Judges from across the country will connect through a Universityof Memphis program this weekend to develop creative ways to benefitthe justice system.
Nineteen judges, judicial educator faculty members and othersfrom several states will take part in the Institute for FacultyExcellence in Judicial Education (IFEJE) April 9- 12, at theWhispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center in Olive Branch,Miss.
The U of M's Center for the Study of Higher Education has housedthe Institute since 2001.
The Institute provides educational programs targeting the needfor judges - a need that is not addressed in the traditional legaleducation system in the United States.
The best teachers will address substantive content with aworking knowledge of intellectual development, how adults learn andhow they relate to each other, as well as an understanding of theirown unique contribution toward facilitating the learning process atthe Institute.
Project Director of the Center for the Study of Higher EducationPatricia Murrell said IFEJE is not only a good program; it is alsoa great learning opportunity for judges, judicial educators andother court personnel.
"It provides an opportunity for judges to interact with otherjudges in an education setting, learning from their experiences anddiversity, which each participant brings to the institute," Murrellsaid.
The Institute offers an opportunity to give to the judicialsystem a project outside their regular responsibilities, Murrellsaid.
"IFEJE creates an environment in which judges can examine theircommitment to justice," she said.
Murrell said the Institute also introduces the use of educationmedia and audience involvement in presentations, and develops anunderstanding of individual learning styles.
The components of IFEJE include a course with learning theory,personal wellness, finding the passion in one's work, partneringwith a judicial educator, judge faculty roles in judicialeducation, planning and preparing education experiences,methodology in teaching and evaluation as a tool for growth.
Participants select a six-month mentored independent project,created with the knowledge and skills acquired during theIFEJE.
At the conference this week, four participants are expected tocomplete their projects.
Participants from California, Minnesota, West Virginia,Kentucky, Vermont, Michigan and New York will participate in IFEJE.Their self-study projects will represent both their subject matterand presentation abilities.
They will discuss the practical and long-term implications ofIFEJE materials, creating ways to engage in ongoing personaldevelopment as judge-faculty.
Preferably, applicants will be judges who are experienced andwho have served at least two years as faculty in at least threeteaching opportunities and committed to continued involvement injudicial education. Participants will be selected based ontimeliness of application, support from a judicial educationorganization or judicial organization.
The State Justice Institute will fund costs of materials,meeting functions, on-site meals and tuition for all participantswho complete the IFEJE.
Travel, lodging and any other incidental expenses will be paidby each participant or his or his supporting organizations.
Murrell said, "The judicial education plays an important role inthe healthy functioning of a state's judiciary by providingopportunities for knowledge and skills development as well asfacilitating personal and professional growth."
