IMSA Dedicates Tellabs Studio for Professional Development

For Immediate Release, April 1999
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033

AURORA – The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy officially dedicated its Tellabs Studio for Professional Development April 19, 1999, during a special ceremony attended by approximately 100 corporate and foundation officials, government officials and friends of the Academy.

In 1998, IMSA received a $100,000 grant from The Tellabs Foundation of Lisle, Illinois, to create the Tellabs Studio for Professional Development on the IMSA campus. The Studio serves as a technologically-enhanced classroom for IMSA partner teachers throughout Illinois and as the central hub for their professional development activities. These activities include individual study and research work, small group conferences, meetings, seminars and forums.

The Studio includes fixed workspace for independent and group work, computer projection screens and workstations for the development of mathematics and science electronic curriculum prototypes, a teacher resource library for current books and journals on educational practice, research reports on mathematics and science curriculum and testing, and computer software.

"We appreciate this investment by the Tellabs Foundation and their commitment to improving mathematics and science education," said Ted Parge, IMSA Vice President for Institutional Advancement. "Their leadership support will play a key role in advancing Academy programs that help build the capacity of mathematics and science teachers from schools throughout Illinois," Parge added.

Michael J. Birck, President and CEO of Tellabs, Inc., said increased professional development for mathematics and science teachers will result in a more competitive state and nation. "As head of a company with a strong technology orientation, I understand the critical need for increased proficiency in mathematics and the sciences," Birck said. "Strategic relationships among the education community, private industry and government are essential to creating new learning enterprises in the 21st Century. The Tellabs Foundation is proud to support IMSA in its efforts to develop new teaching and learning processes."

Guests in attendance included representatives from The Tellabs Foundation and Tellabs, Inc., Illinois General Assembly, City of Aurora, Aurora University, United Way, Molex Incorporated, The Grainger Foundation and Boeing Precision Gear, Inc.

Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 14,000 teachers and 20,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from IMSA's professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.