The Arizona

Master Teacher Seminar

2008

The Master Teacher Movement was originated in 1962 by Roger Garrison at Westbrook College in Portland, Maine. Since that time, it has become a national movement with programs in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Texas, and Virginia.

 

The sole aim of the seminar is the practical exploration of ways to improve teaching. Garrison founded the seminar on the beliefs that:

  • excellent teaching takes place in American education,
  • teachers who are striving toward mastery of their craft have much to share with others, and
  • bringing teachers together in a relaxed, informal atmosphere to share their successes and their       experiences will enhance the skills of all.

The Seminar

Teachers from all types of secondary and postsecondary learning institutions from a variety of disciplines will gather in Prescott, Arizona during May 18 - 22, 2008 for an exchange of learning, teaching, and philosophy. The focus of discussion and activities for the entire week will be on innovations and problems of instruction in education.

 

The seminar is an assembly of dedicated educators. Each participant will be asked to submit ideas to the seminar for discussion. The focus of ideas and teaching strategies will be innovation and excellence in classroom teaching. Seminar staff will lead focus sessions around special interests.

 

The Staff

The seminar will be conducted by Horizon Seminars. Dr. W. Terry Whisnant, Executive Director of the seminar, is Professor of Behavioral Sciences at Southside Virginia Community College (SsVCC). A veteran of both national and international teaching programs, he and John Cavan, SsVCC President, founded the Virginia Master Teacher Seminar in 1991.

 

Dr. Whisnant is also Director of Master Teacher seminars in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Indiana. In addition to those states, he founded Master Teacher programs in New Jersey and at Georgia’s Perimeter College.

 

Terry was selected by the American Association of Community College Trustees as the southern regional Faculty-of-the-Year in 2001 and was the finalist for the national Faculty-of-the-Year in 2002. Terry will be joined by a staff of experienced faculty facilitators. 

The Site

The Arizona Master Teacher Seminar will be held on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) located in Prescott, Arizona.  Embry-Riddle is an independent, non-profit, four-year private university with a history dating back to the early days of aviation. The University serves culturally diverse students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona provide education in a traditional setting, while extensive networks of educational centers throughout the United States and abroad serve civilian and military working adults. ERAU is the world’s largest university specializing in Aviation/Aeronautical Science and Aerospace Engineering.

 

The Schedule

Daily seminar sessions will be conducted with ample opportunity for exploration, recreation and relaxation. Participant check-in and room assignment begins at 3 p.m. and continues until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2008. A reception, dinner, and evening program are the first scheduled events. This seminar ends after lunch on Thursday, May 22. Further information on what to bring and what to expect will be included in your participant’s package.

 

Travel

Prescott is located 100 miles north of Phoenix. Prescott, “Everybody’s hometown” is a summer paradise.  With spectacular scenery, lakes, and the surrounding Prescott National Forest, recreation opportunities are abundant. The mile high climate offers comfortable sunny days and cool summer nights. Summer is highlighted with activities such as arts and crafts fairs, art shows, galleries, musical events, and a lively theater community.  Many of these events are held right in the courthouse square. The Sharlot Hall Museum showcases Prescott’s history as a territorial capitol, and the Phippen Museum of Western Art houses an extensive permanent collection of Western art.

 

The Cost

The cost of the seminar is $800. This fee covers the total cost of tuition, room, and board for the entire seminar. Checks should be made payable to GateWay Community College. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 18, 2008. The seminar will be limited to 35 participants. Apply early to secure your space and be part of this powerful experience.

 

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of registrations received prior to May 9, 2008 will be partially refunded in the amount of $400. Registrations are transferable.

 The Arizona Master Teacher Seminar 2008

at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University May 18-22, 2008

sponsored by GateWay Community College (602) 286-8038

 

REGISTER ONLINE

 

 After completing your online registration, please mail your check to:

GateWay Community College

Attention: Sue Kater

108 N. 40th Street * Phoenix, AZ  85034

(602) 286-8038