Following are application deadlines for awards, honors, and contests available to teachers. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
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 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 21 SOCIAL STUDIES
The National Council for the Social Studies announces the Larry Metcalf Exemplary Dissertation Award, which recognizes outstanding research completed in pursuit of a doctoral degree in social studies. One teacher receives $250, a commemorative gift, and an invitation to present his or her findings at the NCSS annual conference. Research must be completed before March 15, 2001, and make a significant contribution to social studies education. Research also must be outstanding in the areas of problem statement, analysis of related literature, methods and procedures, analysis of data, and discussion of results. For more information, contact: Larry Metcalf Exemplary Dissertation Award, National Council for the Social Studies, 3501 Newark St. N.W., Washington, DC 20016; (202) 966-7840; www. socialstudies.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.
*April 1 SOCIAL STUDIES
The National Council for the Social Studies seeks nominations for the Outstanding Elementary, Middle School Level, and Secondary Social Studies Teachers of the Year Awards. Teachers must have maintained NCSS membership for at least two years prior to nomination, and they must demonstrate exceptional abilities in six categories. Winners receive $2,500, a commemorative gift, an opportunity to present at the NCSS annual conference, and a complimentary one- year NCSS membership. Weekly Reader, Scholastic Inc., and Time magazine sponsor the award. For more information, contact: Ana Post, Manager of Recognition Programs and Special Projects, NCSS, 3501 Newark St. N.W., Washington, DC 20016- 3167; (800) 296-7840, ext. 114; www.socialstudies.org/ awards/teachers.html.
*April 6 PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, annually recognizes performance excellence in five categories, including education. Public and private elementary and secondary schools are eligible to receive the awards. Three winners are chosen based on such criteria as achievements and improvements in leadership and strategic planning. For more information, contact: Baldrige National Quality Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Administration Building, Room A635, 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020; (301) 975-2036; fax (301) 948-3716; e-mail nqp@ nist.gov.
*April 14 CABLE TELEVISION
Time Warner Cable announces its National Teacher Awards. Educators from state- accredited private or public schools in Time Warner Cable service areas 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.hathaway@twcable.com.
*April 15 HUMANITIES
The National Endowment for the Humanities invites groups of teachers to apply for the Humanities Focus Grants. Recipients spend a year to a 18 months considering humanities topics or mapping instructional directions for teaching the humanities. Proposals must identify a coherent sequence of topics to be explored and provide a detailed list of texts and materials to be considered. Projects must show a commitment from participating groups and individuals. The grants range from $10,000 to $25,000. Applications are subject to three general criteria for evaluation: intellectual quality, quality of design, and potential for significant impact. For more information, contact: Division of Education Programs, NEH, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Room 318, Washington, DC 20506; (202) 606-8380; e-mail education@neh.gov; www.neh.gov/ grants/onebook.html.
*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 $2,000 award: a $500 AbleNet gift certificate for the teacher, $500 for travel to the group’s Closing the Gap conference, and a $1,000 gift certificate to the submitting school. Second- and third-place prizes are also awarded. For more information, contact: AbleNet Inclusion Award, 1081 10th Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414-1312; (800) 322-0956; fax(612) 379-9143; www.ablenet.inc.com.
*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. For more information, contact: Solid Waste Association of North America, P.O. Box 7219, Silver Spring, MD 20907; (301) 585-2898; www.swana.org.
*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: Kathy Walton, Education’s Unsung Heroes Awards, Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America, 1505 Riverview Rd., P.O. Box 297, St. Peter, MN 56082; (800) 426-7050; www.unsungheroes.com.
*April 30 SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS
The National Council for the Social Studies honors outstanding social studies programs through the Social Studies Programs of Excellence Award. Programs must be nominated through state councils for the social studies. Awards are given in three categories: elementary (grades K-6), middle school/junior high (5-9), and high school (9-12). Winners receive a commemorative gift for their school, teacher certificates, and the opportunity to present at the NCSS annual conference. Because state deadlines vary, applicants should contact their state council award coordinator for details. For more information, contact: Ana Post, Manager of Recognition Programs and Special Projects, NCSS, 3501 Newark St. N.W., Washington, DC 20016-3167; (800) 296-7840, ext. 114; www.socialstudies.org /awards/curriculum.html.
*May 1 SCIENCE
The American Honda Foundation announces a grant program for national organizations working in areas of youth and scientific education, including public and private elementary and secondary schools. Scientific education encompasses the physical and life sciences, mathematics, and technology. Winners are selected based on an application, grant proposal, and supporting documentation. To be eligible, organizations must not receive funding from religious, fraternal, or veterans’ organizations, labor groups, or beauty and talent contests. The number of grants awarded depends on the availability of funds. Grants range from $10,000 to $75,000 and are not given to individuals. Contact: Kathryn Carey, 1919 Torrance Blvd., 100-1 W- 5A, Torrance, CA 90501; (310) 781-4090; fax (310) 781-4270.
*May 15 HISTORY
The History Channel presents the Award for Outstanding Contribution in History Education to a teacher who has demonstrated exceptional service to and participation in the National History Day program. One winner receives $3,000, a history video library, and a television and VCR for classroom use. Criteria include success in involving students in the program, interest in professional development, and service to both the National History Day program and the field of history. For more information, contact: History Channel Award, National History Day, 0119 Cecil Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742; (301) 314-9739; www.thehistorynet. com/NationalHistoryDay.
*May 19 AEROSPACE
The Aerospace Education Foundation announces the Christa McAuliffe Memorial Award, honoring one public, private, or parochial K-12 teacher who demonstrates excellence in furthering the concepts of aerospace technologies in the classroom through successful, innovative curricular classroom programs. The award includes a $1,000 stipend and a trip to Washington, D.C., to receive the award at the Air Force Association National Convention. Applicants must have a letter of endorsement by an AFA sponsor and a letter of support from their administration. For more information, contact: Aerospace Education Foundation, 1501 Lee Hwy., Arlington, VA 22209; (800) 291-8480; fax (703) 247-5853; e-mail AEFstaff@aef.org; www.aef.org/ awards/christa.html.
*May 26 FOREIGN LANGUAGES
The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages asks national, state, and regional members to nominate educators for its Florence Steiner Award for Leadership in Foreign Language Education. Nominees must be K-12 foreign language teachers or administrators with a minimum of five years’ teaching experience. They must also be members of the council with at least three years’ standing, and they must spend at least half of each school year teaching a foreign language. Contact: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, 6 Executive Plaza, Yonkers, NY 10701-6801; (914) 963-8830, ext. 227; www.actfl.org.
—Kate Ryan and Marisha Goldhamer
