Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI), a provider of postsecondary education services, announced today that Ashford University sponsored the Eighth Annual San Diego County Office of Education Teacher Appreciation Night at Petco Park on May 15 and awarded scholarships to four deserving teachers from the community.
Each winner received a full scholarship in the university's Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology (MATLT) program. Award winners include: Renee Kollar-Bachmann, a math teacher from Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista; Brad Fox, a seventh grade teacher from James Potter Junior High School in Fallbrook; Helen Olmsted, a math teacher from Mount Carmel High School in San Diego; and Jenna Yezarski, an English teacher from Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista.
MATLT is an online degree program designed to develop teachers' skills and effectiveness in using technology tools in curriculum building, leadership skills and instruction. It prepares teachers for rewarding careers as professional educators with the technological skills necessary to meet the ever-changing needs of the students.
To be selected for the scholarship, area teachers were required to submit a letter of nomination from their school principal, a letter of recommendation from a colleague, and a personal essay addressing their vision on issues such as how integrating technology could impact student achievement.
As part of Teacher Appreciation Night, all of the scholarship recipients participated in a pre-game, on-field ceremony to honor educators. Ashford University President Jane McAuliffe made the scholarship presentations.
"The success of today's teachers creates the success of our children. We are proud to present four of San Diego County's finest teachers with these master's degree scholarships," she said.
"At Ashford University, we are committed to the continued success of our community's children. Giving back in this way means very much to all of us. There is no group more deserving than hard-working teachers," she added.
Fox, one of the scholarship winners, said, "Thank you to Ashford University for making this dream a reality for me. I hope to graciously use these experiences to the benefit of my students, staff and community."
About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education’s postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in the disciplines of business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education’s regionally accredited academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, respectively. For more information, please visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or contact Shari Rodriguez, director of public relations, at 858/668-2586 x2513.
About Ashford University
Founded in 1918, Ashford University is a coeducational higher education institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, accounting, criminal and social justice, computer animation and graphic design, and other areas. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a range of student activities and athletics, at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Online degree programs are available in education, organizational management, business administration, and psychology. The University offers high quality yet highly affordable on-campus and online programs, with tuition fees among the lowest in the U.S. compared with other private institutions. Its tagline is: “Higher Education Made Affordable”SM. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or contact Shari Rodriguez, director of public relations, at 858/513-9240 x2513.