UNIQUE ONLINE OPPORTINITY FOR EDUCATORS
Illinois Department of Natural Resources to Offer Class for College Credit

Springfield—The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering educators the chance to enroll in an online course for graduate credit. “Introduction to Illinois’ Natural Resources for Teachers” is being offered in conjunction with the University of Illinois at Springfield. The class will provide an overview of Illinois natural resources, along with teaching strategies centered on Illinois wildlife and conservation.

“This is an exciting opportunity for educators, and a great partnership,” said Joel Brunsvold, IDNR Director. “The best part is that the young people of Illinois will learn more about the great resources our state has to offer, and how to be stewards, because of what their teachers learn in this class.”

Val Keener, M.S., educator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will teach the online class. Keener has ten years teaching experience in elementary and secondary classrooms. She also taught as a graduate assistant at Eastern Illinois University, Indiana State, and Oklahoma State.

“Learning works best when teachers are able to line the textbook to the world children see daily,” said Education Supervisor Jeff Vose. “This class will provide information to facilitate that extension of knowledge.”

The class, EDL 560, will include examination, research, and practical application of Illinois Natural resources information. The learning goal will be to create greater understanding of the location and composition of resources in Illinois, how those resources are used, how they are conserved, as well as issues surrounding conservation and usage.

The total class cost, including tuition and fees, is $904.50. The class is worth four hours. The only eligibility requirement is that the student must hold a bachelor’s degree. There are no textbooks required, and the students will not have to come to campus. Apply online at http://www.uis.edu.admissions/applyNow.html by completing the Graduate Non Degree Seeking Students form. Once this has been completed, students may contact mtl@uis.edu to be granted permission to register for the class.

Interviews are available with educator Val Keener. Contact Gayle Simpson, 217/558-1543 or 217/725-9083 or Joe Bauer, 217/558-1537.

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