In December 2009, ten Doctor of Physical Therapy students and two faculty members (Renee VanVeld and Stacie Fruth) from the Krannert School of Physical Therapy at the University of Indianapolis will be participating in a service-learning trip to provide medical and educational services to the underserved population of Pommern, Tanzania. The goal is for the participating DPT students to return to the U. S. with a renewed enthusiasm for service, increased creativity for solving problems with few resources, a heightened appreciation for cultural differences, and a newfound appreciation for medical resources in the U. S.

The 2009 trip to Tanzania will incorporate a formal qualitative research study involving students on campus as well as those traveling abroad. DPT students traveling to Africa will apply skills learned in the classroom when they are performing physical therapy services including the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary and cardiopulmonary conditions. In addition, students will assist in the rudimentary medical clinic with conditions including malaria, tooth extractions and intestinal worms. Students will conduct well-baby clinics for mothers who travel great distances in order to have their children weighed and vaccinated in order to reverse striking national statistics of infant mortality and malnutrition. Students will also have the opportunity to teach in a local school, assist with local construction projects and participate in cultural sharing.

A qualitative research study is being conducted on the students who are traveling to Tanzania to determine what changes may occur with regards to cultural understanding and appreciation, the level of interest in international service, resource management and personal struggles encountered. Data for the study will be gathered one month before departure, immediately upon returning, six months and one year post trip by students in the Class of 2012 by means of interviews and journal reviews. The students collecting the data will then be studied to determine whether or not participation in the study increases a desire to participate in future studies in international health.

Participating in this project will catapult theses students into a journey focused on international health. KSPT students participating in this experience will take away in experience more than they could ever give to the people of Tanzania. According to Assistant Professor and trip organizer Stacie Fruth, "myself and others I know who have been on similar trips know that, upon returning home, you definitely feel like you received far more than you gave. I guess I can't say that's my goal for these students, but I do hope it happens."

The University of Indianapolis School for Adult Learning (SAL) celebrated with our graduates and their families on Saturday, May 2nd.   The SAL Faculty and Staff saluted our graduates as they completed this chapter in their life.  The morning started with nineteen of our SAL students being inducted into the Alpha Nu chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, the National Honorary Society for Adult Students.  Our Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter sponsor, Bob Burchfield, remarked of these inductees,  "these are the best of the best."

William R. Wash was recognized as the Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year for 2009 in the School for Adult Learning, as voted on by SAL students (along with departmental eligibility criteria). Bill teaches Management courses in SAL and is employed full-time at Harlan Laboratories, Inc.

Bryant Marian, a 2009 SAL graduate, shared his thoughts on what the School for Adult Learning has meant to him as he worked to finish his degree.  In less than two years, Bryant  completed his baccalaureate degree.

Our graduates shared their excitement in knowing their hard work and determination had paid off.  Many are going on to graduate school and several are moving into new positions. All are proud of what they have accomplished.

Contact the SAL office, 31 7-788-3393 or sal.uindy.edu,  to learn more about our accelerated evening degree program for adults.  We can celebrate your graduation before you know it.

At the University of Indianapolis, a graduate degree in iLEAD (our principal leadership program) or our teacher education programs will help you build your knowledge, advance in your field, or embark on a new career.  Following admission to education graduate programs, students want information about cost and financial aid.  Cost per credit hour for iLEAD classes is $360.  Financial assistance is available for School of Education masters degree and certification programs.  A good place to start is the University of Indianapolis Financial Aid Office at 1-800-232-8634 or http://financialaid.uindy.edu/grad_front_page.php.

Filing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and completing the UAPP (University Financial Aid Application) are the first steps for obtaining financial aid.  The main sources of assistance are the Federal Stafford Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan.  Other resources are described through the University of Indianapolis Office of Financial Aid links, including financialaid.uindy.edu/additional_links.php.  Personal attention is a priority for University of Indianapolis staff, as we work to explore multiple financing options for our graduate education students.  These may include private alternative loans, United Methodist loans, and other possibilities described on our web site at financialaid.uindy.edu/alternative_financing_grad.php.

