Local Educator Selected to Participate in Exclusive Discovery Education Leadership Institute

Four-day event focused on developing national leaders in the use of educational technologies

Silver Spring, Md. (July 22, 2008) - On July 14-18, Elaine Plybon from Southern Methodist University along with 60 educators from across the country participated in the first-ever Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council Institute at the headquarters of Discovery Communications in Silver Spring, Md. The event was hosted by Discovery Education, a division of Discovery Communications, whose networks include Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and the Science Channel.

Plybon is a member of the Texas Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council. In more than 20 states nationwide, Discovery Educator Network Leadership Councils support teachers' efforts to integrate educational technologies into instruction through a variety of activities. These activities include in-person and online professional development seminars and workshops, networking events, and regular communications to teachers on emerging technologies and best practices. In addition, each Leadership Council hosts a blog that serves as an informational clearinghouse on state-specific educational issues. Together, these services empower educators with the information and training they need to use the latest educational technologies and digital media in the classroom.

In schools across the country, pressure is building for educators to teach the critical thinking and problem solving skills today's students need to compete in a 21st century global workforce. The thoughtful integration and application of educational technology and digital media in the classroom helps teachers cultivate in their students the skills they need to succeed. During the institute, participants learned new strategies and methods they can use to encourage and support other educators as they integrate technology in their classrooms.

"Discovery Education is pleased to host the Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council Institute," said Scott Kinney, Discovery Education Vice President of Outreach and Professional Development. "The Discovery Educator Network Leadership Councils were formed last year to empower educators to spread the word about the educational benefits of digital media and technology in the classroom. I'm impressed by the passion and professionalism Elaine brings to this task, and have no doubt the educators and students at Southern Methodist University and throughout the state of Texas will benefit from her devotion to this mission."

For more information about Discovery Education, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, or call 800-323-9084.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications revolutionized television with the Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the #1 non-fiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

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For more information, contact:
-Emily Embury, C. Blohm & Associates, Inc., 608-839-9800 or emily@cblohm.com -Stephen Wakefield, Discovery Education, 240-662-2893 or stephen_wakefield@discovery.com