Tuesday, January 8, 2008

SFU launches B.C.’s only education TV program

Contact:Ruby Ng, 778.782.7152, rubyng@sfu.ca
Carol Thorbes, 778.782.3035, cthorbes@sfu.ca
January 8, 2008

Simon Fraser University’s faculty of education is launching the only television program in British Columbia dedicated to in-depth analysis of education issues.

Paul Shaker, dean of education at Simon Fraser University, has announced that the first episode of the new 30-minute monthly program Your Education Matters will premier at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 21 on ShawTV, Channel 4.

SFU’s faculty of education is producing the program, hosted by Shaker. A half-hour episode covering a new topic will air on the first Monday of every month. ShawTV will rebroadcast each new episode three times a week: Mondays, 6:30 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

“We have created this program to provide insights and opinions from practitioners and scholars on education issues that matter for parents, students, educators and policy makers alike,” said Shaker.

“Our guests are people who know the key issues and who can help our viewers prepare to actively participate in making the education experience a successful one for learners today and in the future.

”A proponent of public forums and dialogue on education issues, Shaker often figures prominently in media coverage of education news. The dean is looking forward to receiving comments and getting feedback from viewers on education faculty’s new program.

“It’s a way for those who care about education to hear professional educators share their insights so that ultimately we can work together to ensure quality public education.”

For more information about Your Education Matters, see http://www.youreducationmatters.ca/