2011 Georgia Teacher of the Year Begins Doctoral Studies at Walden University

MINNEAPOLIS, June 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pamela Williams, the 2011 Georgia Teacher of the Year and an economics teacher from Appling County High School, is demonstrating to her students that learning is a lifelong process. Later this month, Ms. Williams will join more than 60 other state teachers of the year who are working toward advanced degrees from Walden University as she begins her studies in the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program, specializing in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, in The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership.

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A 20-year classroom veteran who began her career teaching Spanish and music, Williams currently teaches high school economics and government, where she has challenged herself and her students to improve their pass rate for economics. "I have always been 100% confident that teaching is my path. I haven't tired of it in 20 years, and I have high expectations that my doctoral studies at Walden will present me with exciting new ideas and concepts. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and dig in."

Williams views her most significant accomplishments as "teaching my kids that they are somebody." "Getting respect means giving respect, and I want my students to see themselves as citizens that have value. I strive to help them find out who they are, to communicate what they believe in and stand up for who they are," she said. "I love to see that 'aha moment' when my students get it. From the special needs students to the honors students I teach, it's my greatest joy to see them master what they need to know, then apply it and set the world on fire with their successes."

Williams is the most recent of Walden's teacher of the year honorees, who represent 40 states, the District of Columbia, four U.S. territories and the Department of Defense Education Activity, and include five national finalists. As a growing group, they continue to share best practices and add great value to Walden's vital learning community.

"We are thrilled to welcome Pamela to our growing community of state teachers of the year who enroll in Walden to advance their education and careers," said Dr. Kate Steffens, dean of the Riley College of Education and Leadership. "We are proud to have her join the thousands of Walden students and alumni who are making significant and valuable contributions every day, both in and out of the classroom."

As a leading provider of education degrees online, 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. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu/education.

About Walden University

For more than 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 online 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 55 campus-based and online universities in 27 countries.

Walden offers more than 50 degree programs with more than 225 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. 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.ncahlc.org.

SOURCE Walden University