A new partnership between the Manhattanville College School of Education and the Jefferson Elementary School will provide an opportunity to prepare teacher candidates, as well as provide existing faculty professional development, improve instructional practice, and enhance student learning. The two partner institutions will each blend relative expertise and resources toward mutual goals. Among the goals of this partnership is to enhance after-school programs in Arts and Literacy, develop on-site graduate courses, parent workshops, cooperative teacher workshops, collaborative grant writing, as well as research and assessments.

A ceremony after school on Monday, October 27 at Jefferson Elementary School marked the beginning of the Professional Development School. Attending was Superintendent of Schools Richard Organisciak and Manhattanville College Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Edgar B. Schick. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon was Jefferson Elementary School Principal Cynthia Slotkin with Dean and Professor of the Manhattanville College School of Education Shelley B. Wepner, Assistant Professor and Professional Development School Liaison of Manhattanville Kristin Rainville.