Mrs Kylie Bradfield

The Reading Squadron Program: Preservice teachers are involved in the program as part of the unit Understanding Students with Reading Difficulties which is an elective unit in the Bachelor of Education (Primary) program offered at QUT’s Caboolture campus. As part of the training, preservice teachers learn how to guide, support and assist students who have been identified by their school as experiencing problems with reading. Once trained, the preservice teachers become facilitators of the Reading Squadron program, working individually with one primary school student, once a week over a six week period. During this period, the preservice teachers are guided by their university lecturer, Kylie Bradfield, to ensure the practices and approaches are supportive to the primary students’ needs.  Following each Reading Squadron session preservice teachers are involved in tutorial reflections where they have an opportunity to reflect on both the primary students’ and their own development. The MSU/PSU Teaching Exchange: Kylie is also part of the team who coordinate a teaching exchange program with Minnesota State University, Mankato and Pittsburg State University, Kansas. Twice yearly, preservice teachers from Minnesota and Pittsburg complete a practicum at local schools, as well as undertaking classes and activities at QUT. Once yearly, a group of QUT students travel to Minnesota and undertake a similar experience in an Elementary school in the town of Mankato. Virtual Mentors: As one support mechanism for students transitioning into university, Kylie coordinates an online mentoring program through Facebook. First year students are supported by more experienced peers in developing into a community of learners through sharing experiences, questions and goals within a safe online environment. Kylie is involved in training, supporting and coordinating the mentors as well as moderating the group's virtual space.