Wilkes University and Discovery Education Continue Partnership with New STEM Endorsement Program Shawnee Cohn, Discovery Education240-662-2661, shawnee_cohn@discovery.com Stephen Wakefield, Discovery Education240-662-5563, Stephen_Wakefield@discovery.com Vicki Mayk, Wilkes University570-408-4479, vicki.mayk@wilkes.edu Silver Spring, Md. (February 10, 2016) – Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, and Wilkes University, a leader in graduate education, today announced an expansion of their 11-year partnership. In the latest phase of this collaboration, Discovery Education and Wilkes University have launched a new 12-credit program designed to prepare educators to incorporate STEM strategies into their instructional practice and foster a culture of STEM in their schools and school systems. Called the STEM Letter of Endorsement, this program provides an alternative pathway through which educators can grow their expertise in incorporating STEM education into every facet of teaching and learning. The STEM Letter of Endorsement program emphasizes methods through which educators can create engaging STEM lessons that build the analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills students need for success in any career or educational path. Featuring numerous opportunities for hands-on learning, course designers and faculty members have designed a curriculum that is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable to classroom instruction. The program is conducted entirely online and courses are offered in accelerated seven-week sessions, allowing completion in eight months. Access to Discovery Education’s full suite of services, including Discovery Education Streaming Plus and the Discovery Education Techbook series, are included in the tuition. “STEM teaching and learning is not just limited to specific subject areas. Developing a successful STEM culture requires teachers to think holistically and with an integrated mindset,” said Rhonda Rabbitt, dean of Wilkes University’s School of Education. “We’re thrilled to grow our partnership with Discovery Education and offer innovative programs that are so relevant in today’s education space.” Since 2005, Discovery Education and Wilkes University have partnered to support teachers as they integrate educational technology into classroom instruction. In 2008, Discovery Education and Wilkes University launched an online master’s degree program in instructional media. The 30-credit program prepares educators to engage today’s students in learning through digital resources. Since its inception, educators from 46 states and provinces have successfully completed the program. “Discovery Education is committed to helping educators around the world acquire the skills and expertise they need to advance their careers and improve student achievement,” said Lance Rougeux, Discovery Education Vice President of Learning Communities. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Wilkes University and launch this new program helping educators develop a culture of STEM in their schools that we know support success both inside and outside the classroom.” Applicants to the STEM Letter of Endorsement program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit professional recommendations, official transcripts and a copy of their teaching certification during the admissions process. Classes begin March 7, and upon successful completion of the program, Pennsylvania educators can apply to add the STEM endorsement, which has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to their teaching certificate. Prospective students are invited to visit masters.discoveryeducation.com to learn more. For additional information, contact Stephanie Wasmanski at (570) 408-5535 or stephanie.wasmanski@wilkes.edu. About Wilkes UniversityWilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence through mentoring in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. Founded in 1933, the university is on a mission to create one of the great small universities, offering all of the programs, activities, and opportunities of a large, research university in the intimate, caring, and mentoring environment of a small, liberal arts college, at a cost that is increasingly competitive with public universities. In addition to 41 undergraduate majors, Wilkes offers the doctor of nursing practice, doctor of education and doctor of pharmacy degrees and more than a dozen master’s degree programs, including the master of business administration and master of fine arts in creative writing. About Discovery EducationDiscovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 3 million educators and over 30 million students, Discovery Education’s services are in half of U.S. classrooms, over 40 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries. Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.