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Press Release - June 22, 2004
Pennsylvania State Education Association awards first Seal of Recognition to Penn State programs for educators delivered through Penn State World Campus
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
For Pennsylvania educators, deciding which educational program to enroll in for professional development just became easier. Penn State programs for educators delivered through Penn State World Campus now carry the Pennsylvania State Education Association's Seal of Recognition, the highest level of endorsement the association awards to graduate and professional development programs.
The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) Board of Directors voted on April 23 to create the new Seal of Recognition and awarded the first seal on May 21 to Penn State College of Education programs for educators delivered through Penn State World Campus, the University's online distance education program. PSEA's Council on Instruction and Professional Development evaluated Penn State's programs and determined that they meet the rigorous standards developed by the National Staff Development Council.
James R. Weaver, a social studies teacher on leave from the State College Area School District and president of PSEA, said, "The Seal of Recognition is a sign to teachers in Pennsylvania and across the country that Penn State World Campus is a source of high-quality online graduate and professional development courses for PSEA members. Our relationship with Penn State will ensure the finest in professional development for Pennsylvania's teachers."
According to Dr. Peter A. Rubba, director of Penn State World Campus, eight Penn State programs have received the Seal of Recognition, including both the Master of Education in Adult Education and the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (teacher leadership and children's literature tracks). Certificate programs in Educational Technology Integration, Children's Literature, Family Literacy, Addiction Studies, and Distance Education also received the Seal.
"We appreciate the association's endorsement of Penn State's online programs for educators," Dr. Gary E. Miller, associate vice president for Outreach and executive director of Continuing Education and Distance Education, said. "World Campus educational programs offer learners the flexibility of participating in learning anytime and anywhere."
Since Penn State is an approved provider of Act 48 credit in Pennsylvania, all of the programs and courses for educators can be counted toward Act 48 professional development. For teachers and other educators from outside of Pennsylvania, Penn State is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Dr. David H. Monk, dean of Penn State's College of Education, added, "We are committed to assisting educators in meeting Pennsylvania mandated professional development requirements. PSEA's Seal of Recognition will be extremely helpful to Pennsylvania educators and other educators around the nation as they explore educational programs to enhance their abilities."
PSEA awards the Seal of Recognition for one year. The seal may be renewed annually, if programs continue to meet National Staff Development Council standards.
Penn State World Campus
Launched in 1998 with funding support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Penn State World Campus uses multiple technologies to make some of Penn State's most highly regarded graduate, undergraduate and continuing professional education programs available anytime, anywhere through the Web, computer interfacing and other media. More information about World Campus College of Education programs for educators is available online at http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/pub/home/learnmore/.
Pennsylvania State Education Association
Formed in 1852, the Pennsylvania State Education Association's mission is to advance quality public education for all students, while fostering the dignity and worth of members through collective action. The association represents more than 170,000 members. More information about PSEA is available online at http://www.psea.org/.
Pennsylvania Act 48
Act 48 of 1999 requires that all Pennsylvania certified educators complete 6 college credits, 6 credits of continuing professional education courses, 180 hours of continuing professional education programs, activities or learning experiences, or any combination of credits and hours equivalent to 180 hours every five years to maintain active status.
Editor contact: Deborah A. Benedetti; 814-238-4895; dab12@outreach.psu.edu
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.
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