Area History Teacher to Speak at Gordon College’s Commencement for Graduate Program In Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2009

MEDIA CONTACT
Jo Kadlecek
Office of College Communications
978.867.4752
[email protected]
 
WENHAM, MA--Kevin O’Reilly has taught history at Hamilton-Wenham High since 1977 and is the current chair of the department. He’s written numerous articles on history education and has been honored by Time Magazine, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the NASDAQ among others, for his work in the classroom. His students have won countless awards for their research papers and projects at the national level.

Because of his many achievements, O’Reilly has been selected to give the address for the 12th Commencement of Gordon College’s graduate programs in education and music, Saturday, May 16. at 4 p.m. The ceremony--which will take place in the Chairman's Room of the Ken Olsen Science Center--will award graduate level degrees to over 50 graduates.

“We are honored to have Kevin as our Commencement speaker because of his nationally recognized contributions to the development of students and teachers,” said Janet Arndt, Ed.D., and director of graduate education. “But it’s even more special because he is a part of our North Shore community. Some of our faculty as well as our children have had the privilege of being in his classes. He is inspiring in so many ways, and models for all of us what good teaching is all about.”

Arndt, who was appointed in February to her new role as director of Gordon’s graduate program in education, oversees a program with some 150 students earning one of two master’s degrees. The Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) is awarded to adults who have decided to change careers by becoming teachers, and also licenses graduates to teach. The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) offers licensed teachers the opportunity to earn higher degrees in their content area, reading, ESL or educational leadership.

The graduate music program at Gordon, under the direction of Kenneth Phillips, Ph.D., offers a master's degree in music education (M.M.Ed.) and provides a means for experienced music teachers to progress from initial to professional licensure. In addition to professional development courses, both graduate programs in education are uniquely suited to working adults' schedules with convenient and affordable classes taught throughout the year.

“This is a great time to consider a career in teaching,” said Arndt. “And Gordon’s programs are some of the best in the area. As we graduate another class, inspired by Kevin’s words, we look forward to continuing our tradition of teacher excellence.”

For other information contact the Gordon College Office of College Communications at 978.867.4752. For more information about graduate education at Gordon, vvisit the Graduate Education site.

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