I cannot say enough about this teacher prep program. It was harder and more rewarding than any of my previous educational endeavors. I am a school junkie! I truly feel I am ready to be let loose with all those little young minds. Graduate, elementary education

I wanted to let you know how thrilled I was to receive information regarding Walden University and the credits that I can apply from Rio. I had looked into this program approximately 6 months ago; but now I am even more excited. I have always wanted to attain my Masters, but this joint program has made it so much more enticing to me. I have truly enjoyed this program. Not only am I doing well, I am enjoying all the faculty that I have met. My teachers are fabulous!!! Who knows, maybe one day I will be a Master Teacher for Rio! Thanks for all you do for us, this has truly been a great journey for me! Graduate, elementary education

The Rio Salado Teacher Preparation program is used extensively by our [Troops To Teachers] program. In fact, I believe it to be the most innovative and complete teacher preparation available online with far-reaching state reciprocity. My whole hearted and most enthusiastic recommendation goes to Rio Salado College for the most innovative, flexible, and student-friendly online Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program. There are many programs available, but none of them can compare to Rio Salado's practical hands on approach that incorporates the embedded critical components that an effective teacher needs to know. Your courses focus directly on the accepted standards required for licensure and demand the highest practicum experiences of your students. Regional Director Mountain West Troops To Teachers

Hi Mr. Treat! I just wanted to thank you. Your master teacher meeting last night was fabulous. Your ideas, your delivery and style, and especially your positive attitude were inspirations I'll turn to many times in the future. Thank you for your generous and invaluable advice! Student, secondary education

I have done three practicums with two different teachers at two different high schools. I have found both experiences to be rewarding, enriching and valuable as I have been able to do lesson presentations in both classes and have gained valuable feedback form both instructors. One of the reasons I selected the program at Rio was for the teaching experience I would receive via the practicums. Student, secondary education

I just took the AEPA…[state teacher exam for certification] I really felt confident about the math, thanks to this course...! Graduate, elementary education

I have been very please with Rio's program…and would definitely recommend it to others. Thanks again for this opportunity and for the staff's guidance and assistance. Graduate, secondary education

Last night I attended a Master Teacher Meeting titled "Wants and Needs of the First Year Teacher"… It was absolutely outstanding. Student

I just want to let you know that I have accepted a teaching position… I will be teaching Special Education. I want to thank you and the staff at Rio for putting together a fine teacher prep program. The Rio Program has done an excellent job preparing me for the challenges that lie ahead and I am confident that I will succeed in my new chosen profession. Graduate, secondary education

I just finished a class with Professor Jeri Jue. I wanted to let you know that she out shines my other teachers. She grades my lessons within a few days. She puts a lot of effort in her feedback to me as a student. She even went so far as to call me twice when we were having trouble corresponding. Jeri is so supportive and is filled with so much positive energy. She doesn't know this but she has given me a lot of incentive to keep on going in the distance learning classes. I am finding it very difficult to balance everything in my life - kids, husband, job, housework, and now school. I have saved all her comments and have re-read them when I need to the extra motivation. She is doing a great job as a teacher. Some how she is able to transcend the Internet and emit her enthusiasm and genuine concern for us over the Internet. Thank you for having her on your staff. Graduate, secondary education

The classes I am taking now are very enjoyable. I truly like the on-line system, mainly because it saves me the time of getting to and from class. There is no bother with where to park or getting a parking permit. I can do the work mostly at my own pace, but more importantly at the time I choose. I am not bound to a specific class time. These courses are great for people who are working because you don't have to sit in class after a tiring workday. You can complete the work when it's the best time for you. I also like the immediate feedback from instructors…In a traditional setting, I would have to wait until the next class period. I did have some trouble starting out with my e-mail, but the Help Desk fixed it quickly for me. They also walked me through how to e-mail and how to send an attachment. Whenever I have had…problems, or questions, I am able to get help very quickly. My instructors have answered my questions promptly, and the Help Desk has handled any technical concerns I have had. Classroom Teacher (taking courses for continuing education/professional development)

I am thoroughly enjoying my classes and practicum experience as part of Rio Salado's Teacher Preparation Program. The classes are constructivist in nature, challenging my thinking skills as well as my belief systems. I am able to relate to this "foreign" new profession by all the activities that engage my prior knowledge and help me make new connections. I began substitute teaching when I started this program and I thought I had made a huge mistake. How could I have been so wrong about something that felt so right in my heart? Then with each course I took, I gained new skills and insights that helped me be a better teacher and actually ENJOY substitute teaching. I thought my natural abilities and rapport with people would carry right over to teaching. I can relate my experience to what I am learning right now in my ESL methods class. It's important to teach Learning Strategies to English Language Learners: most students attribute success or failure in school to natural ability, effort, luck, and good vs. bad teachers. Students need to know that they can all succeed when they are taught strategies for learning, now just content. As they use the strategies (taught and modeled by their teacher) independently and experience repeated success, the students realize that strategy, not innate ability and luck, is the key to their learning. With this in mind, I believe that all the teachers graduating from Rio Salado's Teacher Prep Program will succeed in educating and empowering their students to be high-level thinkers, readers and problem solvers. Thank you for giving me the appropriate course content, classroom experience, resources, exposure to master teachers, support, and strategies to become an excellent teacher. Graduate elementary education