USDLA Awards Marilyn Mosley Gordanier and Laurel Springs School with "Outstanding Leadership by an Individual in the Field of Distance Learning" For Excellence in Distance Learning in 2008

Laurel Springs School was recently honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with the world's most prestigious distance learning award presented for excellence in distance learning.

Ojai, CA (PRWEB) April 23, 2008 -- The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) yesterday presented its 2008 International Distance Learning Award to Laurel Springs School in conjunction with the 2008 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Since 1987, USDLA has been the world's premier distance learning association. The USDLA International Awards program honored outstanding individuals and organizations for excellence in the field distance learning, education and training.

These prestigious International Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. Included in the recognition ceremony were awards for 21st Century Best Practice, Best Practice for Distance Learning Programming, Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching, Outstanding Leadership by an Individual, Hall of Fame and Eagle Awards.

"As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring Laurel Springs School as a leader in the industry," said Dr. John G. Flores, CEO of USDLA. "Laurel Springs School has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by Laurel Springs School's contributions to the distance learning industry."

The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies. In addition, winners will be recognized in an edition of USDLA's Distance Learning Today quarterly supplement. Distance Learning Today appears in USA TODAY's top-tier markets for distance learning - major commuter hubs, convention centers and hotels. It is read by 3.5 million goal-oriented, affluent professionals who recognize the value of distance learning, education and training. The section will also be featured on the USDLA website, which averages 2.6 million hits per month.

"It is a great honor to receive this esteemed award from the United States Distance Learning Association, an organization that has helped to define the best practices for the field of distance learning. To be recognized by my peers in this most important field is a highlight of my career. I receive this award on behalf of the entire Laurel Springs community, our staff, our teachers, our consultants, our students and parents. Together we have grown a small grassroots program into one of the largest, most prestigious online schools in the United States. I am immensely grateful to my late husband, Lee Gordanier with whom I founded Laurel Springs. Our combined understanding of education and technology birthed one of the first online curriculum and set the stage for the emergence of distance learning in the world. I also extend my gratitude to the United Nations Environment Programme who has supported my work in the field of online environmental education," said Marilyn Mosley Gordanier, founder and executive director of Laurel Springs School.

Mr. Reggie Smith III, USDLA board member and chair of the awards committee, noted that, "We look forward to seeing how Laurel Springs School will inspire the 2009 award entries as they are recognized in Distance Learning Today to 3.5 million readers and via their participation in National Distance Learning Week (http://www.ndlw.org ), November 10-14, 2008."

About Laurel Springs School
Laurel Springs School, founded in 1991, is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Located in Ojai, California Laurel Springs serves students across the United States and in 43 countries. Current enrollment is 3,000 students, with more than 2,000 students enrolled in the online high school program. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience. http://www.laurelsprings.com

About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. http://www.usdla.org.

Contact:
Leslie Davis
Laurel Springs School
www.laurelsprings.com
1-800-377-5890

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