July 2009 Graduation Ceremony
Fireworks Dazzle Graduates After American College of Education Commencement Ceremony at Navy Pier
CHICAGO - The fireworks over Lake Michigan were extra special Wednesday evening on July 15, 2009 for graduate candidates who participated in commencement ceremonies to receive their master of education degrees from American College of Education. Ceremonies were held at Navy Pier for graduates and their families.
The 2009 recipient of the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching and American College of Education Alumni, Melissa Hooker, addressed graduates first. “The skills I learned and honed during my studies with American College of Education have helped me better understand how my administration works; how to better communicate with them and my peers, as well as, providing valuable insights into how school-wide decisions affect my classroom.”
Dr. Rod Paige, former U.S. Secretary of Education, served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony and encouraged graduates to use their new skills and knowledge to play a significant leadership role in shaping the future of our country’s education.
“The American College of Education exists to prepare you to become the solution to our education challenges, to lead us to our rightful place: world leaders in the field of education. You, as graduates of the American College of Education, you are the solution to American’s education challenges. As graduates of the American College of Education, you are a part of a grand vision to dramatically improve student performance by helping to enhance the instructional effectiveness of today's teachers through high-quality degree programs,” Dr. Paige said to the graduates.
Graduates and their families traveled to the ceremony at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom from surrounding Chicago metro areas. Many worked side by side with fellow educators to complete the courses, supporting and encouraging each other through 18 months of rigorous, intense instruction. In all, 324 graduates were awarded master’s degrees in education in educational leadership and 43 were awarded master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction. In addition, the College also recognized graduates who have been certified by the National Board of Certified Teachers.
