NEWS RELEASE # 1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2013
Colorado 2013 Teacher of the Year Selects Parker Resident
for Full-Tuition Scholarship to University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix Recognizes Teacher of the Year with an Opportunity to “Teach it Forward”
University of Phoenix® is recognizing the accomplishments of Colorado 2013 Teacher of the Year Amanda Westenberg, by providing her with the opportunity to “Teach Forward” a full-tuition scholarship to University of Phoenix. Westenberg has selected fellow book club member Cyndi Jamnik to receive the full-tuition scholarship.
Westenberg is one of only 54 educators across the country recognized by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) as a 2013 State Teacher of the Year. Each year since 1952, students, teachers and administrators have nominated educators for this award, which is considered the oldest and most prestigious national program recognizing excellence in teaching.
To celebrate these achievements, University of Phoenix is providing each state’s Teacher of the Year the opportunity to teach forward a full-tuition scholarship. The “Teaching it Forward” scholarship program was created by University of Phoenix in 2009. Each Teacher of the Year may nominate a fellow educator, community member or high school senior who resides within the educator’s state for a full-tuition scholarship that can be applied to an undergraduate or master’s degree program online or at any University of Phoenix campus.
“Giving the gift of education is the most rewarding feeling for a teacher,” said Westenberg. “Through this innovative program, University of Phoenix puts vision into action by empowering a teacher to open the door to a college education for a deserving individual. I am happy to select Cyndi, a lifelong learner, who I know will use this opportunity to elevate her career.”
After more than 15 years as a property manager, Jamnik will return to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business. With the skills and knowledge gained through her education, Jamnik hopes to advance to a regional management position and continue to grow within her company.
“I am humbled to be selected for this scholarship, it’s truly an honor,” said Jamnik. “I hope to show my family and other mid-career professionals that it’s never too late to keep learning and expanding upon personal and professional goals.”
“The educators who have been named Teachers of the Year are using their classrooms to spark change in the lives of their students and communities,” said Dr. Meredith Curley, dean of the College of Education at University of Phoenix. “University of Phoenix is proud to support these teacher leaders by providing full-tuition scholarships they can ‘teach forward’ to deserving individuals. Changing students’ paths and opening new doors are the true rewards of teaching and the University wants to recognize the dedication of these inspiring teachers by giving them an opportunity to profoundly impact the lives of other individuals.”
Apollo Group, parent company of University of Phoenix, is dedicated to being a good corporate citizen by serving communities and individuals across the country. Through its corporate social responsibility efforts, Apollo Group focuses on giving in the areas of education, workforce readiness and sustainability. To learn more about the impact of these efforts, please visit http://csrreport.s.apollo.edu/
About University of Phoenix College of Education
University of Phoenix College of Education has been educating teachers and school administrators for more than 30 years. The College of Education provides associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for individuals who want to become teachers or current educators and administrators seeking advanced degrees to strengthen their professional knowledge. With more than 71,000 graduates, and education programs available throughout most of the U.S., the College of Education has a distinct grasp of the national education picture and priorities for teacher preparation. Faculty members on average bring more than 17 years of professional experience to the classroom. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu/education.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.
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