Published: November 21, 2008 08:31 pm      

EKU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES THIRD YEAR OF TEACHER SABBATICAL PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS

Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Education is looking for 16 PK-12 educators to join with university faculty next spring to address educational reform issues.

The Teacher Sabbatical Program, in its third year, 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 16 participants will include two each from these divisions: primary, elementary, middle school, high school, special education, counselors, central office supervisors and principals. Each participant will have all expenses paid plus a $250-per-day stipend.

The selected educators and their families will be housed in a local motel as the participants spend five days on the EKU campus during their spring break working with an advisor or consultant to address a college curriculum issue or need. The educators will return to campus for two days during the summer term for follow-up activities.

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.”

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.

This year’s TSP participants were: Dorothy Contini, Cindy Stallard and Chuck Stallard, Danville Independent Schools; Michele Reedy Anderson, Kristal Doolin and David Cox, Corbin Independent Schools; Donna Wilson House, Debbie Felts and Cheryl Huffines, Laurel County Schools; Renee Boss, Ann Lytle-Burns and Dana Moore, Fayette County Schools; Ken Jones, Powell County Schools; Leah Turner, Wayne County Schools; Crystal Huckaby, Casey County Schools; Michelle Robbins, Berea Independent Schools; Johnnie Coffey, Rockcastle County Schools; and Linda Rudolph, Garrard County Schools.

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, 2009, to: William Thames, director; The Teacher Sabbatical Program; College of Education, Combs 213; Eastern Kentucky University; Richmond, KY 40475.

For more information, contact Thames at 1-859-622-2581 or at William.Thames@eku.edu.