TEACHER FELLOWSHIPS, CONTESTS, AND AWARDS
February 1—Foreign studies: Applications are due for the 2003 Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Awards, sponsored by the United States-Japan Foundation. The award recognizes two pre-college teachers in the humanities and Japanese language. Applicants must be full-time K-12 teachers who enhance student knowledge of Japanese culture and language. Each award recipient will receive a certificate of recognition, a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 award toward project funds. Contact: David Janes, USJF, 145 East 32nd St., New York, NY 10016; (212) 481-8757; e-mail: djanes@us-jf.org; Web site: www.us-jf.org.
February 1—Science: Applications are due for the 2003-2004 Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellowship Program, sponsored by the U.S Department of Energy and the Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education. The program is open to all K-12 science, math and technology teachers interested in serving a 10-month fellowship in Washington, DC to develop science education policies and programs. Applicants must have five years full-time teaching experience. Contact: John Ortman, The Triangle Coalition, 1201 New York Ave., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005; (800) 582-0115; fax: (202) 289- 1303; e-mail: tricoal@triangle- coaltion.org; Web site: www.trianglecoalition.org/ein.htm or www.scied.science.doe.gov.
Feb ruary 3—Arts education: Applications are due for NEA Fine Arts grants. These grants fund programs created by fine arts educators in public elementary schools that assist at-risk students. Ten grants of $2,000 each are available. Contact: The NEA Foundation, NEA Fine Arts Grants, 1201 Sixteenth St., Suite 416, Washington, DC 20036; Web site: http://www.nfie.org/programs/finearts.htm.
February 3—Special education: Applications are due for the 2003 Shaklee Teacher Award, sponsored by the Shaklee Institute for Improving Special Education. The award recognizes ten special education teachers. Recipients receive a $1,000 cash prize, an award sculpture, and an all-expense paid trip to participate in a five-day professional development summer session. Contact: Jennifer Tribue, SIISE, (316) 634-8792 or (800) 835- 1043; e-mail: ksoule@heartspring.org; Web site: www.shakleeinstitute.org.
February 3—Distance Learning: Applications are due for the 2003 Distance Learning Awards, sponsored by the U.S. Distance Learning Association. The awards recognize PK-20 teachers, programs and individuals who have made significant contributions to enhance or utilize distance learning education. The three primary award categories include excellence in distance teaching, excellence in distance learning programming, and outstanding distance learning achievement. Winners will be honored at the USDLA Learning and Training Conference and Expo in Washington. Contact: USDLA Awards Committee, c/o Don Lake, Director, Los Angeles County Office of Education, 9300 Imperial Hwy., Downey, CA, 90242-2890; (800) 275-5162; Web site: www.usdla.org.
February 7—Curriculum: Applications are due for the HEB Excellence in Teaching Awards, sponsored by the Texas Association of School Administrators, for full-time, state certified K-12 teachers. Two grand prize winners will each receive a $25,000 cash prize and a $25,000 grant for their respective schools. Contact: www.heb.com. Nomination forms may also be picked up at local HEB stores.
February 28—Community service: Applications are due for the Volvo for Life Awards, sponsored by Volvo Cars of North America. The awards recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and served as heroes for their schools or communities. Fifty semifinalists will be chosen to receive certificates of merit. The top ten finalists will receive $10,000 awards. Second and third place winners will each receive a $10,000 award, a role in Volvo’s upcoming heroes documentary, and a $50,000 donation to the charity of their choice. The grand prize winner will receive a Volvo of their choice free of charge for life, a $10,000 award, a $50,000 donation to the charity of their choice, a role in Volvo’s heroes documentary, and a trip to New York City’s Times Square for the awards ceremony. All applicants must be U.S. residents whose achievements have occurred in the 2002 calendar year. Contact: Entries must be submitted online at www.volvoforlifeawards.com.
M arch 3—Arts education: Applications are due for the NEA Foundation Arts@Work grants. These grants fund programs that link public secondary schools, educators, and businesses to help them create technology-integrated arts curricula. Twelve grants of $5,000 each are available. Contact: The NEA Foundation, NEA Fine Arts Grants, 1201 Sixteenth St., Suite 416, Washington, DC 20036; Web site: http://www.nfie.org/programs /artsatwork.htm.
March 21—Leadership: Applications are due for the Defense of Freedom Award, sponsored by the National Council for Social Studies. The award honors teachers who have advocated and defended academic freedom. The winner will receive a $1,500 award and the opportunity to make a presentation at the annual conference. Contact: Ana C. Post, NCSS, Manager of Recognition Programs and Special Projects, 8555 Sixteenth St., Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (800) 296-7840 ext. 114; e-mail: apost@ncss.org; Web site: www.socialstudies.org/awards.
March 21—Service: Applications are due for the Outstanding Service Award, sponsored by the National Council for Social Studies. The award honors teachers who have shown commitment and service to the profession. The winner will receive a lifetime NCSS membership. Contact: Ana C. Post, NCSS, Manager of Recognition Programs and Special Projects, 8555 Sixteenth St., Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (800) 296-7840 ext. 114; e-mail: apost@ncss.org; Web site: www.socialstudies.org/awards.
