‘Summer school for educators’ begins June 26

A session on charter schools at last year's Peabody Professional Institutes. (Vanderbilt)

This summer, Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College will again host the annual Peabody Professional Institutes, three sessions for higher education and k-12 professionals led by some of the nation’s top education leaders.

Three one-week-long institutes will run June 26–July 1, 2016. Each provides an intensive learning experience led by faculty from Peabody College of education and human development, one of U.S. News and World Report’s top-ranked education colleges in the United States, and guest speakers.

Enrollment is on a competitive, first-come, first-served basis, with the stipulation that each participant has the support of their home institution. Space is limited, but applications are still being accepted. There is an early bird rate offered until April 1. Fees include program and instructional materials, most meals and refreshments, housing in a Vanderbilt living-learning lodge and social events. Financial aid is offered.

“Professional education has been an emphasis at Peabody for more than a century,” said Camilla Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development. “Through the Peabody Professional Institutes, we hope to elevate the expertise of participants while transferring knowledge from classrooms directly to organizations.”

The 2016 Peabody Professional Institutes are:

Achievement Gap Institute, June 26–30
For educators and administrators

This institute will probe the multifaceted roadblocks to achievement as well as generate solutions. Institute faculty are nationally recognized scholars and researchers in the areas of giftedness and special education, diversity and multiculturalism, educational policy, access and equity, health and society, and teaching and learning.

Beginning Teachers in Independent Schools, June 27–July 1
For new or early career teachers

Participants are provided with opportunities to formulate or refine a vision for teaching while gaining classroom management knowledge and skills, strengthening content-specific instructional effectiveness, and increasing knowledge about the context of independent schools. It will offer practical insights to assist participants as they begin building a foundation for a successful career in independent schools.

Independent School Leadership, June 27–July 1

For individuals and teams who lead or aspire to lead independent schools

Participants will enhance their ability to make choices for their schools grounded in theory and supported by data. Topics to be included, among others, include: Social Media Tools, Innovative Faculty Compensation, Service Learning, and Leadership and Strategic Thinking.

For more information, please visit vu.edu/ppi or contact ppi@vanderbilt.edu.