If you are beginning an iLEAD principal     
leadership program in May or September,
2009, you may want to access financial aid forms for graduate students on our website at
financialaid.uindy.edu/finaid_forms_grad.php.
We want to help our students plan for the smoothest transition possible in preparation for becoming educational  leaders.  We welcome the opportunity to help you.  If you have questions or need more details, please visit our website at education.uindy.edu/iLEAD, or contact Chemain Arens, School of Education Graduate Programs, at (317) 788-6098.

The University of Indianapolis, or UIndy, is a comprehensive, independent, student-friendly institution, located just minutes from a thriving city center.  Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you become more effective in your daily work with students, to maximize your potential, and to prepare you for leadership.  UIndy is distinguished by highly respected undergraduate programs in teacher education, communications, and the health sciences, nationally ranked graduate programs, and Centers of Excellence focusing on aging studies and education reform.  Personal attention, small interactive classes, and flexible programming are the rule rather than the exception.  In the next blog, we'll talk more about the iLEAD student capstone projects.

Dr. Tony Bennett, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, visited the University of Indianapolis EDUC 605 (Using Data to Build High Performing Learning Cultures) class in the iLEAD principal leadership program on Saturday, March 21st.  Dr. Bennett's presentation was an excellent opportunity for students in our graduate education program to hear his reflections on his first months in office and ask questions to enhance their ability to develop sustainable plans for increasing student achievement.  Cohort VI includes 23 students who began their masters degree in education/licensure course work in September, 2008 in an executive-style program with personal attention and small class sizes.

During his conversation with Cohort VI, Dr. Bennett reviewed his goals for student achievement and his focus on student needs.  He expressed strong support for the value of mentors in graduate education programs, citing the impact experienced administrators had on his skill developmdent.  Dr. Bennett emphasized his continuing efforts to create "multiple pathways to do the job," a concept which resonates with UIndy's varied options for a rewarding masters degree in education and certification opportunities.   

Cohort VI students were enthusiastic about the chance to interact with Indiana's educational leader.  Following the presentation, Dr. Bennett toured the School of Education department and visited with seniors participating in the Kappa Delta Pi Candidate Practice Interview Day for our teacher education program.  He also greeted State Board members for the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children who were meeting at the University of Indianapolis on March 21st.   All of these activities reflect the UIndy focus in our teacher education and our principal preparation programs on providing interactive experiences for personal growth to help you become more effective in your daily work with students, to maximize your potential, and 
increase your leadership skills.  

If you have questions or need more details, please visit our web site at http://education.uindy.edu/iLEAD, or contact Chemain Arens, School of Education Graduate Programs, at (317) 788-6098.

Are you passionate about improving student achievement?  Do you have the vision and drive it takes to create a school environment that values and supports learning for all students?  Take your teaching career to the next level and become an educational leader!  Bottom line?  When you have completed the iLEAD principal leadership program, you will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to serve as a change agent in your school and your community.  Learn more about this graduate education program at http://education.uindy.edu/iLEAD.

We are now recruiting for 2009 summer and fall cohorts.  To apply for the iLEAD masters degree in education/principal leadership program, submit a dossier, which should include the items listed below to Chemain Arens in the School of Education at the University of Indianapolis, 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227.  Contact Chemain at carens@uindy.edu or (317) 788-6098.  Interviews will be conducted with a select number of prospective candidates after an initial review of their dossier is complete.  Online application documents may be found at http://education.uindy.edu/ilead/forms.php.  Here’s what you’ll need:

1.       Completed application with writing sample

2.       Official post-secondary transcripts

3.       Vita or resume

4.       At least three (3) letters of recommendation

5.       Agreement from your school corporation for release time to complete required field experiences

6.       Interview with the University of Indianapolis iLEAD coordinators

 

Our newest graduate education leadership community, Cohort VII, will begin their program Saturday, May 16, 2009.  Cohort VIII will start Saturday, September 12, 2009.  The iLEAD principal leadership courses are offered so that candidates can complete their program of study in 18 months in an executive-style format.  Cohort VII will finish in December, 2010 and Cohort VIII in May, 2011.  Learn more about how iLEAD can help you achieve your professional goals in a graduate education program at a college with personal attention, the University of Indianapolis.

