Oakland University and the IB's New Teacher Award Scheme

Audience: Primary Years Programme
Audience: Middle Years Programme
Audience: Diploma Programme
Audience: Research
Audience: General Interest
Session: Block 2: Friday 2:00 to 3:15, Room: Pacific K

This session will describe the successful formation of a three institution partnership to offer the IB's new Teacher Award Scheme. An IB representative will provide an overview of the Teacher Award Scheme for earning graduate credit from an approved university and IB certification as an IB teacher. In addition, Oakland University and school practitioners will describe their program with particular emphasis on the integration of university studies with IB field experience though courses jointly taught by education professors, IB practitioners, and the field support of an IB teacher.


Bert Okma, Principal, International Academy

Bert Okma is the Principal and Founder of the International Academy, former Regional Heads Representative Committee member, current IB North America Board member, and Heads Council member. He has overseen the Academy's growth from 135 students on one campus in 1996 to its current 800 students at two campuses. A third campus will open in 2008, with a full capacity of 1400 students. Bert has been instrumental in the growth of the IB in Michigan and in forming partnerships to support that process. The IB, Oakland University, International Academy, and Bloomfield Hills School District partnership to offer the teacher award certificate is only the fourth program of its kind in the world.


Organization website: http://www.iatoday.org

Jonathon Marsh, Director, Professional Development and Research , International Baccalaureate

Jonathon Marsh is Director of the IB's Professional Development and Research Divisions in Cardiff, Wales. This division is responsible for overseeing and developing support for teacher education workshops, special education needs, online teaching, the Online Curriculum Centre, and the newly offered Teacher Award Mark Scheme. He is also responsible for the IB's growing research initiatives. He has worked in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, and Montreal in various university positions.


Organization website: http://ibo.org

Lisa Reeves, Executive Director Professional Development, Oakland University

Lisa A. Reeves has worked in higher education for 19 years in budgeting, personnel, and project management. She has served as Assistant to the Senior Vice President, Program Project Director for the Finance and Administration Division, Finance Director for the Student Development and Campus Life Division, Assistant Dean for the School of Education and Human Services; and Executive Director for Professional Development and Education Outreach. She has been instrumental in bringing the IB Teacher Award Scheme to Oakland University.


Organization website: http://www.oakland.edu

Linda Tyson, Coordinator of Art Education, Oakland University

Linda is an experienced art educator and has recently established Oakland University's Art Education Program. She is currently completing her doctorate in Educational Leadership and has played a major leadership role in the formation of the partnership to offer the Teacher Award Scheme at Oakland University. Along with the principal and English Department Chair of the International Academy, she teaches the first course in the five-course sequence.