Four summer session classes help educators achieve professional growth and development

Dana College will offer four classes this summer especially designed to help area teachers easily develop their professional skills and grow their knowledge of current trends in education methods.

Keeping educators’ needs in mind, all the classes run either a week or three weeks, and all are offered at convenient times on Dana’s accessible campus in Blair, Neb.

“ We are excited to offer several graduate-level professional development courses this summer that will provide classroom teachers with scholarship as well as innovative and practical ideas to enhance teaching and learning,” said Dr. Patti Gubbels, chairwoman of the education department and assistant professor of education.

“ Community educators contribute so much to the professional preparation of Dana College teacher education students,” she said. “They supervise our students during early field experiences and student teaching, serve on our advisory committee, interview candidates for the professional semester, and collaborate on special Dana College Education Department projects."

In one week, graduate-level students can earn three hours of credit in “Teaching High School Chemistry,” taught by Dr. Therese Michels, associate professor of chemistry. This course is designed for teachers who are teaching introductory chemistry or Advanced Placement chemistry, and will focus on effective delivery of content, demonstrations to excite and educate, and labs that can be done during class time and on a tight budget. The class will be held from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. July 7–15.

In the first summer session, which runs from June 2–20, Dr. Ellie Furst, assistant professor of elementary education, will instruct “Teaching Tolerance with Children’s Books & Young Adult Fiction.” The three-credit class can be counted as an undergraduate or graduate-level course, and will meet from 9 a.m. to noon during the session.

In the course, students will examine the development and effects of prejudice through literary experiences, and will research and gain understanding of the cultures of minority groups and other related social issues. The primary focus of the course is on developing empathy and understanding, as well the acceptance and celebration of differences.

Also in the first session, June 2–20, Dr. Diane Mann, assistant professor of special education, will instruct “Intro to Exceptional Children.” The three-credit class can be counted as an undergraduate or graduate-level course, and will meet from 5:30–8:30 p.m. during the session.

The purpose of the course is to acquaint students with the broad area of special education and with the characteristics and educational needs of children with exceptionalities likely to be encountered in a general education classroom.

In the second session, which runs from June 23–July 26, Mann will instruct “Teaching Strategies for At-Risk Students.” This three-credit class can be counted as an undergraduate or graduate-level course, and will meet from 5:30–8:30 p.m. during the session.

This course will focus on effective teaching strategies for students with diverse needs. It is appropriate for any educator who will be teaching at-risk students.

Registration for these classes is beginning now. For more information on the courses or how to register, contact the Academic Services/Registrar’s Office at Dana College. They can be reached at (402) 426-7209. More information is also available on the office’s web site: www.dana.edu/regist.

Dana College is a private, liberal arts institution that currently enrolls approximately 600 students. The campus is located on 150 acres overlooking the Missouri River Valley in Blair, Neb. Dana grants bachelor’s degrees in more than 20 liberal arts, business, education and pre-professional programs, with an emphasis on personalized teaching from experienced and dedicated faculty. Dana is affiliated with the Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and its athletic teams compete in the Great Plains Athletic Conference.

More information on Dana College can be found at www.dana.edu.