Take your teaching career to the next level and become an educational leader!   Complete the innovative 18-month iLEAD principal leadership program at the University of Indianapolis.  This Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (Masters degree in education) is designed for elementary, middle, and high school teachers who seek careers as building-level principals, department heads, and other academic leaders.  Unlike traditional graduate education programs and teacher education programs, iLEAD classes meet on select Saturdays in an executive style format for 18 months.

The executive or hybrid program will help you achieve your professional goals in a project-based principal leadership program with field experiences to research and solve problems.  You will interact with clinical faculty in the graduate education program, current practitioners, and proven school leaders who possess a wealth of inside knowledge and expertise.  You will complete dynamic on line assignments in collaboration with your cohort group.

You will receive your Masters degree in education and prepare for licensure.  If you already hold a masters degree (MA in education), you will complete 24 credit hours of coursework and be prepared to take the Indiana Building Administrator License exam.  If you have questions or need more details, please visit our web site at education.uindy.edu/iLEAD, or contact Chemain Arens, School of Education Graduate Programs, at (317) 788-6098.

 

 

 

Our first class of the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship at the University of Indianapolis will begin in the summer or 2009 with school-based experiences from day one.  UIndy Fellows will be immersed in classrooms, and these clinical experiences will be closely linked with the project-based curriculum in their graduate education program.   

The Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowship at the University of Indianapolis leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching degree which will prepare you to become a mathematics, life science, or chemistry teacher at the middle and high school levels.  UIndy is one of four Indiana universities participating in the launch of this graduate education program through the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.  The Fellowship is open to college seniors, graduates, and career changers who:

• Have completed or are completing a math or science major as undergraduates, or who have significant work experience in math- and science-related fields
• Graduate in the top 10 percent of their class, and/or demonstrate strong potential through professional accomplishments
• Are interested in teaching in a high-need school in Indiana
• Are willing to reside in Indiana while completing their masters degree in education and three–year teaching commitment.

The fellowship in our graduate education program does not require previous coursework in education nor prior teaching experience.  UIndy Woodrow Wilson Fellows will become teacher-leaders for 21^st century urban schools and will be prepared to lead their own classroom, with mentoring, during the second semester of the program.  Applicants must apply to the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation by December 15^th of each year to begin graduate studies in the following summer.  For more information, visit the Fellowship’s website at www.woodrow.org, our web site at education.uindy.edu/teachingfellowship/index.php, or contact Dr. Jen Drake at jdrake@uindy.edu.

The University of Indianapolis, or UIndy is a comprehensive, independent, student-friendly institution located just minutes from a thriving city center.  Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you become more effective in your daily work with students, to maximize your potential, and to prepare you for leadership.  UIndy is distinguished by highly respected undergraduate programs in teacher education, communications, and the health sciences, nationally ranked graduate programs, and Centers of Excellence focusing on aging studies and education reform.   Personal attention, small, interactive classes, and flexible programming are the rule rather than the exception. 

 

 

According to the National Education Association, an historic change is taking place in America.  While K-12 student enrollments are growing, the pool of qualified teachers is shrinking as nearly one million of them approach retirement.  Other experts report as many as two million new teachers are needed over the next decade to keep pace with this changing educational landscape. 

Maybe you thought about a teacher education program as an undergraduate, but decided to pursue another career path.  Now you've discovered your true calling is teaching and helping young people achieve academic success.  If so, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at the University of Indianapolis may be the change you need.  

