Samantha Robinson
Daily Egyptian
An additional $1.2 million has been secured for "An Adventure in American Mind," a new teacher training program, because of the efforts of President James Walker in connection with Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill.
Last year, $1.5 million was granted to both SIUC and SIU-Edwardsville in preparation for the new program.
"We are certainly appreciative of Sen. Durbin's efforts to secure $1.2 million for teacher training at both SIU Carbondale and Edwardsville," SIU President James Walker said.
The program will help train teachers on new technology and how to implement it in the classroom. The teachers will then educate the students on how to utilize the information as well.
The Library of Congress is making its Web site available in conjunction with the program. Once all information is in place, teachers and students will be able to access the site to get information on a wide variety of topics.
One of the areas of interest that will be added to the site is history.
John McIntyre, associate dean for teacher education and school partnerships, said a focus of the program is to train teachers to develop and incorporate Southern Illinois history into the archives for access through the site.
"This is a great opportunity to add Southern Illinois history to the Library of Congress for others to get to see and learn about our area," McIntyre said.
Keith Hillkirk, dean for the College of Education and Human Services, said this resource will bring rich archives and historical documents to those who cannot travel to Washington, D.C.
Once teachers complete the program, it is hoped that they will in-turn teach other educators within their schools.
The target grades are K-12, but at this point it is uncertain which grades will actually take part.
Receiving the additional money was a bigger boost to the start of the program, which formally began July 1.
"This support is going to help build an even stronger relationship with schools and help our grad and undergraduate students in their quest to becoming teachers," Hillkirk said.
Program coordinator LuAnn Hiniker will be planning the technology training that will be given to the teachers.
She said because of the grant, they will be able to purchase new technology and equipment for teachers. A highlight of the new services will be the ability for them to use online virtual material in the classroom.
"This is a great program that will have a positive, profound effect on students," Hiniker said.
In the fall of 2002, SIU will begin meeting with the principals and superintendents of Southern-area schools to begin the selection process of teachers that will participate in the program. Once everyone is selected, training will begin in January.
After the program has been in effect for a while, those affiliated with the training hope to expand statewide.
"We plan to reach out to as many schools as possible," Hiniker said. "As we grow, we plan to have different phases."
In the summer of 2003, advocates for the program hope to implement a master's of arts in teaching degree. This degree will be available for those who decide to become teachers after majoring in a different area as an undergraduate. Those who participate in the training program will receive credit toward the degree as well.
At this early stage of the process, the production of brochures, marketing tools, contact with school administration and a program outline are in progress.
Even though Walker worked with Durbin to secure funding for the program, he said he will not have a direct involvement, but will from time to time have some limited engagement.
"I think with [Durbin's] continued support, we will be able to do many great things," Walker said. "I think he really understands the importance of education, and I am pleased and elated to have a chance to add this to the University."
Reporter Samantha Robinson can be reached at
srobinson@dailyegyptian.com
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
