For release
Further information: Contact Joseph Giomboni
Public Relations Office (570) 208-5958

King’s College’s Irish Teachers Program Enters 36th Year;
Only Program of Its Kind in the Country

The Wyoming Valley will be the first exposure to the United States for 14 of the 19 teachers from Ireland who will participate in the 36th annual program at King’s College from Tuesday, July 14 to Tuesday, Aug. 4.  The program is the only one of its kind in the United States. 

The elementary and secondary school teachers will participate in various educational, cultural and social visits during their stay.  In addition to attending educational seminars at King’s (Internet, Distance Learning, American Political Scene), they will meet with local educators as well as elected officials (in Wilkes-Barre and Washington, D.C.) and local ethnic organizations (Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and Friendly Sons of St. Patrick).

In addition to touring local sites of interest, including Eckley Miners Village, the Lackawanna Coal Mine and Harvey’s Lake, they will travel to Philadelphia, Gettysburg, New York City and Washington, D.C. 

John McKeown, administrator of Allied Health Programs at King's College and program planner and advisor of the Irish teachers Program, says, “It is Northeastern Pennsylvania’s responsibility and privilege to introduce these visitors from Ireland to the best that America and this area has to offer in terms of education, culture, quality of life, and warm hospitality. The program has benefited greatly from substantial local support.”

The Irish Teachers Program began in 1974 and, to date, has involved almost 1000 Irish teachers and educational administrators.

This year’s program features a dedication to Guthrie Conyngham, former owner of Eastern Penn Supply, native of the Wyoming Valley, and a long-term supporter of the Irish Teachers Program who died May 10, 2008 at the age of 84. 

NOTE:  A day-by-day itinerary for the Irish Teachers while they are in the Wyoming Valley is attached here.  For further information, contact Joseph Giomboni at 208-5957.

King's College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.