VSU professor to host statewide radio show

A Valdosta State University educator will soon take to Georgia's airwaves to talk about teaching.

Dr. Craig Klein has been tapped to produce and host "Teacher Talk," a public affairs call-in show dealing with Georgia's educational issues. The hour-long program will air statewide on Peach State Public Radio beginning Monday, March 2. The show will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. on alternating Mondays through June 22. "Teacher Talk" is a joint venture between Peach State Public Radio and Valdosta State University.

Klein is an associate professor in VSU's Communication Arts Department and area head for the telecommunication program. "Teacher Talk" developed as Klein was selected to be a fellow for VSU's Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning. The Center fosters educational enrichment projects, and Klein thought "Teacher Talk" would be an ideal way to fill a need within the state.

"I got the idea watching the presidential State of the Union address a year ago," Klein said. "Education reform was being discussed at the national level, and I wanted to talk about those lofty goals on a state and local level."

Klein has developed his series of shows to touch on a number of topics, including the idea of connecting all school libraries to the Internet, distance learning and determining what the public wants from education. The format allows for various studio guests from Georgia's educational community to tackle topics along with callers who will chime in on occasion.

"I think there needs to be accessible, public dialogue concerning public education," Klein said. "It's an issue that is so critical to Georgia families, yet the discussion rarely moves outside the confines of education circles. This program will be a more comprehensive venue where anyone in the state can participate if they choose."

Klein has been a member of the VSU faculty since 1994. He holds a Master of Arts from Indiana University and a doctorate in education from the University of Florida.

"Teacher Talk" will originate live from Atlanta and can be heard locally on WWET 91.7 FM.