The Master of Arts in Teaching Program is designed for career changers who wish to become secondary school (middle/junior high and high school) teachers.  Candidates can apply to this graduate education program if they have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and have passed Praxis I, a pre-professional skills test (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) required of all teachers.  Middle Level/High School Licenses are offered in the specialty areas of Mathematics, Business, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth-Space Science, and Physics), English Language Arts, Theater, Social Studies, and Modern Languages (French, Spanish, and German).  All Grade Licenses are offered in Music, Health/Physical Education, and Visual Arts.  Candidates in the MAT teacher education program are assigned to a cohort group devoted to best practices in teaching.  Additional information is available at education/uindy.edu/mat/ or contact Dr. Angelia Ridgway via e-mail at aridgway@uindy.edu. 

Make your career goals a reality.  Our graduate education programs are known for their small classes and personal attention from supportive, experienced faculty.  If you have an undergraduate degree from an accredited public or private college or university as well as a desire for a rewarding K-12 teaching career, the time for change through our MAT teacher education program is now. 

     Our graduate education programs are known for their leading-edge curricula, strong relationships with Indiana schools, small classes, and personal attention from supportive, experienced faculty and mentors.  Today's blog describes the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, a program designed to advance the knowledge and skills of classroom teachers.

     With an emphasis on best practices, the MA in Curriculum and Instruction courses provide opportunities for candidates to reflect on their own learning and teaching in their graduate education program.  Candidates can choose from a variety of electives in education---as well as arts and sciences---to complete their graduate studies and meet their own needs and those of their students.  The 36-credit hour masters degree in education curriculum may also include additional licensure in Exceptional Needs (Mild Intervention) through graduate-level courses as part of the degree program.  For more details, you can visit our web site at education.uindy.edu/ci/, or contact Donna Stephenson, Teacher Education Program, at (317) 788-4917. 

Take your teaching career to the next level in our graduate education program in Curriculum and Instruction! 

Welcome to the University of Indianapolis School of Education Graduate Programs blog!  Our graduate education programs are known for their leading-edge curricula, strong relationships with Indiana schools, small classes, and personal attention from supportive, experienced faculty and mentors.  We want to tell you about options for a rewarding masters degree in education experience and also about certification opportunities.  In this blog, we'll have information about our Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, iLEAD.  We'll follow up later with a review of three other graduate education programs:  Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction; Master of Arts in Teaching; Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowship.

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership equips new leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to confront the complex realities of today's schools.  ILEAD (Inspiring Leadership for Educational Excellence and Equity through Application and Academic Development) is a cohort program that offers a rich mix of practice and experience in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and school leadership.  Classes meet on selected Saturdays in an executive style format for 18 months.  This principal leadership program provides a variety of field-based experiences to integrate theory and practice.  On completion of the required 36 hours of coursework, individuals will be recommended for licensure in Indiana as building-level administrators after achieving qualifying scores on the ETS School Leaders License Assessment (SLLA) exam.  Those candidates who already hold a masters degree in education may enroll in iLEAD and pursue a license as a building-level administrator, which requires 24 credit hours.  For more details, please visit our web site at education.uindy.edu/iLEAD, or contact Chemain Arens, School of Education Graduate Programs at (317) 788-6098.

The University of Indianapolis, or UIndy, is a comprehensive, independent, student-friendly institution located just minutes from a thriving city center.  Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you become more effective in your daily work with students, to maximize your potential, and to prepare you for leadership.  UIndy is distinguished by highly respected undergraduate programs in teacher education, communications, and the health sciences, nationally ranked graduate programs, and Centers of Excellence, focusing on aging studies and education reform.  Personal attention, small, interactive classes, and flexible programming are the rule rather than the exception. 

 
 

At the University of Indianapolis you can expect to find excellent academic advising by professors in your field. A critical element of any education—and in a teacher education program in particular—is gaining experience in a real-world setting. The  School of Education will offer you extensive opportunities to work with children and youth as a part of your four-year preparation sequence.

