Date: March 6, 2007
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For immediate release
University Park, Illinois, March 6, 2007 – Governors State University will again be offering Vacation Education this coming summer. The resounding success of the program last year encouraged the College of Education to schedule courses at convenient times this summer for teachers who have only a few short weeks to add to their skills and increase their qualifications.
“Usually, summer is a time for educators to unwind and benefit from a well-deserved rest before planning for the new school year,” said Dr. Steven Russell, Dean of the College of Education at Governors State University in University Park. “We are excited to offer Vacation Education which allows teachers to take classes and still have time to relax and enjoy the summer.”
Vacation Education provides educators with the opportunity to refine and develop their skills. Classes begin days after the end of the school year on June 14 and finish by August 4, weeks before the beginning of the new school year.
“Finding the balance between the time to rest and relax and the time to gain the knowledge educators need to enhance their qualifications and potentially increase their salaries is not easy,” explained Russell. “At GSU, we have developed a special program to help teachers fill both needs.”
Vacation Education classes are offered Monday through Thursday, in the mornings and afternoons. Courses topics include teacher leadership, mathematics teaching strategies, learning and assessment, and the psychology of the middle school student.
“Educators can attend one or two of these three-hour graduate level courses, gain knowledge, and still have time for the best days of summer.”
Russell noted that credits earned during Vacation Education may be applied to recertification requirements, professional development goals, or toward a master’s degree. Participants in Vacation Education need not be enrolled in a master’s study program.
“Teachers need time for their families, vacations, and days at the beach. With Vacation Education, they not only have weeks before and after the GSU classes, they have long weekends throughout the summer.”
For more information about Vacation Education, or to view a list of the courses offered during this special summer learning opportunity, call the College of Education at (708) 235-7577, or visit www.govst.edu/vacation2007.
