Arlington, Va. (Oct. 29, 2008) – When used effectively, technology can enhance teaching and learning in ways that help students master academic standards and develop higher-order thinking skills. To that end, PBS TeacherLine^® and the National School Boards Association (NSBA) have teamed up to offer districts affordable online professional development courses that teach educators how to incorporate technology in their daily instructional practices to promote 21st century learning. Through the partnership, members of NSBA’s Technology Leadership Network receive a special discount on enrollment in the PBS TeacherLine ISTE Capstone Certificate Program.

“NSBA’s Technology Learning Network is pleased to welcome PBS TeacherLine as a partner to provide online professional development for education technology leaders to member districts,” said Gene Broderson, Director of National Affiliate Services & Technology Programs for NSBA. “Effective technology integration is a critical step toward preparing all students for success in higher education and the workforce. PBS TeacherLine enables educators to improve their instructional technology practices and pursue graduate-level coursework wherever and whenever it is convenient for them.”

NSBA, the not-for-profit federation of state associations of school boards, founded the Technology Leadership Network in 1987. It is a district networking program that offers a complete package of benefits and brings school board members, administrators, and the district technology team together to share best practices and make well-informed technology decisions. More than 350 school districts, education agencies, and colleges of education benefit from this support system.

PBS TeacherLine provides high-quality professional development through facilitated, online courses, collaborative learning communities, and exemplary Internet-based resources. The organization offers more than 130 courses in reading/language arts, math, science, instructional strategies, and instructional technology. The PBS TeacherLine ISTE Capstone Certificate Program consists of a series of research-based courses that focus on instructional technology use, and enable teachers to demonstrate their mastery of the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS•T). Program participants develop a professional digital portfolio of their work, and receive a certificate in recognition for their advanced technology integration skills.

A recent study conducted by Old Dominion University professors Richard Overbaugh and Ruiling Lu found several positive effects of PBS TeacherLine’s online professional development program. Published in the Fall 2008 issue of the Journal of Research on Technology in Education, the study indicates that PBS TeacherLine’s courses helped teachers gain competence and confidence in instructional technology integration, and improve their operational knowledge of state and national technology and content area standards.

Full subscription service is available to schools, districts and coaching consultants.

More Information

For program details, visit www.nsba.org. Members can contact NSBA at (703) 838-6722 to obtain the promotion code to receive $100 savings on Capstone I and II courses when they enroll. Members also can get program details, or enroll online, at www.pbs.org/teacherline.

For more about PBS, go to www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.

About PBS TeacherLine

PBS TeacherLine is committed to helping teachers acquire the skills they need to prepare students for a successful future. PBS TeacherLine provides high-quality, affordable professional development through facilitated, online courses, collaborative learning communities, and exemplary Internet-based resources. Currently, more than 90 courses across multiple subject areas are offered. Teachers can earn continuing education units, professional development points and graduate credits for course completion. The courses have been developed in conjunction with leading education organizations, including Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL), Education Development Center (EDC), Concord Consortium, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and International Society for Technology Education. Created in 2000, PBS TeacherLine is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $6,046,811. This represents approximately 85 percent of the total program funding. The remaining 15 percent is funded through in-kind support from PBS and through program income.

About PBS

PBS, with its 356 member stations, offers all Americans – from every walk of life – the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each week, PBS reaches more than 73 million people and invites them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs have been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and Web site, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children.

Contacts

PBS
Kevin Dando
703-739-5073
kdando at pbs dot org
www.pbs.org

PBS TeacherLine
Donovan Goode
703-739-5252
dwgoode at pbs dot org
www.pbs.org/teacherline

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Kristen Plemon
608-839-9805
kristen at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

Printer Friendly

Download Release (132 KB)

Images

Click to view at full size, then right-click to download.