(OKLAHOMA CITY – April 5, 2007) Oklahoma teachers are invited to attend a summer professional development program sponsored by several law-related organizations. The 18th annual PACE (Programs Advancing Citizenship Education) Institute will be held at the Reed Conference Center in Midwest City July 8 – 12.

“The goal of the PACE Institute is to provide tools teachers can use to help students become good citizens. Attending teachers will be teamed with mentors experienced in civic education to help achieve this goal,” said Oklahoma Bar Association Law-related Education Coordinator Jane McConnell.

This year's institute, “Oklahoma Centennial: A State of Many Nations,” will expose educators to various aspects of the Oklahoma judicial system, Native American courts, citizenship education and public policy.

Applications and a detailed agenda can be found on the OBA Web site at www.okbar.org. The application deadline is May 1.

Those chosen to participate will each receive a scholarship to cover all expenses during the institute. Additional cash stipends of up to $500 will be awarded in the fall to select teachers who submit lesson plans based on institute guidelines. More than 20 speakers, including judges, attorneys and educators will speak at this year’s institute. Past attendees have praised the diversity and quality of the speakers.

“The value of the institute is immeasurable,” one teacher said. “The resources, speakers and opportunities for school in-service are fantastic.”

Other teachers have called the program “beautifully organized and prepared,” “a wonderful experience” and “a marvelous opportunity.”

The PACE XVIII Institute is sponsored by the Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Foundation and Constitutional Rights Foundation. PACE is part of the OBA's comprehensive statewide Law-related Education (LRE) Program, which is committed to emphasizing the concepts of good citizenship. Other LRE programs include in-service workshops, peer mediation programs, lesson plans and anti-drug programs. LRE services for educators are free. For more information, contact Jeanne Minson (405) 416-7023 or e-mail jeannem@okbar.org.

The 15,000-member Oklahoma Bar Association, headquartered in Oklahoma City, was created by the Oklahoma Supreme Court to advance the administration of justice and to foster and maintain learning, integrity, competence, public service and high standards of conduct among Oklahoma's legal community.