August 2024 TPT Member Magazine

Learning at the Center Discover more about TPT's new Center for Lifelong Learning BY KEVIN YANG

Did you know that when Twin Cities PBS began broadcasting on television nearly 70 years ago, education was the focus of our very first program? In 1957, Twin Cities PBS made history when we premiered a science education series called "Exploring Science." This program, hosted by local Saint Paul science teacher, Bill Schrankley, would be the first of many educational television programs produced during the early years of our station’s history. Fast-forward 67 years, and our work in educational programming continues to make history. Whether it’s through programs like “Hero Elementary” focused on early learner science and literacy, activities like Don’t Believe the Hype that foster media-literacy and identity development skills for high-schoolers, or adult learning experiences like the mental health initiatives that supported the TPT-produced, nationally distributed film “Facing Suicide,” TPT keeps our tradition of exemplary education programming alive through our work for learners of all ages and subjects. Announcing the new Center for Lifelong Learning: This upcoming back-to-school season, Twin Cities PBS is excited to introduce the Center for Lifelong Learning. No, we aren't constructing a new education “building” at TPT – but we are building a new foundation for how we engage with our community at all ages and all stages, using the wealth of education resources we create.

We’ve seen discussion guides and curricula for programs such as “Jim Crow of the North” utilized in college classrooms and corporate employee groups. Tangible impact from past initiatives such as the Emmy Award-winning documentary, “The Forgetting: A Story of Alzheimer’s” and other multigenerational programming have highlighted the importance of engaging learners of all ages. Whether it’s through sharing media and igniting discussion in settings for older adults, helping HR professionals employ TPT content in lunch-and-learn settings, or exploring opportunities to partner with community education sites, TPT’s lifelong learning efforts will intentionally extend to community members outside of our usual K-12 age range.

There are three goals at the core of this new education-centered vision:

Expanding Our Audience of Lifelong Learners: Learning is a lifelong process. We love creating resources that teachers and students in grade school can use, but we also know that our work brings great educational value to our older viewers.

6

/tptpbs

@twincitiespbs

/twincitiespbs

@twincitiespbs

AUGUST 2024

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator