Alcorn State University News January 2015 World Class Teacher Academy will be held at Alcorn State University Alcorn State University is planning a training session that would mold good teachers into great teachers. The Mississippi World Class Teaching Program has chosen Alcorn as the latest site for its World Class Teacher Academy (WCTA) on Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the Clinton Bristow Dining Facility Gold Room. Mentoring and support services will be scheduled for teachers at Alcorn's Vicksburg and Natchez campuses. The academy, which will be hosted by the School of Education and Psychology, is for K-12 teachers in southwest Mississippi who are interested in becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NCBT). Those aspiring to gain more knowledge and skills from recognized professional educators are also welcomed. The 2014-2015 Kickoff and Information Session is an opportunity to learn more about Alcorn's World Class Teacher Academy, which is designed to help prepare teachers for prestigious certification that only an elite group of teachers have obtained. The agenda will include the opportunity to learn from local board certified teachers and mentors who will share their experiences and knowledge with National Board Certified candidates. WCTA coordinator Gail Gettis believes the academy will assist teachers in reaching a higher level in their teaching skills. "Alcorn's WCTA will help increase the number of board certified teachers in southwest Mississippi and ultimately increase student achievement," said Gettis. "Many education stakeholders rely on board certified teachers to share their ideas, opinions and expertise with state and local policymakers as they work to improve education." Due to the high standard that is placed on board certified teachers, Gettis feels that these elite groups of teachers are the key to spreading valuable knowledge to today's youth. "Research says students of board certified teachers demonstrate higher levels of achievement and motivation. Although the number of board certified teachers is relatively small compared to the large number of teachers across the state and nation, this elite group is having a major impact on their students and the profession." For more information or rsvp, contact Gail Gettis at ggettis@alcorn.edu<mailto:ggettis@alcorn.edu> or call 601-877-2417. Gettis is asking those who plan on attending to rsvp by 5 p.m. Jan. 15. Refreshments will be served. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.