Spring 2004
Table of Contents
New POLS Program Creates Change Agents
Special Cosby on Campus Performance Ticket Offer for Alums
Credits

Spring 2004
Educator Homepage

SUSE Homepage




An unexpected phone call to Stanford University President John Hennessy set the wheels in motion. On the other end was comedian Bill Cosby with an offer that the Stanford University School of Education (SUSE) could not refuse: a benefit performance with proceeds to establish fellowship funds for teachers in the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) who commit to working in schools serving low-income children after they graduate.



Bill Cosby
 Cosby on Campus: Celebrating Teachers is the result of this phone call. The day-long celebration on May 23, 2004 will feature, in addition to Cosby’s evening performance in Memorial Auditorium, a professional development conference for teacher leaders (see page 5) and a “Celebrating Teachers” reception and dinner with Tom Brokaw as the master of ceremonies.

Cosby’s offer was stimulated by his desire to recognize the importance of good teachers for all students. He said it was a good teacher who made a difference in his life. Throughout his career, Cosby has invested in others’ as well as his own education. He went back to college to obtain a master’s degree as well as an Ed.D. after he had achieved much of his success.


STEP, the beneficiary of the event, is a teacher education program leading to a Master of Arts in Education and a California teaching credential.The program offers students opportunities to observe, plan and practice diverse pedagogical approaches.

It particularly prepares qualified teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students in low-income areas. An emphasis on democratic classrooms and equitable schools is a hallmark of STEP.

The fellowship funds raised for STEP students through Cosby on Campus will assist teachers who otherwise could not afford to attend SUSE, which is consistently ranked among the top two schools of education in the nation.

“The cost of schooling and the foregone income deters some talented people from getting good training or going into teaching at all. Although rewarding, teaching is also a demanding profession and teachers need the kind of effective preparation that the STEP program provides.We need to make the program affordable to the exceptional people who want to be teachers,” stated Deborah Stipek, SUSE’s I. James Quillen Endowed Dean.

For STEP student Tiffany A.Thomason, the fellowship she received allowed her to pursue her passion for improving the education system.

“I see a great need for redesign and improvement in the whole system, and that is exactly what I am learning about in [STEP].Teaching is my passion, and the education I am receiving at Stanford will benefit the students I will work with in the future,” said Thomason.

According to Stipek, Cosby’s phone call to Hennessy opened the door for an opportunity to highlight the importance and the contributions of highly qualified teachers. Cosby on Campus has become a chance to “prompt people to reflect on the importance of good teachers and what good teachers do for our community, our kids, and our society,” she said.

During a time when teachers are criticized often and are under enormous pressure, it is important to be able to “honor teachers [and] show our appreciation for them,” added Stipek.“The many highly committed, effective people who are improving our schools and teaching our kids well need our support and deserve our appreciation.”

Cosby on Campus has also increased visibility for SUSE’s work and commitment to high quality education for all students.

“People who are involved in the Cosby event and who are getting to know the many initiatives at SUSE are learning that while we are developing new knowledge about effective teaching and effective schools, we’re also working in partnerships with educational practitioners to improve schooling for kids in the Bay Area, nationally and even internationally,” Stipek explained.

“Cosby on Campus has brought the important work that we’re doing to the attention of many people who didn’t realize how deeply involved we are in the practice of education,” she added.

More information about Cosby on Campus can be found at http://cosbyoncampus.stanford.edu. See the back page for performance ticket details as well as an advanced ticket opportunity for SUSE alums.

COSBY ON CAMPUS: CELEBRATING TEACHERS FACTS
  • Bill Cosby performance on May 23 at 5 p.m. at Stanford’s Memorial Auditorium
  • Premiere of video at the performance featuring excellence in teacher training at SUSE
  • Gala “Celebrating Teachers” dinner at 7 p.m. with MC Tom Brokaw
  • Over 150 Honorary Committee members and 12 corporate underwriters
  • Blue ribbon volunteer committee chaired by Linda Meier and Madeline Stein, award-winning Stanford volunteers and alumnae


Editor’s Note

DEAR ALUMS AND FRIENDS,

This special edition of the Educator focuses on one of the largest and most exciting fundraising events undertaken by the Stanford University School of Education (SUSE), Cosby on Campus: Celebrating Teachers. Alumni and faculty news, the Forum Question and other SUSE news and features will return in the fall 2004 issue.

 
SUSE Homepage