FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2005
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124

Teacher Institutes available through Roger F. Wicker Center for Creative Learning
  
COLUMBUS, Miss. – Local teachers will have an opportunity to interact with educators from across the United States through a series of Teacher Institutes offered by the Roger F. Wicker Center for Creative Learning located at Mississippi University for Women.

These presentations will be open to all teachers and administrators free of charge.
   
Dr. Sara Moore, a veteran teacher of mathematics, science and social studies, will discuss “Differentiating Instruction” at the first session on June 15 and 16. Moore, who is a professor at the University of Virginia, holds three degrees with a doctorate in gifted education. She is a published author of books on designing curriculum for individual needs and teaching mathematics and science.
   
“Motivating The At-Risk Learner” will be the June 20 topic. Dr. Susan C. Morris, professional trainer for Silver Strong/Thoughtful Education Associates will be the guest speaker. An expert in learning styles and brain research as well as multiple intelligence strategies, Morris is a facilitator of strategies that transform schools into learning communities.
   
Dr. Crystal Kuykendall, a former elementary and secondary public school teacher, will talk about “Improving Achievement of At-Risk Learners” June 21. She was chosen by Ebony magazine as one of the 50 Leaders of the Future. Kuykendall is the author of many books including “You and Yours: Making The Most This School Year,” “From Rage to Hope: Reclaiming Black and Hispanic Students” and “Rage To Hope II.” She is an internationally acclaimed presenter and motivational speaker.
   
The final session will be held June 22 and 23. Lee Walker, former teacher of English, speech and journalism in the Hattiesburg Public Schools, will focus on “Learning to Learn/Thinking and Reasoning.” Walker is program director for Hands-On Learning and Discovery in Hattiesburg. He also is a professor in gifted education at Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi.
   
Each morning these professionals will deliver keynote addresses from 9 a.m. to noon in Poindexter Hall.
   
The institutes are funded by a congressionally-directed grant through the U.S. Department of Education.
   
For more information, contact the Wicker Center at (662) 241-6101.