Appalachian Summer Regional Governor's School

Program Dates: June 21, 2010 – June 2, 2010

Deadline For Course Proposals: December 1, 2009

Appalachian Summer Regional Governor's School is a ten-day program for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors who are identified as gifted by the local school divisions. Set on the campus of Wytheville Community College, the program serves approximately 48, identified gifted high school students from the counties of Carroll, Bland, Grayson, Smyth and Wythe as well as the City of Galax. There are four morning courses and four afternoon courses. Morning classes are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Afternoon classes are scheduled for 12:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

The program will hire eight instructional positions. Instructors are expected to provide thirty hours of instruction (1 course) during one of these scheduled sessions for 10 instructional days. Additional responsibilities include attending - the faculty training during late winter - early spring, the weekly staff meetings, and the final program. Other responsibilities may be assigned while the program is in operation. Each instructor receives a reimbursement of $1500.00. An additional benefit is the opportunity to work with highly motivated bright young adults in a small-group setting in an intellectually stimulating environment. Average class size is twelve to thirteen students.

The program's focus is on the sciences, arts and technology including computer technology, mathematics, and language courses. Preferred courses offer a curriculum surpassing courses typically offered in the high-school setting. A good course proposal will give a brief course description including how the course content exceeds the Virginia Standards of Learning for the subject area. Course objectives and/or sample syllabus are encouraged.

Applicants should include a cover letter, current resume, and an adequate description of the proposed course. If available, the course syllabus should be submitted.

Minimum desired applicant qualifications include:

Virginia Teacher License in field of study OR a special expertise deemed necessary by the Governor's School Board of Director's.
Eighteen hours of graduate study in the field of expertise is preferred.
Knowledge of instructional technology is preferred.

Other desirable teaching qualities include:

Knowledge and understanding of the cognitive, social, and emotional characteristics, needs and problems found in gifted students.
The ability to develop a flexible, individualized enriching curriculum that meets the individual gifted pupil needs as well as nurturing group interactions.
The ability to create an environment in which the gifted can use their strengths, explore their personal and interpersonal development, risk new areas of thought and actions, and feel challenges.
The ability to teach the gifted learner the skills of rational thinking, integration of mind and body, self-actualization, intuitive development, and self-evaluation.
The ability to nurture creativity in all its aspects of thinking, feeling, intuiting and expressing talent through products and process.
The ability to encourage in gifted learners a sense of social awareness and commitment to humanity and to their environment, and a respect for the worth and dignity of others.
The ability to relate well to colleagues and parents of gifted learners and to conduct professional meeting for their benefits.

The application deadline is December 1, 2009. The Appalachian Summer Regional Governor's board of Directors selects the eight courses. All applicants should receive notification of course acceptance or denial by January 16, 2010.

If hired, applicants are expected to:

Complete a State of Virginia employment application, available through Linda Nye in the business office in Smyth Hall or available on the college website at www.wcc.vccs.edu/jobs
Submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts to Janice Trivett at:

RE: Governor's School Faculty
209 Bland Hall
1000 E. Main St
Wytheville, VA 24382-3308

Applicant should be aware that a background check might be required for employment.

If you have questions about the program, please contact the Director, William Grose at wcgrosw@wcc.vccs.edu (preferred) or call at 276-223-4817.

All instructional positions are contingent upon the provisions of funds for this purpose by 2009 Virginia General Assembly.