Three years ago, Eastern Michigan University faculty saw
a need in Michigan to provide continuing education for
special education teachers. So, they decided to do something
about it.
Special education professors Karen Schulte, Phil Smith
and Linda Polter began the Summer Institute. This program
is designed to bring special education teachers back to
EMU for continuing education credits and collaboration
in the field of special education. The Summer Institute
is an intensive, immersive educational experience that
qualifies for three credits, earned over five consecutive
days. This year, the number of participants doubled over
previous years, thanks to additional scholarships funded
by Delores and William Brehm.
 |
SPECIAL SUMMER: An EMU Summer Institute
allowed special education teachers the
opportunity
to come back to EMU for continuing
education credits
and collaboration in the field
of special education.
(from top middle going
clockwise) Erin Kanouse (in blue), Heather
Vandesteene, Alisha Adleman, Casey Harhold,
EMU Professor
Linda Polter, Amy Chabot, Liz
Howard and Michele
Alvarez. Photo by Phil Smith |
"This program is a way to build a powerful educational
community. These participants get to network with colleagues,
mentors and students to share ideas and issues in the field
of special education," Smith said. "This collaboration
and relationship building helps them grow and develop as
educators and leaders. It is a powerful thing to
watch and I am very proud to be a part of it."
The focus of this year's institute was on transforming
special education in creative ways. Participants
included teachers, administrators, graduate students and
principals. All participants presented a macro-
and micro-change plan they committed to using in their
classrooms, programs, research or districts in the near
future.
This year, eight Brehm Scholars also joined the group.
Brehm Scholars are students studying special education
that have been awarded a significant scholarship from the
Brehms. They donated an additional $28,000 this
year to support the Summer Institute and pay for current
and past Brehm Scholars to attend.
Casey Harhold, an EMU senior and Brehm Scholar, attended
the institute for graduate credits.
"We were able to explore important issues relating to
disabilities and special education topics. I really learned
a great deal from these two professors," Harold said of
Smith and Polter. "They are so passionate about what they
do and are truly dedicated to the learning and growth of
their students. I am very grateful to the Brehms for the
wonderful opportunities they have given me through these
scholarships. It has allowed me the opportunity
to focus on research, which I plan to present at the Undergraduate
Symposium this spring (2010)."
Polter and Smith also are very grateful to the Brehms
and their contributions to EMU's Special Education Department.
They see firsthand how it enhances the student's educational
experiences and the impact it has on the greater educational
system.
"Our students are now steps ahead because of the challenging,
yet nurturing environment the Institute provides. As
professors, we challenge these leaders to do research in
the special education field and develop new skills," Polter
said. "These leaders can then make positive changes within
families, communities and society by changing how people
with disabilities are perceived and educated."
