For Release: Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Contact: David Gillies (Costello): 202-225-5661
               Max Gleischman (Durbin): 202-228-5643
               Michael Ortiz (Obama): 202-228-5566

SIUC PROFESSOR NAMED TO LIBRARY OF CONGRESS NATIONAL CURRICULUM PANEL

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) and Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today congratulated Southern Illinois University Carbondale professor Jerry Hostetler on being named to the Library of Congress’ National Curriculum Review Panel. The 14-member panel will create a new professional-development curriculum for K-12 educators to be administered by the Library of Congress.

Teachers using the curriculum, which will be rolled out next June at the National Education Computing Conference in Washington, D.C., will develop an understanding of the Library’s digital primary sources and the importance of primary sources and how they can impact instruction. Panelists were chosen for their expertise and represent a mix of school settings and grade levels.

“This is an important committee and Professor Hostetler’s appointment speaks not only to his accomplishments but the academic reputation of SIUC,” said Costello. “The Library of Congress is a tremendous resource and the work of this panel will help more teachers tap into all that it has to offer, which will benefit our students.”

“Expanding access to and understanding of the Library of Congress' holdings will broaden horizons for teachers and students alike,” Durbin said. “Congratulations to Professor Hostetler and SIUC for being included on this important panel.”

“Professor Hostetler will provide a talented and experienced voice to ensure the success of this innovative effort,” said Senator Obama.  “The Library of Congress’ collection of primary sources provides exciting new opportunities for teachers and students across America, and we must do everything we can to promote access to the Library’s unmatched resources.  I congratulate Professor Hostetler and the SIUC community for working to improve educational opportunities in Illinois and throughout the country.”

###