Celebrate a Year of Reading!
Read Across America Day
is Monday, March 3, 2008

Need resources, ideas for Read Across America?      http://www.nea.org/readacross/index.html

The ING Unsung Heroes awards are given to K-12 educators pioneering new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning. Educators submit applications by describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence students. Every year, 100 finalists are selected to receive a $2,000 award, payable to both the winning teacher and his or her school.  At least one ward is granted in each of the 50 states, provided at least one qualified application was received from each state. Winners are selected by Scholarship America, a national non-profit educational support and student aid service organization.

One of the 100 finalists, three are selected for additional awards: $25,000 for first place;
$10,000 for second place; and $5,000 for third place. Full-time educators, teachers, principals,
para-professionals, and classified staff members are eligible to apply. For more information, go to www.ing-usa.com/us/aboutING/communityconnections/ineducation/unsungheroes/index.htm
Applications for the 2008 awards are now available. The application deadline is April 30, 2008.

In celebration of their creativity, innovative teaching methods and ability to inspire students while actively engaging them in learning, following are the recipients of the 2005 Disney Teacher Awards. Chosen from more than 50,000 nominations nationwide, each Honoree will receive $10,000 from The Walt Disney Company and a trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., from July 23-28, for a week of festivities that includes an awards gala, professional development and fun in the theme park. In addition, each Honoree's school will receive $5,000 from Disney. Congratulations to each teacher on a job well done!

Click here to download the official DisneyHand Teacher Appreciation Week booklet! Included inside are ideas to help administrators, parents, and students acknowledge teachers in their community!

The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education inspires public education employees to ensure that all students succeed. Created by the National Education Association, the foundation makes grants to improve public education nationwide.  The NEA Foundation will award up to 200 grants of $2,000 each for unique and creative ideas that improve student achievement. Applications are invited from teams of two or more public school teachers, education support professionals, or public higher education faculty and staff. Preference is given to NEA members who serve economically disadvantaged and/or underserved students.

Presidential Awards for Excellence
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program was established in 1983 by the White House and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF).  The program identifies outstanding math and science teachers, K-12, in each state.  Each Presidential Award Winner will receive a $10,000 award from NSF and gifts from donors.  Each also be invited to attend, along with a guest recognition events in Washington, DC, which will include: an award ceremony, a Presidential Citation, meetings with government and education leaders, receptions and banquets. Information available at http://www.nsf.gov/pa or email: donald.hoff@vcsu.edu.