ODU SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH PRESTIGIOUS PRIVATE SCHOOL

Old Dominion University's Darden College of Education will provide professional development services to one of the nation's most prestigious private schools under a recent agreement.

ODU will conduct summer seminars, courses and lectures for teachers from around the country at "Voices for Learning: The Beauvoir Center for Teaching and Learning" at Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School, in Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1933, the National Cathedral Elementary School is a leader in early childhood education. The school serves more than 375 children from pre-kindergarten through grade three and is one of three Cathedral schools affiliated with Washington National Cathedral. Throughout the years, School has been recognized nationally for its innovative programs and expertise in early childhood education.

William Graves III, dean of ODU's Darden College said, "We look forward both to the opportunities presented by this partnership and the challenges it holds for our students and faculty."

ODU faculty will join with Beauvoir in presenting its professional development institute, enhancing opportunities for elementary and middle school teachers to learn from ODU faculty as well as faculty and consultants from such schools as UNC-Chapel Hill, Harvard University, the University of New Hampshire and master educators from Beauvoir.

Beauvoir's Center for Teaching and Learning offers courses and seminars by leading experts in child development and education focusing on elementary and middle school teachers. Several hundred teachers from around the country attended programs this past summer including more than 85 D.C. public school teachers who were able to attend for free through a grant from the Freddie Mac Foundation.

"ODU stands out as one of the strongest university programs in education, especially given the breadth of opportunities available to educators seeking licensure or master's degrees," said Cindi Gibbs, director of Beauvoir's Center for Teaching and Learning.

Educational credits through ODU's Office of Continuing Education will be offered to those taking part in the Beauvoir Center sessions, from one-day speaking engagements to weeklong courses, which begin in June 2004. Eventually, graduate credit will also be available, officials said.

For further information about this program contact the Darden College of Education at (757) 683-3777 or the Beauvoir Center at (202) 449-3234.