Educators in Context and Community (ECCO)

Joining ECCO is a serious commitment—not to be taken lightly.  It is a commitment to the other members, to the teachers and schools we partner with, and a commitment to the students we work with—that you will be there for them (and them for you).  It is a commitment above and beyond everything you are required to do as an Education major at BGSU.  You should enter into ECCO knowing what you are expected to do, and you are expected to fulfill these commitments for the duration of the semester in which you are enrolled.  At the end of each semester, you may choose to no longer be a member of ECCO; or, if you are no longer a member in good standing, you may not be invited back into ECCO the following semester.  If you are a member in good standing, you may be invited back into ECCO after a break.

Minimum Commitments for ECOO Membership:

There are six minimum commitments for ECCO membership.  Accommodations for these commitments can be made with the Director for students with special needs.

1. Residence.  All First Year ECCO students are required to live in Kohl Hall for at least one semester.
2. Fees.  All ECCO members pay a membership fee. 
   • First Year fee is $275/semester
   • Second Year (and above) fee is $200/semester if you ride the bus
   • Second Year (and above) fee is $100/semester if you provide your own transportation
   • Methods and Student Teaching fee is $50/semester
3. Background Check.  All ECCO members are required to provide hard copy evidence of a criminal background check (fingerprinting) by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI&I) and a FBI criminal history record check each year of participation.
   • Background checks must be completed prior to each year, and there is an expense (approximately $60 in most locations) for the check.
4. Experience.  All ECCO members commit to do a 50-hour field placement (about 4-5 hours per week)
   • Transportation is arranged for in-school field placements in Toledo Public Schools on      Tuesdays (9:30am-4:00pm), Wednesdays (7:30am-2:30pm), and Thursdays (9:30am-4:00pm)
   • After-School alternative placements are available (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters) and require a year-long commitment and begin as early as 3:15pm and end as late as 6:00pm
   • Alternative placements can be arranged through the Director
5. Academics.  All ECCO members must register for and participate in Seminar on Tuesday nights (course#: RESC 4700C).  It is a one-credit class focusing on context- and community-education issues. 
   • First Year students must also take EDHD 2010C or EDTL 2020C
   • There are other courses offered through ECCO that are recommended but not required.
6. Participation.  All ECCO members participate in at least one service, one social, and one professional development activity in PCC each semester, in addition to joining and actively participating in a “family” in ECCO (a smaller group, for socializing and mentoring, etc.).