Growing dual enrollment program welcomes high school teacher-collaborators to campus

Seventy high school teachers and administrators from districts across Connecticut gathered in the Fine Arts Instructional Center foyer on May 22 for Eastern’s annual Dual Enrollment Day. The event provided information to high school educators about Eastern’s Early College Program, which is currently seeking accreditation through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).

The program is designed to bring Eastern's educational curricula to high schoolers across the state, earning them University credit and preparing them for higher education. English Professor Allison Speicher explained that faculty liaisons will work alongside high school teachers to tailor their syllabi and instructional philosophies to match Eastern’s standards.

“Our goal is for high school teachers to teach Eastern courses to the high schoolers as closely as possible to how they’re taught on campus,” said Speicher. “We’re making sure that each course is not just about content but also reflects Eastern’s philosophical orientations in inclusive pedagogy and shared learning outcomes.” 

She continued: “We're creating real opportunities for back-and-forth relationships between high school faculty and our departments. You’re not just delivering a course — you’re becoming part of a broader academic community.”

According to Chris Drewry, director of co-curricular academic programming, the program now has 21 participating high schools -- more than double the number last year. Additionally, the program will officially be rebranded as “Eastern Early College,” complete with benefits that will ensure affordability and promote academic flexibility.

“This is about early access — getting students exposed to college while they’re still in high school. We want to make that experience real, tangible, and accessible,” said Drewry.  

Established programs in Eastern's dual enrollment initiative include communication, biology, English, and art. Drewry noted that new courses are being introduced in the fields of computer science, criminology, psychology, and business.

Interim Provost Ben Pauley added: “This program is creating exciting opportunities for high school students to come to Eastern’s campus to use our library and other resources they might not otherwise have access to. ... There are lots of opportunities for real partnerships with high schools. Eastern's faculty and students will get to work with dual enrollment students to create new opportunities for them.”