Arlington, Va. (Nov. 23, 2009) – By earning graduate credit, teachers can maintain their teaching credentials, increase their salaries, and advance their careers. Now, teachers can earn graduate credit from Central Michigan University, Northwest Nazarene University and Madonna University for completing online courses from PBS TeacherLine^® (www.pbs.org/teacherline), the premier provider of online professional development services for preK-12 educators.

Central Michigan University, Northwest Nazarene and Madonna Universities are the latest of 28 higher education institutions to partner with PBS TeacherLine, which offers more than 130 online facilitator-led courses in reading, math, science, instructional technology, and instructional strategies. Teachers can chose to earn graduate credit for completion of PBS TeacherLine’s online professional development courses through these universities, or through the other 25 national and local graduate credit providers.

Using digital media, and technologies such as audio, video, interactives, and online discussions, PBS TeacherLine courses provide a highly engaging, collaborative learning environment for teachers’ to enhance their knowledge and skills. Teachers learn practical, research-based strategies that they can apply immediately to their classrooms to increase student achievement.

Central Michigan University is a nationally distinguished institution of higher education offering more than 200 academic programs at the bachelor's, master's, specialists, and doctoral levels. Located in Mount Pleasant, Mich., the university serves more than 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students and is the fourth largest four-year public institution in Michigan.

Located in Nampa, Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University is a Christian comprehensive university, offering over 60 areas of study, master’s degree programs in eleven disciplines, accelerated degree programs, concurrent credit for high school students, and a variety of continuing education credits. Founded in 1913, the university serves over 1,900 undergraduate and graduate students, more than 10,000 continuing education students, and 1,900 high school students through the concurrent credit program. The university has been rated by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top masters-level universities in the west.

Founded by the Felician Sisters of Livonia in 1937, Madonna University is an independent, coeducational, Catholic liberal arts university in the Franciscan tradition committed to teaching, scholarship, and service. Located in Livonia, Mich., Madonna University offers programs in more than 75 undergraduate and 27 graduate areas of study, and serves more than 4,600 students.

Central Michigan University, Northwest Nazarene and Madonna Universities are national graduate credit providers for PBS TeacherLine, along with Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo., and Indiana University Bloomington. When enrolling in courses for graduate credit, teachers can choose from any of the five national providers, or from the local providers, depending on where they live. The local graduate credit providers are: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs; Marian College (Ind.); Iowa State University; Drake University (Iowa); Merrimack College (Mass.); Westfield State College (Mass.); Minnesota State University Moorhead; Mississippi College; University of Nevada, Reno; Plymouth State University (N.H.); University of New Mexico; North Dakota State University; United Tribes Technical College (N.D.); University of North Dakota; Ashland University (Ohio); Cleveland State University (Ohio); Notre Dame College (Ohio); The University of Akron (Ohio); Seton Hill University (Penn.); Tennessee State University; James Madison University (Va.); Seattle Pacific University (Wash.); and Viterbo University (Wisc.).

Editor’s Note: The contents of this news brief were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

More Information

For more information about PBS TeacherLine, or to view the course catalog, visit www.pbs.org/teacherline. Enrollment for the winter term is open, and national online courses start Jan. 27, 2010 (local courses may have a different start date). Courses start at $169. There is an additional fee to take courses for graduate credit.

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.

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 month, PBS reaches more than 124 million people on-air and online, inviting 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 has 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
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Donovan Goode
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www.pbs.org

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Kristen Plemon
608-839-9805
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