MEDIA RELEASE
The University of Hawaii at Hilo Education Department launches a new online graduate degree program beginning in fall 2009. Â DL-STEPS: Distance Learning-Secondary Teacher Education Program for Success, is a certification program for secondary education (grades 7-12), which leads to licensure in the state.
DL-STEPS is designed for post baccalaureate students who wish to attend class online while they work full- or part-time. Â Students will go through five steps to complete the program, including advisement, pre-course work, application to the program, pedagogy courses and field work. Â Â Â
“The Education Department is very pleased to offer this program to working students,” said Dr. Jeannine Hirtle, associate professor, and education department faculty lead for the DL-STEPS project.  “DL-STEPS is ideal for anyone with a bachelors degree interested in teaching opportunities, considering a career change or who are school paraprofessionals and educational assistants.
“The Web-based program provides pre-service teachers with high-quality, integrated, inquiry- and field-based course work that will prepare them to meet  the challenges of teaching in a culturally rich, technologically-changing society,†she added. “Participants will develop several critical skills such as how to engage students in appropriate experiences that support their development as independent learners, creating and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment, fostering effective communication in the learning environment, and developing parent and school community relationships.â€
Secondary licensure is available in a wide range of content areas, including Agriculture, Art, Computer Education, English, Hawaiian, Japanese, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies (including Hawaiian Studies), and Spanish. Â Supplemental requirements for licensure in Social Studies may be required. Â Â Â Â
For more information, contact Education Department Advisor Terry Reveira at 974-7748 or email treveira@hawaii.edu, Distance Learning Coordinator Dr. Candace Wheeler at 443-8946, or visit www.uhh.hawaii.edu/academics/dl/EDsteps.php.