Following are application deadlines for awards, honors, and contests available to teachers. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
February 12 MATH AND SCIENCE
The National Science Foundation and the White House present the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Program. K-12 teachers are recognized in four groups: elementary mathematics, elementary science, secondary mathematics, and secondary science. Up to 216 teachers from each state and U.S. jurisdiction receive a $7,500 NSF grant for their schools to be spent over a three-year period on improving mathematics and science programs. For more information, contact your state science or mathematics coordinator via the NSF Web site at www.nsf.gov/pa.
February 28 CHILDREN’S FICTION
Highlights for Children is seeking submissions of humorous children’s stories for its 22nd annual fiction contest. Stories should not exceed 900 words; they may be considerably shorter for younger children. Three winners receive $1,000 each, and their stories appear in the publication. Other contest submissions are considered for purchase by Highlights. For more information, contact: Fiction Contest, Highlights for Children, 803 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431.
*March EDUCATION LEADERS
The McGraw-Hill Companies invite nominations for the 2001 Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education. Up to three prizes of $25,000 each are awarded to individuals who have made a difference in American education. Contact: Teresa White, Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10020; (212) 512-6113.
March 1 KOREAN STUDIES
The Korea Society invites teachers of grades 8-12 to write essays discussing either the impact of the Internet on the relationship between Korea and America or the challenges facing U.S. companies that do business in the Korean market. Cash prizes are awarded; a grand-prize winner also gets a weeklong trip for two to Korea. For more information, contact: Director, Korean Studies, Korea Society, 950 Third Ave., 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022; (212) 759-7525, ext. 25; www.essayonkorea.org.
*March 15 BIOLOGY
The National Association of Biology Teachers announces a number of award competitions. EDVOTEK Inc. co-sponsors both the Outstanding New Biology Teacher Achievement Award, given to a 7-12 grade biology or life science educator with less than three years’ teaching experience, and the Biotechnology Teaching Award, given to a secondary school teacher or undergraduate college faculty member. New Biology Teacher applicants must have developed an original, outstanding program or technique and made a contribution to the profession at the start of their careers. Biotechnology applicants must demonstrate an innovative classroom approach that incorporates the principles and processes of biotechnology. The Middle School Teaching Award recognizes educators of grades 5-8 who teach a variety of interdisciplinary science courses and incorporate an innovative life science activity or unit into the classroom. Science Kit, Boreal Laboratories, and the NABT’s Role and Status of Women in Biology Education give the Award for Excellence in Encouraging Equity, recognizing efforts by biology educators to encourage, promote, and strive for equity in the educational community. Judging criteria vary for each award. All winners receive a recognition plaque, among other prizes; all awards are presented at the NABT national convention. Contact: Louise Pittack, NABT, 12030 Sunrise Valley Dr., Suite 110, Reston, VA 20191-3409; (703) 264-9696; fax (703) 264-7778; e-mail NABTer@aol.com; www.nabt.org.
*March 31 DISNEY AWARDS
The Walt Disney Company asks students, parents, administrators, teachers, and community members to nominate K-12 teachers who ignite the spark of creativity in their classrooms for Disney’s American Teacher Awards. Nominees receive an application packet from the Walt Disney Company, and 33 “honorees” are chosen by a national committee of educators. Each honoree wins $10,000, and his or her school receives $5,000. The honorees also participate in a summer professional development program, enabling them to maximize their abilities as innovative teacher leaders. The Outstanding Teacher of the Year receives a $25,000 honorarium; his or her school receives $10,000. Nominations may be made by calling (877) ATA-TEACH or on the Web site, www.disneylearning.org.
—Kate Ryan
