Nov 06, 2014 05:01 PM EST By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Duke Energy Indiana and Marian University are collaborating to provide three school districts with teacher, administrator training and other resources to advance education in their communities.

The Duke energy Indiana grants, totaling $75,000, will fund programs in Greater Clark County Schools, Vincennes Community Schools, and Sheridan Community Schools, through Marian University's Academy for Teaching and Learning Leadership (MU-ATLL).

The three school corporations will receive a customized program from MU-ATLL, which provides graduate-level education to those who aspire to become K-12 teachers, and current K-12 teachers seeking to become principals and administrators in their schools.

"Developing great teachers is one of the most valuable things we can do to support education in our state," Duke Energy Indiana President Doug Esamann said in a statement. "A dynamic teacher can be key to student achievement, and Marian University is using this grant to help three Indiana school systems reach new levels of teacher training."

Current teachers in the Greater Clark County Schools will obtain credit toward an advanced degree and licensure as a school principal through MU-ATLL's Building Level Administrator program. The program consists of monthly courses and meetings tailored to meet the needs of the school corporation.

"We greatly appreciate Marian University and Duke Energy for their support of our leadership academy," Dr. Andrew Melin, superintendent, Greater Clark County Schools, said in a statement. "It is an outstanding opportunity for our teachers to enhance their education as well as their professional careers."

For Vincennes Community Schools, the grants will ensure that teachers in these high need subject areas receive required certifications. Training provided through MU-ATLL will allow teachers to obtain full licensure through the state, and qualify them for high-demand teaching positions.

"The Vincennes Community School Corporation is indebted to Marian University and Duke Energy for allowing opportunities for present teaching faculty to advance their certification which promotes strong retention of our best and brightest teachers," Dr. Greg Parsley, superintendent, Vincennes Community School Corporation, said.

The population in Hamilton County is growing faster than any area of the state. In order to minimize the growing pains that inevitably accompany rapid growth, Sheridan Community Schools is embarking on a strategic visioning process to engage the local community and set a course of action for the next five years. Duke Energy Indiana has committed financial support for the process, which will help ensure the schools' ability to serve a student population that is expected to increase significantly in the next decade.

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