GSU a “Great College to Work For” – Chronicle

Governors State University learned that it has been named one of 2009’s Great Colleges to Work For by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The honor is a remarkable accomplishment given the competitive field of colleges and universities nationwide.

“This well-deserved honor proves GSU’s commitment to its employees and acknowledges their strength as a team,” said President Elaine P. Maimon. “By investing in and recognizing the accomplishments of our employees, we help ensure that they, in turn, provide the best service to our students and the community.”

GSU received this well deserved recognition after a confidential, random survey of employees from across the campus by the Great Colleges Team at Modern Think, LLC. As part of the honor, the university will get to use the Great Colleges logo on its materials during the coming academic year.

Full details of the survey will be announced online and in the print version of the Chronicle of Higher Education on July 10. At that time, GSU will learn the specific categories of its high scores and its comparison with peers. In addition, the university will receive a specialized report which will assist the university in understanding its strengths and challenges.

Congratulations GSU!

MA Psychology Info Session 6-29-09

Monday, June 29, 2009 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – The Division of Psychology & Counseling will host a Master of Arts in Psychology Information Session in the Cafeteria Annex. The academic advisor and faculty members will be available for individual consultation regarding coursework and career information. Refreshments will be provided. For program admission requirements, please visit http://www.govst.edu/coe/t_coe_pgm_mapsy_clinical.aspx?id=4222. To obtain additional information and/or to RSVP (by June 23^rd) please email Maya Hightower at m-hightower@govst.edu.

Basic Skills Test Now Online

The Illinois State Board of Education now offers the Basic Skills test needed for teacher certification on computer during select five-or-six-day testing windows at Pearson Professional Centers nationwide, including at least six sites in Illinois.

The move from pencil-and-paper tests, previously only administrated on Saturdays, to the computer-based testing during the week and on Saturdays, offers test takers more scheduling options. The first computer-based Basic Skills testing period began in March. There  were 305 test takers from more than a dozen states who took the Basic Skills test online.

Applicants must register online as early as possible before their desired test date. Test centers schedule appointments on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited to about 20 test takers at each testing session. Registration information is available at www.icts.nesinc.com. Additional dates for computer-based testing are already scheduled for July and August and more dates will be soon be added for other months.

The Basic Skills test consists of 125 multiple-choice questions in reading and comprehension, language arts (grammar and writing), and mathematics, and a constructed-response writing assignment. New teaching candidates wishing to become certified in Illinois must take the Basic Skills test. In addition, teachers who are currently certified and are seeking an additional certificate must also take the Basic Skills test. A computer-administrated practice test program for the Basic Skills test is available to download at www.icts.nesinc.com/IL_practest_opener.asp

There are Pearson Professional Centers in the following Illinois locations:

• Chicago (Two downtown sites)
• Marion
• Peoria
• Schaumburg
• Springfield

Additional information regarding certification testing is available at http://www.isbe.net/certification/html/testing.htm.

EDAD Alum Named 157-C Superintendent

Thomas A. Hurlburt Thomas A. Hurlburt has been named the new Superintendent of Schools for the Frankfort School District 157-C beginning in July, 2009. Dr. Hurlburt served as superintendent for the last three years at Brookfield LaGrange Park School District 95, and prior to that was Principal for five years at S.E. Gross Middle School in District 95.

Dr. Hurlburt received an MA in Educational Administration from GSU’s College of Education in 2001.

July 11, 2009 Supplemental ICTS Test Date

Registration opens today, April 13, 2009, for a supplemental ICTS test administration to be held on July 11, 2009.  Registration can be completed only on the Internet for this test administration.  Please visit http://www.icts.nesinc.com for further information, including available test fields and test areas.

Multiple-choice only content-area tests will be offered at eight Illinois test sites.

An informational flyer is now available online as a PDF document at: http://www.icts.nesinc.com/PDFs/2009_IL_Supp_Admin_flyer.pdf

MILE Substitute Teacher Academy

Are you a substitute teacher? Are you thinking about substitute teaching? You’re invited to participate in the upcoming Substitute Teacher Academy at GSU.

Open to those with a Bachelor’s Degree and who wish to make a difference!

When?
Saturday, July 11, 2009
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$50 registration includes lunch and materials
Seating limited to the first 50 registrants

Where?
Governors State University
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL
Hall of Honors

Find out what it takes to be a substitute teacher. Learn the skills, strategies, and methods that help make substitute teaching a rewarding job.

The Substitute Teacher Academy is presented by GSU’s Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE)

For more information or to reserve a seat call MILE at 708.534.4024

New School Board Members’ Workshop 6-13-09

Attention new school board members!

Attend the New School Board Members Workshop, presented by GSU’s Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE).

When?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where?
Governors State University
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60466
Room D1496 (next to the bookstore)

Lunch will be provided.

Participation is limited, so reservations are definitely required.

Attendees will get an overview of school law, ethics, and school finance as well as how effective school leaders can enhance student achievement, support financial stability, and contribute to the quality of life in a community.

For more information or to reserve a seat call 708.534.4024

Creating Safe Schools Symposium

Join GSU’s Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education and Criminal Justice program for “Creating Safe Schools,” a community-school symposium. The event will take place at the Thornridge High School Auditorium from 5:30-7:30 PM on May 20, 2009.

The keynote speaker for the day will be Alex Kotlowitz, noted author and educator on urban affairs and public policy.

Other featured presenters include:

• Dr. James “Chip” Coldren, GSU Criminal Justice Program
• Thornton Township High Schools’ SAVE Teams (Students Against Violence Everywhere)

For more information, click here for the symposium flyer.

Or call 708.534.4024 for info or to register!

Read the New March ‘09 Facilitator

The Facilitator, the newsletter of the College of Education’s Division of Psychology and Counseling, has published its March 2009 issue. This begins the second publication year of The Facilitator. Read it now at http://www.govst.edu/facilitator/. You can also read back issues at the same location online.

GSU Family Development Center Offers Summer Childcare

The GSU Family Development Center is offering summer childcare for kindergarten to 12 year olds. The program accepts children from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekly field trips and swimming for eligible students are included. Payroll deduction required for discount.

Discounts are available for children and grandchildren of GSU students, staff, and faculty. Call today for more information, 708.235.7300.

Check out the FDC website at www.govst.edu/children!