EPC 562 Critical Issues in Literacy and Language

Course Number: EPC 562
Course Title:  Critical Issues in Literacy and Language
Class #: TBA
Dates: August 1-2; 5-7, 2013
Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location: USM Gorham Campus, 301C Bailey Hall
Faculty: Bo Hewey, Paula Boyce, and Jennifer McClure Groover, University of Southern Maine
Credit: Three (3) Inservice Graduate Credits
Tuition/Fees: $1,319.00 (Maine Resident)
Registration Form: Click Here (pdf) or call 780-5054 
Note: Scholarships are available (see below) 

The Amoroso Institute will offer you the opportunity to explore text and dialog with others who face the same pressures and challenges you do as you strive to make a difference in the life of each child you teach.

One of the greatest concerns in American education is inequality, yet with the current emphasis on standardized testing and reading achievement, literacy learning is losing its transformative potential. Inspired by the pedagogy and philosophy of USM Literacy Professor Emeritus Dr. Henry C. Amoroso, Jr., this course begins by having students reflect upon their own experiences and values, and then, through critical analysis, acquire a deeper conceptual understanding of the most difficult and challenging issues facing schools today. Moreover, students will explore literacy practices that can create more just and equitable schooling for all. 

Educators will have the opportunity to: 
• Learn to promote and advocate equity for all learners.
• Become a knowledgeable and articulate literacy educator. 
• Create a plan of action that can be implemented in the upcoming school year.
• Explore course objectives through collaboration with other experienced educators.

Scholarship Opportunities

There are two scholarship opportunities available to students enrolled in this institute. 

• Henry C. Amoroso, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
• School of Education and Human Development Scholarship 

These $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in the Critical Issues in Literacy and Language course, EPC 562. 

Eligibility requirements include: 1.You are currently not receiving tuition payment or reimbursement through your school or other organization; 2.Priority is given to those who teach literacy. Teachers in other areas will be considered after priority. 

Please e-mail Kimberly Warren at kwarren@usm.maine.edu to express your intent on why you are enrolled in this class and your eligibility for this scholarship (no more than a paragraph is necessary). Awards will be made first come first served. No applications will be accepted after July 15.

Instructors

Jennifer McClure Groover, MS Ed., has taught Literacy courses and Teacher Education as a part-time faculty at the University of Southern Maine. She has also taught primary and intermediate students at the Elementary level, working both as a general and special educator in both Lewiston and Topsham Schools. She is currently a fourth grade teacher in Lewiston. She
and her husband are the parents of three young girls, and, they have been blessed to watch them blossom into literacy learners, each in their own unique way.

Paula Boyce, MS Ed., CAS, is a 30 year veteran literacy specialist and middle level language arts  teacher at  M.S.A.D. #61. She has worked with grades K-8 in regular and special education classrooms and in the Title 1 literacy program. Her role as literacy specialist for her district has allowed her to team with and coach teachers in best classroom practices to enhance literacy instruction. She has taught graduate and undergraduate literacy classes at USM since 2003. Paula has two children and has learned much from their literacy development over the years. 

Bo Hewey, MA, has taught in a multitude of settings from kindergarten to adult. Currently he teaches adult education ESOL, college transition, and GED classes. Bo has a Master’s degree in literacy education from USM, and an MA in progressive education from Godard College. A social justice educational activist, he is Fairtest's state coordinator for the Assessment Reform Network. Bo's passion, fueled by taking classes with Henry Amoroso, is exploring ways to connect holistic educational practices with critical pedagogy.