Articles
The Credit Union on Your Campus
by Debbie Baker, SLC Coordinator
North Salem High School
Salem, Oregon
Article #406
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For over ten years, North Salem High School in Salem, Oregon has had an outstanding business partnership helping hundreds of students gain valuable skills. In 1995, the Business and Management class partnered with Marion and Polk Schools credit union (MaPS) to create a student-run credit union. The Director of Educational Partnerships at MaPS Credit Union helps to provide training, guidance, and internship opportunities to students. Because of this strong partnership, students are able to develop leadership and management skills as they operate the |
Viking Branch of the MaPS credit union.
In 1999, the Viking Branch and Marion Miller Elementary School developed one of the first student-to-student business partnerships providing structured service learning experiences for high school students. Similar to the other MaPS branches, the Viking branch is a committed member of the community. Each Wednesday, students in the Business and Management class mentor Miller elementary students. In addition, Viking Branch students manage service learning projects such as: reading literacy, financial education, math/science nights, J.C. Relays and the selection of outdoor school counselors. As a result, students in the Business and Management class have learned first hand the importance of being a positive role model in the lives of young children.
In 2002, the Business and Management class expanded to include students chosen to assume chapter officer roles in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). These business leaders provide student leadership to FBLA members who participate in community projects, organize and conduct meetings and participate in local, state, regional and national FBLA activities. Since this addition, there has been an FBLA National President and an FBLA State President claim North Salem as their alma mater.
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About the Author
Debbie Baker
Smaller Learning Communities Project Facilitator
North Salem High School, Salem, Oregon
Ms. Baker has been involved in education throughout her professional career. Prior to entering the teaching profession, she was employed by the University of Maryland, European Division and the Willamette Education Service District Student Leadership
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Development Center. In 1999, she became a student in Oregon State’s Professional Technical Education online licensure program being the first student in the PTE program to receive the EdM degree. In her Master’s program, she completed a web-assisted learning module and the necessary coursework to obtain her ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) endorsement.
Ms. Baker continues to teach business classes at North Salem High school where she is most interested in the constructivist approach to teaching in order to allow all students opportunities to demonstrate knowledge through project-based learning and authentic assessment. In addition, during the past three years, she has taken on the roles of Department Chair and North Salem Smaller Learning Communities Project Facilitator.
Debbie’s educational background
is as follows:
- Masters in Education (EdM) – Oregon State University
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business and Management
University of Maryland, European Division
- Associate of Arts and Science (A.A.S.) – Retail Management and Fashion Merchandising
Spokane Falls Community College
North Salem High School website
See North Salem's timeline of development in The Viking Voyage |
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