Discovery Education Launches Webinar Series

In an effort to bring current issues to classrooms in real time through innovative learning experiences, Discovery Education is launching an exclusive webinar series. The next in the series, on the topic of fighting poverty, is scheduled for Jan. 25 and will be available later via archive.

Dubbed Discovery Education LIVE, the series is designed to help students understand the importance of their education and motivate them to make a difference. The webinar series will feature leaders on a variety of topics of importance to students and educators throughout the year.

“We are excited to launch Discovery Education LIVE with webinars featuring leaders at the forefront of the critical issues facing schools and communities today,” said Tanya Van Court of Discovery Education. “Through the webinar series, we will bring innovative learning experiences to students and educators, providing them a unique perspective from prominent leaders on current issues and exclusive resources they need to be successful and make a difference in their communities.”

To kick off the series, Discovery Education hosted a webinar on Jan. 23 featuring General (Retired) and Mrs. Colin L. Powell of America’s Promise Alliance (America’s Promise). General and Mrs. Powell spoke to students about the high school dropout crisis, why it’s more important than ever to get a high school diploma and the important role students can play in helping their peers stay in school.

America’s Promise is the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth. Comprised of 400+ nonprofit groups, businesses, communities, educators and policy makers, America’s Promise believes the success of young people is grounded in five promises: caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others.

"Innovative learning experiences like Discovery Education LIVE take students beyond the walls of the classroom, providing them unique access to today's leaders,” said Scott Muri, chief information officer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. “These opportunities empower educators with exactly the kind of resources we need to engage students.”

Additional FREE webinars in the Discovery Education LIVE series include:

"Your Role in Combating Poverty in America,” featuring Mark Shriver of Save the Children, on Jan. 25. Shriver will speak to students about poverty in America, the importance of education as a fundamental way to fight the effects of poverty and their role in finding solutions and making positive differences in their local communities. Shriver currently is head of U.S. programs for Save the Children, the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.

"The Making of an American Candidate: The Road to the White House, Congress, the State House and Beyond,” featuring Tom Downey (D) and Ray McGrath (R), former members of the U.S. House of Representatives, on March 5.  Downey and McGrath will provide students a behind-the-scenes look at how one goes from candidate to elected official. With political campaigns in full swing across the U.S., Downey and McGrath will explain the elements of a political campaign and the election process. They will also discuss how Super Tuesday is an important milestone in choosing a presidential nominee.

More information about upcoming webinars is available here. Students may submit questions for webinar presenters. In case your class misses the scheduled time, webinars will be available later via archive.

Article by Jason Tomaszewski, EducationWorld Associate Editor
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