serve."
President of Norco College, Monica Green, provided an inspirational overview of this innovative approach to teacher preparation, commending her faculty and expressing anticipation for scholars at Norco College to flourish in this program. She stated, "Our faculty's dedication and the collaborative spirit showcased in this program align perfectly with our commitment to providing top-tier education and preparing our students for successful careers."
The Teaching and Learning Program officially opened on February 12, 2024, and following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees were invited to walk through the facility to witness the renovations and experience the new classroom environment. Fifth-grade students from Stokoe Elementary and students from the Early Education Norco College Program served as guides, making the tour informative and enjoyable.
"This life-changing project will serve as a vital link between TK-12 and higher education, furthering career pathways for our college students while restoring the educator pipeline. I am so proud to have secured $5 million in the 2018 California state budget for the Norco College Center for Child Development and Teacher Preparation. What Stokoe Elementary and Norco College are doing here is vital as we support, nurture, and uplift the next generation of passionate educators, and more importantly, lay down the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for our children," said Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes, 58th District.
$5 million from the project was provided by state funds, secured by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes through the 2018 State Budget.
This groundbreaking collaboration sets a new standard in education, highlighting the shared dedication of Norco College and Alvord Unified School District to advancing student learning and teacher preparation.