During your senior year at UIndy, student teaching will give you an opportunity to practice, in a real classroom setting, the theories, methods, and techniques you have learned. These experiences vary in length, focus, and location. While student teaching, University faculty who visit you on-site will provide extensive conferencing, seminars, opportunities for reflection, and an ongoing assessment of your abilities to teach.

The faculty in the Department of Teacher Education have teaching experience in K-12 schools and maintain close ties to schools. Though they actively pursue scholarly interests (presenting papers in local, state, and national venues and writing journal articles), they nonetheless maintain a firm commitment to teaching and active involvement in schools. You’ll find the faculty to be both qualified and highly accessible.

Whatever education degree you pursue—whether elementary, secondary, all-grade, or even a master's degree in education—you won’t be lost in a crowd. If you're looking for colleges with personal attention and a university with small classes, come check out the University of Indianapolis.

The University of Indianapolis Kellogg Writers Series will feature two award-winning authors this week, part of UIndy's growing calendar of arts and cultural events.

Tonight, Kevin Young, a leading African American poet, will speak at 7:30 p.m. in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center's Ruth Lilly Performance Hall. Young is a National Poetry Series winner whose works are often drawn from African American history.

On Saturday, Peabody Award-winning author Richard Rodriguez will talk at 8 p.m., also in Ruth Lilly Performance Hall. A Pulitzer Prize nominee, Rodriguez has made frequent appearances as an essayist on PBS's "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer."  Both events are free.

Visit our Arts site for more details on the speakers and to see what else is coming up at UIndy. With more than 110 arts-related events such as these each year, UIndy is proud to contribute to the vibrant arts scene in Indianapolis.

UIndy's Theatre Department (in collaboration with the Music Department) is set to add to the arts in Indianapolis for the next two weekends when it opens its first production of the season, Into the Woods.

A Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods is a fractured fairy tale musical that explores what happens after "happily ever after." With an all-star UIndy cast of veteran students from last year's theatre department productions and opera The Mikado, this is shaping up to be a fantastic show.

Performances are scheduled for tonight (Oct. 17) and tomorrow (Oct. 18) at 8 p.m., Sunday (Oct. 19) at 2 p.m. and Oct. 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission or $8 for students, seniors and groups of 8 or more. They are available at the door or through the box office, (317) 788-3251. For more information, check out our Arts site, and then come enjoy the show!

It's been a while since my last post because of the summer break in events, but UIndy is now gearing up for an exciting season that includes more than 110 events!

Here are a few things we're looking forward to this year:

• Jazz Events - With so many jazz concerts and as the home of Indy's only radio station with daily jazz programming, WICR, UIndy has become a jazz hub in the city!
• Faculty Artist Series - The Gala Opening Concert again features Maestro Raymond Leppard and the 18-concert season also includes a Sunday afternoon performance at Christ Church Cathedral on Monument Circle Nov. 23.
• Theatre - Four productions this year include the Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods, a contemporary comedy, the annual dinner theatre (always a favorite!) and student-directed events.
• Art - No matter what your taste in art, UIndy has it! This year's six exhibitions include painting, wood sculpture, photography, ceramics, drawing, printmaking and graphic design.

This is just a small sampling since I'm running out of space, so be sure to visit our arts site for more details on all our events. While you're there, join our e-mail list to receive updates and reminders about upcoming events.

See you at UIndy!

Saturday May 3rd UINDY held undergraduate commencement—the tenth since the School for Adult Learning (SAL) began offering accelerated programs.  In SAL the day began with induction of adult students into the honor society, Alpha Sigma Lambda, followed by a reception for graduates, their friends, and families.  What a crowd!   Graduates brought their parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and at least one great-grandchild.  The unbridled joy of the day justified all the hard work, long nights, and family sacrifice.  There were eighty SAL graduates in this year’s commencement—our largest class ever.  They showed once again that it can be done.  They also showed—once again—why we teach.