SOMERS - The University of Wisconsin-Parkside hosts the 11th annual Chiwaukee Academy Aug. 10-14. A collaborative effort with Carthage College and the Kenosha and Racine school districts, Chiwaukee Academy gives K-12 teachers' standards-based instruction in seven major study areas from arts, math and science to technology, reading and language, social studies and professional development. All classes are held at the UW-Parkside campus,

900 Wood Road.

Traditionally rated one of Wisconsin's top summer teaching academies, Chiwaukee saw a major increase in 2008 enrollment.

"Last year was a breakthrough year for us," said Racine's John Surendonk who co-directs Chiwaukee Academy with Kenosha's Terry Huck. "In the past, we always averaged 180 to 220, then last year we went over 300."

Surendonk credits the overall learning experience and the beauty of the campus as reasons for Chiwaukee Academy's enrollment increases. He added that teachers are excited about using the university's newly expanded Student Center this year.

Chiwaukee Academy begins with an interactive keynote address by Dr. Richard Moyer, a professor of Science Education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Titled "Inquirize: The Importance of the 5E Inquiry Teaching Model and How to Adopt Lessons to that Format," the address will get teachers active and thinking, launching them into the learning week.

Among the 27 classes available are math courses for every K-12 level and professional development classes on autism, basic Spanish and lesson plan creation. Tech courses cover iLife Integration while "They Snooze, You Lose" teaches the use of SMARTboard, podcasts, and other electronic means to keep students interested in learning. Science courses include "Leave No Child Indoors" and there are two Social Studies courses on Native American history and lore suitable for all K-12 levels.

Surendonk said the timing of Chiwaukee Academy allows teachers to immediately incorporate what they learn into lesson plans for the new school year.

Chiwaukee Academy is open to teachers from Wisconsin, Illinois

and beyond. Undergraduate and graduate credit is available from UW-Parkside or Carthage College. Application and registration fees are required, however, Racine and Kenosha teachers can have their registration fees paid for by their districts.

For more information, Racine Unified teachers can call Surendonk at (262) 631-7087, Kenosha Unified teachers can call Terry Huck at (262) 653-7582, or e-mail chiwaukee.academy@uwp.edu

Registration ends Aug. 10.