Walden University Spotlights More Than $370,000 In Scholarships For Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week

MINNEAPOLIS, May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Teacher Appreciation Week provides an annual reminder that educators change lives, and their leadership and commitment to the success of their students has a lasting impact that extends well beyond the classroom and into communities worldwide. To highlight its ongoing commitment to teacher effectiveness, Walden University's Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership is offering more than $370,000 in scholarships to deserving educators who are making a positive impact in their school or community.

"Students, parents and communities across the country celebrate the outstanding work their educators do every day during Teacher Appreciation Week," said Dr. Kate Steffens, dean of the Riley College of Education and Leadership. "Since 1970, Walden has taken its role in preparing educators very seriously and we remain committed to providing them with an opportunity to further their education so that they in turn can make a profound difference across our nation's classrooms, schools and districts."

The scholarships, which reflect Walden's mission of social change and its commitment to providing access to quality higher education, are available for new students seeking a bachelor's, master's, education specialist or doctoral degree as well as certificates. Available scholarships include:

• Ann "Tunky" Riley Excellence in K–12 Education Scholarships: In memory of Ann "Tunky" Riley, a dedicated teacher and advocate for quality public education, Walden is offering four $25,000 scholarships to educators who make superior contributions to their students, colleagues, schools and communities. Former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley will help select the recipients of this scholarship, which is dedicated to his late wife. This scholarship program is available to new students who enroll in any Riley College of Education and Leadership bachelor's, master's or doctoral K–12 education program.
• Commitment to Higher Education Leadership Scholarships: $25,000 scholarships to three new students who are dedicated to helping those in the field of higher and adult education prepare students or adult learners to be successful and contributing members of the 21st-century workforce. The scholarships are eligible for master's, post-master's and doctoral programs in higher and adult education.
• Educational Development Scholarships: $4,000 scholarships to 10 new students who are interested in exploring professional development to broaden their skills for leadership opportunities and are enrolling in one of Walden's education certificate programs.
• Excellence in Early Childhood Scholarships: $20,000 scholarships to four new students who have demonstrated excellence in the field of early childhood and are enrolling in Walden's bachelor's, master's, post-master's and doctoral programs in early childhood.
• Leadership in Educational Technology Scholarships: $20,000 scholarships to four new students who are successfully integrating technology into their learning environment and are enrolling in one of Walden's educational technology degree programs. The scholarships are eligible for the B.S. in Instructional Design and Technology, M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology, Ed.S. in Educational Technology or Ph.D in Educational Technology programs.

"The Ann 'Tunky' Riley Scholarship has provided a well-needed nudge of encouragement and support during this first year of doctoral coursework as well as financial assistance.  My Ph.D. studies will help me understand education from multiple perspectives and allow me to open my mind to more possibilities to help bridge the gap between learners and educators through research and action," said Sarah Grant, a high school teacher in the Lower Kuskokwim School District in Oscarville, Alaska, and a 2013 scholarship recipient pursuing her Ph.D. in Education degree.

These scholarships are part of Walden's commitment to making education more accessible and affordable for those who want to learn online. Walden is also offering millions of dollars in grants, other scholarships and tuition assistance to help support our students. To learn more about Walden's tuition savings opportunities, visit www.waldenu.edu/savings.

The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University, a National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)–accredited institution, is the choice of more than 56,000 students and alumni who are leaders in their classrooms and schools, including more than 90 state teachers of the year. The college is dedicated to improving educator effectiveness and preparing educators to make a positive impact on student achievement. For more information, go to www.Waldenu.edu/education.

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 50,000 students from all 50 states and more than 150 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 75 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries.

Walden offers more than 80 degree programs with more than 370 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, social work, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.waldenu.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

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SOURCE Walden University