University Scholar Program Director Wins National American Pioneer of Teaching

May 15, 2009 - PRLog -- What began as a simple nomination from one of her students has blossomed into a prestigious honor for Jane Ferris, the Director of PA Leadership Charter School’s University Scholars Program. Out of nearly 900 nominations, Jane has been named the national award winner by the National Coalition of Public School Options (NCPSO) in a competition held to recognize top performing elementary and secondary teachers in public charter schools, magnet schools, virtual and online schools.

Jane is deeply honored to be named the National American Pioneer of Teaching. "Six years ago, I made the choice to become a charter school teacher and have never looked back!" Jane said. "I value the flexibility and creativity that I have experienced as a teacher in the classroom, as well as the support of colleagues who are extremely dedicated to education.  Families have made the conscious choice to select a learning environment that best suits the needs of their children, where we all work together in the spirit of learning.”

As the director of the University Scholars Program, a college preparatory program for gifted students, Jane is known for reenactments of historical events. Haleigh Swansen, one of her 8th grade students, explains, "As a history teacher, Mrs. Ferris creates simulations to literally 'make history come alive.' For example, this year, in order to illustrate soup kitchens during the great depression, she fed us an 'authentic' 30s soup kitchen lunch--we all appreciated dinner that night! During a study of WWI, she created a 'war zone' in her classroom and showed us how dangerous trench warfare really was! Recently she has paired us into groups and had us discuss major leaders of WWII among our peers. Overall, she has made history one of my favorite subjects of the day!"

"Jane Ferris exemplifies the quality of the teachers within our public cyber schools; they bring individual attention to each of their students," said Cindy Strausburger, president of Pennsylvania Families for Public Cyber Schools. "Our teachers work with our children one-on-one each day; no matter where the students live they all get the same opportunity for the same education."

"Pennsylvania cyber schools are some of the finest in the nation. They are able to present lessons in new and innovative ways and reach students at an individual level.  Ms. Ferris brings history life and makes it exciting for her students. She is an excellent choice for this award. We congratulate Mrs. Ferris on this tremendous accomplishment."
The award will be officially presented to Jane on Tuesday, May 12 at 2:30 pm at the Capitol in Harrisburg.

Media Seeking interviews, photo ops, or general coverage should contact Carolyn Fell at 610-701-3333 ext. 1102.

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About PA Leadership Charter School:
The PA Leadership Charter School (PALCS) home office is in West Chester, Pa with the western regional office in Pittsburgh. PALCS is a public charter school that is state-approved, tuition-free, and open to all K-12 Pennsylvania students. Students learn online in the supportive environment of their home. PALCS serves over 2,100 students who reside in 340 of Pennsylvania’s 501 public school districts. The PALCS curriculum offers various programs, including Performing Arts, University Scholars, and Leadership training with international learning opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.palcs.org or call 610-701-3333.