Walden University Partners with the National Education Association Academy

Minneapolis—October 5, 2010—Walden University today announced its Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership has been selected by the National Education Association (NEA) Academy to provide increased access to master’s degree programs and professional development opportunities to the association’s 3.2 million educators and administrators nationwide.

“It is an honor to be endorsed by a leading national organization for educators,” said Jonathan Kaplan, president of Walden University. “Through our partnership with the NEA we will continue to bring diverse minds to our classrooms, delivering an even more valuable student experience with successful learning outcomes.”

“Our future is dependent upon the effectiveness of our educators and their success in today’s public school classrooms,” said Lily Eskelsen, vice president of the National Education Association. “Partnering with Walden’s Riley College of Education and Leadership reflects the NEA’s commitment to helping educators master their craft with access to quality higher education.”

Since 1857, the NEA has viewed its growing membership as a force that helps students prepare to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world and encourages educators to continue their professional development. The NEA Academy is devoted to meeting the professional needs of teachers and education support professionals. Walden is one of three online education providers selected by the NEA Academy to provide access to lifelong learning opportunities. All professional development courses offered through the NEA Academy are carefully screened against a set of quality standards developed by NEA members in consultation with the National Staff Development Council. Only the best programs of the highest quality make it through the screening process.

“This partnership is an excellent fit for two institutions that both strive to provide the best professional development and quality education to educators,” said Richard W. Riley, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education and former governor of South Carolina. “It is a great testament to Walden and its programs that the NEA has selected the school as an education partner.”

Walden’s 40-year history of educating educators has created a community of more than 45,000 students and alumni who are leaders in their classrooms and schools. As a leading provider of quality online education degrees, the Riley College of Education and Leadership is dedicated to increasing teacher effectiveness and student achievement by connecting its students with nationally recognized education experts, researchers and scholars. Walden’s programs, while strongly grounded in theory, emphasize practical skills and analytical tools that educators can immediately use to enhance student learning and outcomes.

NEA members can learn more about Walden’s programs, scholarship and tuition benefits at www.neaacademy.org. For more information about Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, visit www.WaldenU.edu/education.

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.