EKU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION LAUNCHES

 TEACHER SABBATICAL PROGRAM

FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS

RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Education is looking for 14 PK-12 educators to join with University faculty next Spring to address curriculum design and alignment.The newly-established Teacher Sabbatical Program (TSP) is “an effort to get meaningful input from our constituents into our programs in the College of Education and in the discipline fields taught across the campus,” said Dr. Billy Thames, program director. “Those selected will be asked to assist us in the redesign of courses and programs to ensure that they address the issues and realities that exist in the Commonwealth’s schools.”The selected educators will spend five days on the EKU campus during their Spring Break and return to campus for two days during the summer term and will return to campus for two days during the summer term to co-teach the redesigned courses. The group will be comprised of two teachers each from the primary, elementary, middle and high school levels, as well as two each from the fields of special education, counseling and administration. Thames termed the program a “renewal opportunity” for the participants. “Evidence indicates that many teachers face a mid-career crisis that may lead to burnout or in their leaving the profession. Our hope is that this Teacher Sabbatical Program will provide that renewal that educators need at this time in their careers.”TSP participants and their families will be housed at a local hotel for the week, with the participants spending each day on campus as an adviser or consultant to address a College curriculum issue or need. Each participating educator will also host a two-day school site visit by participating EKU faculty to their classroom or school during EKU’s fall break.Also, public school participants will be members of the College of Education Dean’s Advisory Council during the year following their participation. Participants’ schools will be asked to allow the participants to count a portion of the week toward their districts’ professional development requirements.To be selected for the TSP, educators must submit a letter of application, with an endorsement by an immediate superior. Each applicant must have at least 10 years of experience, a master’s degree or Rank One certification, and be recognized as a committed leader in the school or district, with significant experience and interest in assessment and/or differentiated instruction.The application letter, outlining the applicant’s qualifications and including a strong justification for selection, should be submitted, along with the letter of endorsement by Feb. 1, 2007, to:
William Thames, Director
The Teacher Sabbatical Program
College of Education, Combs 417
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY, 40475

For more information, contact Thames at 859-622-2581 or at: William.Thames@eku.edu.