AWARDS
Following are application deadlines for awards, honors, and contests available to teachers. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
*February 15 ENVIRONMENT
The National Association for Humane and Environmental Education accepts nominations for the National KIND Teacher. The award honors an outstanding K-6 teacher who includes lessons about kindness to animals and the environment in the curriculum. The winner receives a plaque and a yearlong subscription to KIND News for every classroom in his or her school. For more information, contact: Lisa Cushing, NAHEE, P.O. Box 362, East Haddam, CT 06423-0362; (860) 434-8666; e-mail nahee@nahee.org; www.nahee.org
*February 28 CHILDREN’S FICTION
Highlights for Children seeks stories about friendship for its 24th annual fiction contest. Submissions should not exceed 800 words and may be considerably shorter for younger children. Three winners receive $1,000 each and publication of their stories. Other contest submissions are considered for purchase by Highlights. Contact: Fiction Contest, Highlights for Children, 803 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431; (570) 253-1080.
*February 28 TECHNOLOGY
The SMARTer Kids Foundation, an organization that provides opportunities for students and teachers to learn new skills by placing technology and programs at their service, is accepting applications for Connections 2003-2005. Each year, eight to 10 teams of one 5th and one 6th grade teacher from across North America are selected for the program. Winners receive technology and training on topics such as using email and bulletin boards, navigating the Internet, and presenting with PowerPoint. The foundation- funded teacher training is held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and takes place in July 2003 for 5th grade teachers and July 2004 for 6th grade teachers. Participants undertake collaborative learning projects with other schools in the program. Upon completion of the program, teachers and select 6th grade students receive an expenses-paid trip to Calgary in spring 2005. For more information, contact: SMARTer Kids Foundation, (403) 802-2549; e-mail CandaceBeaton@smarterkids.org; www.smarterkids.org/connections .
*March 5 ADVERSITY
Partnership for America’s Future, the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation, and Panasonic announce the Freida J. Riley Teacher Award for an American teacher who overcame adversity or made a sacrifice to positively impact students. The recipient receives an expenses-paid trip to the award ceremony at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and a $10,000 prize. Contact: Gay Evans, Executive Director of Programs, Partnership for America’s Future, (330) 376-8300; e-mail pafinc@ameritech.net; www.pafinc.com/riley/index.htm .