Penn State Children’s Literature Program Receives Top Ranking by Instructor Magazine

by Joe Savrock (November 2007)

Instructor Magazine, the top-read elementary school teacher magazine, has chosen Penn State’s Children's Literature World Campus program as the best online program in children's literature.

The magazine gave the Penn State program the top ranking in the category “The Best for Children’s Literature.” The top program in 11 different online categories were acknowledged. The programs were rated based on feedback from practicing teachers.

The magazine noted that the classes in the Penn State program “use a combination of Web technology and, of course, real children’s books,” and quoted one participating teacher as saying, “The best part was regular and connected feedback from professors.”

“I'm pleased with this recognition. It’s a testament to the many fine professors and instructors who have taught in this program,” said Dan Hade, associate professor of language & literacy education, whose work focuses on the study of the nature and quality of the experiences readers have with children’s literature.

“This is a tremendous recognition for the program and the fine leadership that Dr. Hade and his colleagues in Curriculum & Instruction and World Campus have demonstrated,” said David H. Monk, dean of Penn State’s College of Education.

Penn State offers two online children’s literature programs through its World Campus: a graduate certificate in children's literature and an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction–children’s literature.

More information about Instructor Magazine’s program rankings is available online.