I agree. Programs like that tend to be fairly close-knit because, like you said, they're small and you spend 4-5 years doing most of your classes with the same group of people. My class (Social Work, not Education, but they're very similar structure-wise) was 55 students, 50 women and 5 men, and everyone knew everyone. Someone who kept entirely to themselves and didn't interact with anyone would have stood out big time. It's an interesting observation, imo. I'd love to hear feedback from people who had to do group projects with him.
OKC Elementary Teacher Ed Program
To me this group that has been referred to as a cohort likely were students that applied and entered their teacher education program together their junior year.
Likely this group then moved through a series of courses together.
A student not clicking, remaining outside the group, those unable to assimilate would be obvious.
This was the first of a series of flaming hoops to ensure he was a fit with elementary kids.
Somehow those in charge of vetting were blind to any red flags.
Was AJM the student in class that asked to do a group project alone?
Or was assigned to a group and stood back while others did the work?
Possibly other students used their social skills to pull him in, as if he was a needy student?
On about Aug 1, 2025 a group of OSU Profs began
- second guessing their ability to judge teachers,
- struggling to understand what they missed,
- trying to figure out their responsibility and,
- creating the story that will come out- or not.
Oh would I love to be a fly on the wall of that conference room with closed door!
IMO