Minneapolis—May 6, 2010—Forty-seven state teachers of the year have chosen to pursue online graduate degrees from Walden University, an online university providing distance education for working adults. Since September 2009, the number of America’s top educators enrolled in Walden’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership has nearly doubled.
Each year, teacher of the year honorees are recognized nationally after a rigorous selection process. Walden’s online graduate degrees allow the honorees to work toward earning a master’s or doctoral degree in education while meeting classroom and teacher of the year responsibilities.
“The most lasting effect of being teacher of the year is getting this degree at Walden because having that doctorate will continue to help me for the next 20 years of my teaching experience,” said Eric Langhorst, 2008 Missouri Teacher of the Year and Walden student pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) with a specialization in Teacher Leadership. “The things we’re learning through the Walden courses relate directly back to being a practitioner. This is going to help me in the classroom tomorrow, and that’s why I’m excited about the courses.”
Walden’s teacher of the year honorees represent 33 states, the District of Columbia, four U.S. territories and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Of the 47 scholars, two are national finalists. As a growing group, they continue to share best practices and add great value to Walden’s vital learning community. To see more of Eric’s story and for a complete list of Walden’s teacher of the year scholars, visit www.WaldenU.edu/topteachers.
About Walden University
For 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 42,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees 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 50 online and campus-based universities in 21 countries.
Walden offers more than 45 degree programs with more than 195 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, technology and engineering. 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.hlcommission.org.