PBS TeacherLine Reaches Record Term Enrollment

“Children’s Authors on the Web” and “Putting Technology to Use in the Classroom”
among the most popular PBS TeacherLine courses

Arlington, Va. (July 21, 2009) – PBS TeacherLine^®, the premier provider of online professional development services for preK-12 educators, has garnered the highest number of national enrollments for its Summer 2009 term than any other term since its courses were released nationwide five years ago. More than 41,000 educators have completed PBS TeacherLine courses to improve their skills, gain continuing education units and graduate credit, and advance their careers.

Convenience, flexibility and individualized instruction are the main reasons teacher demand for online professional development continues to grow. According to a recent report by Project Tomorrow and Blackboard based on SpeakUp Survey data, a third of teachers have taken an online professional development course in 2008, a 57 percent increase from the 2007 survey findings.

PBS TeacherLine offers more than 145 online graduate-level courses in reading, math, science, instructional technology, and instructional strategies that are based on research-supported pedagogy and state and national standards. The courses are designed to leverage the rich use of technologies such as audio, video, interactives, and online discussions to provide a highly engaging learning experience, address multiple learning styles and serve as a model for teachers on ways to effectively integrate technology into the classroom.

In a survey PBS TeacherLine conducted of its alumni in late 2008, 88 percent of the 1,225 respondents said they have been able to incorporate the instructional strategies from the course(s) in their classroom practice, and 83 percent said there had been a positive impact on student learning because of instructional strategies garnered through the course(s).

Among the most popular courses for the Summer 2009 term are:

More Information

To see the breadth and depth of courses the PBS TeacherLine offers, go to www.pbs.org/teacherline/catalog.

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 130 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. For more information, visit www.pbs.org/teacherline.

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 65 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. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.

Contacts

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

Donovan Goode
703-739-5073
dwgoode at pbs dot org
www.pbs.org

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