MINNEAPOLIS – October 18, 2011 – PLATO Learning, a leading provider of online education solutions for kindergarten through adult learners, has selected Debra Ball and Kim Arthur of Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi as the 2011 Inspired Educators of the Year in the post-secondary category. The Inspired Educator award is presented to outstanding educators who define, build, and implement a first-of-its-kind educational program utilizing PLATO Learning’s online solutions.

“We’re committed to finding innovative solutions to create the best scenario possible for our students to be successful,” said Ball. “Using technology and online learning platforms, such as PLATO, have made our courses more effective.”

Ball and Arthur were honored for the work they’ve done to ensure that Hinds Community College students were getting the most benefit possible from the PLATO courseware. In addition to teaching numerous PLATO lab classes each semester, they also spend their time guiding other lab managers throughout the district, making visits to other campuses when necessary to make sure the labs are running smoothly. Through the program, students have shown a notable grade gain.

Hinds Community College is the largest community college in Mississippi, located near Jackson, with a total of six campuses serving approximately 19,500 students each year, 4,200 of whom work with PLATO courses. “Both Kim and Debra are just outstanding examples of what it means to be an Inspired Educator,” said Vin Riera, chief executive officer for PLATO Learning. “Their focus is completely on their students, empowering each one of them to be successful.”

Ball and Arthur were recognized in October at the PLATO Learning Ed Tech conference in Minneapolis.

About PLATO Learning, Inc.

PLATO Learning is a leading provider of high-value, comprehensive education technology solutions with a focus on learner achievement leading to academic and career success. With more than 50 years of experience driving significant advances in the industry, PLATO offers a wide variety of innovative solutions spanning a multitude of program areas to facilitate 21st century teaching and learning. For more information on PLATO Learning, visit www.plato.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.