Following are application deadlines for awards, honors, and contests available to teachers. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
April 10 SCIENCE EDUCATION
Scholastic Inc., the children’s publishing and media company, announces the Ms. Frizzle Award 2000, presented by Microsoft Corp. The program supports proposals from K-6 teachers for creative science projects that inspire imaginative, inquiry-based learning. The grand-prize winner receives $2,000 cash, $2,000 in Microsoft educational software, and $2,000 in Scholastic books and other products. The second- place winner receives $1,000 cash and $1,000 in Microsoft software; the third-place winner receives $500 in Scholastic books and educational materials. For more information, contact: Scholastic’s Ms. Frizzle Award 2000, Scholastic Inc., 555 Broadway, Dept. [STMSBWEB], New York, NY 10012- 3999; www.scholastic.com/magicschool bus/pro/grant00/index.htm.
April 14 Cable Television
Time Warner Cable announces its National Teacher Awards. Educators from state- accredited private or public schools in a Time Warner Cable service area are eligible. Candidates submit examples of innovative classroom activities developed using cable programming and/or the Internet. Twenty teachers or teacher teams receive $1,000 and an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. For more information, contact your local Time Warner Cable company or Bonnie Hathaway, Time Warner Cable, Corporate Communications, 290 Harbor Dr., Stamford, CT 06902; (203) 328-0620; e- mail bonnie.h athaway@twcable.com.
April 15 Inclusion
AbleNet Inc., which designs devices to assist people with disabilities, announces its Inclusion Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate vision and innovation in using simple technology to make it easier for people with severe disabilities to participate in activities at home, school, work, and in the community. Individuals or teams of people may apply. The winner receives a $500 AbleNet gift certificate and $500 for travel to the group’s “Closing the Gap” conference. Second- and third- place prizes are also awarded. Contact: AbleNet Inclusion Award, 1081 10th Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414-1312; (800) 322-0956; fax (612) 379- 9143.
*April 19 Waste Management
The Solid Waste Association of North America sponsors the Excellence in Solid Waste Education Awards, which recognize extraordinary efforts in educating the public on solid waste-related issues. Two awards are given, one for K-12 curriculum and one for a public-education program. Entries are judged on technical accuracy, educational goals, quality of design and communications, program evaluation, and originality. Contact: Solid Waste Association of North America, P.O. Box 7219, Silver Spring, MD 20907; (301) 585- 2898.
*April 29 Heroes
Northern Life Insurance Co. and ReliaStar seek applicants for the Education’s Unsung Heroes Awards. Full-time K-12 educators, paraprofessionals, and school staff who have initiated an effective teaching program are eligible. One hundred finalists win $2,000 to further their projects. Three grand-prize winners receive an additional $25,000, $10,000, or $5,000 for their projects. Contact: Education’s Unsung Heroes Awards, c/o Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America, 1505 Riverview Rd., P.O. Box 297, St. Peter, MN 56082; (507) 931-1682 or (800) 537- 4180; fax (507) 931-2109; www.unsungheroe s.com.
*April 30 Social Studies
The National Council for the Social Studies seeks nominations for its Social Studies Programs of Excellence Awards. Nominations must be made by NCSS-affiliated state councils; candidates should be K-12 teachers who have created outstanding social studies programs. Award winners give a presentation at the NCSS annual conference and receive a commemorative gift and national recognition. Contact: NCSS, 3501 Newark St. N.W., Washington, DC 20016; (202) 966-7840; e- mail excellence@ncss. org; www.ncss.org/awards/curriculum.html.
*Apr il 30 Teacher of the Year
The National Council for the Social Studies recognizes exceptional K-12 social studies teachers through its Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award. Nominees must be NCSS members and must demonstrate exceptional ability in six categories, including creative use of instructional materials and innovative teaching techniques. Winners receive $2,500, a commemorative gift, complimentary one-year NCSS membership, and national recognition. Contact: Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award Subcommittee, National Council for the Social Studies, 3501 Newark St. N.W., Washington, DC 20016; (202) 966- 7840; www.nc ss.org/awards/home.html.
*May 1 Exemplary Biology Teachers
The National Association of Biology Teachers each year honors an individual who has “achieved distinction in teaching, research, or service in the biological sciences.” The honoree becomes a lifetime member of the NABT and is recognized in NABT publications and at the NABT’s national convention. Nominations may be submitted by any NABT member and must include a description of the candidate’s qualifications, a detailed biographical summary, and supporting letters from at least nine NABT members. For more information, contact: Louise Pittack, National Association of Biology Teachers, 11250 Roger Bacon Dr., #19, Reston, VA 20190-5202; (800) 406-0775; e-mail NABTer@aol.com.
—Jennifer Pricola
