As part of the Disney College Program, participants
will take Disney Education Courses, some of
which are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education. Each of
the Disney College Program courses is focused around an area of
Disneyland® Resort expertise and contains levels of academic rigor
not uncommon to the classes taught at a college or university. Participants
will have required textbooks to read, papers to write and special projects to
complete. The difference is that participants will be able to apply this
knowledge immediately at their work location.
Available to you on this Web site are the
course descriptions and syllabi; so you may
discuss the possibility of awarding credit for their participation in the
Disney College Program with your students.
There are many other ways to learn at the
Disneyland Resort. One of these opportunities is the
Leadership Speaker's Series. This
series is a student's inside track to learn from Disney Executives from various
areas of the Disneyland Resort and gain valuable insight and advice
about career management, Disney Heritage and Disney Traditions and
setting professional goals.
Our Professional Development Study: The
Business of Show Business, is another educational opportunity that
participants may incorporate into their program. In this course, participants
will have the opportunity to explore how specific units are managed and
"world-class" Guest Service provides magical memories.
Our Blended Learning
Series is a new, alternative educational option for students. This class is
designed to 'blend' in-class learnings with out-of-class activities, creating a
more hybrid learning experience.
Participants may also utilize resources in one of
our Disney Learning Centers including
books, videos and computer-based learning activities to enhance their learning
experience.
Service and community are cornerstones of the Disney
philosophy. As part of the Disney College Program internship, participants will
have the opportunity to work with the Disney VoluntEARs team to get involved in
activities that allow them to give back to the local community.
Who Teaches the Disney College Program Education
Curriculum?
Disney College Program instructors are Cast Members
who are industry and content-area experts with years of practical experience in
their fields. All of our instructors hold one or more advanced degrees.
Feedback from the students about our instructors is extremely positive, with
survey data indicating that subject-matter knowledge among the faculty is
outstanding. Like faculty on your campus, our instructors are expected to stay
current in their field, engage in continuing education and be involved in
student activities.
What follows are the abbreviated biographies of our
education team. We are very proud of these talented individuals and have shared
with you just a sampling of their many skills and experiences. We hope you
enjoy meeting the team that delivers the learning program to your students on
our campus!
Brenda Andrews Lazarus
Team
Leader-Instruction & Curriculum
MS, College Student Personnel, Western Illinois
University, 1993
BA, Liberal Studies, San Diego State University, 1991
After previously working at colleges &
universities all over the country, Brenda brings 15 years of Student Affairs
and teaching/training experience to her role at the Disneyland®
Resort. She has been able to serve college students in the roles of Director of
Housing, student organization advisor, university instructor, and staff
trainer. Brenda joined the Education Team in 2006 and is responsible for
leading the Instruction Team at the Disneyland Resort.
Kathleen Winningham
Learning &
Development Manager, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
MBA, University of Florida, 2000
BA, Business
Administration, University of Florida, 1999
Kathleen brings a variety of academic experiences to
The Walt Disney Company. With more than 12 years of experience at the
University of Florida, she worked in both the Warrington College of Business
and the College of Dentistry in admissions, student services, recruitment and
program administrative roles. After completing her graduate education, she
worked at Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management as an
admissions & marketing recruiter. Kathleen joined the Education Team in
2003 and serves as the Learning & Development Manager responsible for the
overall educational experience for our Disney College, International, and
CareerStart participants at all sites.