March 21—Social Studies: Applications are due for the Spirit of America Award, sponsored by the National Council for Social Studies. The award honors teachers who have contributed to the spirit of democracy. The winner will receive a commemorative gift and the opportunity to make a presentation at the annual conference. Contact: Ana C. Post, NCSS, Manager of Recognition Programs and Special Projects, 8555 Sixteenth St., Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (800) 296-7840 ext. 114; e-mail: apost@ncss.org; Web site: www.socialstudies.org/awards.
March 26—Literacy: Applications are due for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development research grants, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education’s office of vocational and adult education and the office of special education and rehabilitative services. Grants support research on the cognitive, behavioral, hormonal and genetic phenomena that can effect adolescent reading and writing abilities. Letters of intent are due on Feb. 26. Contact: Peggy McCardle, MPH Child Development and Behavior Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B05, MSC 7510, Bethesda, MD 20892-7510; (301) 435-6863; fax: (301) 480-0230; e-mail: PM43Q@nih.gov or Marlene Simon, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, 330 C St, SW, Room 2128, Washington, DC 20447; (202) 205-9089; fax: (202) 401-4079; e- mail: Marlene.Simon@ed.gov; Web site: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-03- 012.html.
March 31—Social education: Applications are due for the Larry Metcalf Exemplary Dissertation Award, sponsored by the National Council for Social Studies. The award honors research that contributes to social education. K-12 teachers and researchers are eligible to apply. The winner will receive a $250 cash award and a chance to present their research at a conference. Contact: Ana C. Post, NCSS, Manager of Recognition Programs and Special Projects, 8555 Sixteenth St., Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (800) 296-7840 ext. 114; e-mail: apost@ncss.org; Web site: www.socialstudies.org/awards.
April 1—Social studies: Applications are due for the Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year award, sponsored by the National Council for Social Studies. The award honors exceptional social studies teachers in grades K-12. Each winner receives a $2,500 award, a one-year membership in NCSS and the opportunity to make a presentation at the annual conference. Contact: Ana C. Post, NCSS, Manager of Recognition Programs and Special Projects, 8555 Sixteenth St., Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (800) 296- 7840 ext. 114; e-mail: apost@ncss.org; Web site: www.socialstudies.org/awards.
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS, CONTESTS, AND AWARDS
February 14—Music education: Applications are due for the School House Jam contest, sponsored by Oscar Mayer. Students in grades K-5 are eligible to compete. Teachers are asked to submit entries containing a VHS of 5 or more students singing their rendition of one of Oscar Mayer’s famous bologna or hot dog jingles. One school from each state will win a $10,000 grant toward its music education program and be visited by the Wienermobile. The national winner will receive a $15,000 grant for its music program. Contact: Oscar Mayer School House Jam Contest, PO Box 4778, Blair, NE 68009-4778; (800) 672-2754; Web site: www.kraftfoods.com/oscar-mayer/School/school2.html.
February 15— Science: Applications are due for the ACS Scholars Program, sponsored by the American Chemical Society. The awards offer financial support to minority students interested in pursuing undergraduate studies in the sciences. One hundred scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $3,000 are available. Contact: ACS Scholars Program, Department of Diversity Programs, 1155 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036; (800) 227-5558 ext. 6250; Web site: http://www.acs.org/scholars.
February 18—Science: Applications are due for the 2003 Global Science Scholars, sponsored by the Lucent Technologies Foundation. The program recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated high levels of achievement in math and science. Each winner receives a $5,000 award. Twenty-three awards are available. Contact: Lucent Global Science Scholars Program, Institute of International Education, 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017; e-mail: sciencescholars@iie.org; Web site: http://www.iie.org.
March 4— Science: Applications are due for the Young Inventors Awards Program, sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association. Students in grades 2-8 are eligible to apply. Applicants will be asked to design and build a tool that will solve an everyday problem. The two national winners will each receive a $10,000 U.S savings bond. Contact: Brian P. Short, NSTA, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201; (888) 494-4994; fax: (703) 243-7177; e-mail: younginventors@nsta.org; www.nsta.org/programs/craftsman .
March 7—Education: Applications are due for the Salute to Education contest, sponsored by the Kimberly-Clark Corp, maker of Kleenex and Huggies. The contest recognizes teachers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Delaware who have had a significant impact on the lives of their students. The contest is open to students ages 9 to 18. A teacher will be selected randomly each month to receive a $1,500 cash prize. The winner’s school will also receive a $1,500 donation and the student who nominated the winning teacher will receive $500. Contact: ShopRite; (800) 746- 7748; Web site: www.shoprite.com.
March 14—Space education: Applications are due for the Become a Student Astronaut essay contest, sponsored by the Planetary Society. Students born between September 1, 1990 and September 1, 1996 are eligible to participate. Applicants must submit a 1,500 word essay discussing the decisions facing planners of the 2004 Mars Exploration Rover mission, and where the two land rovers slated to land on Mars should go once they reach the planet. Winners will be invited to Pasadena, Calif. to see mission operations. Contact: Red Rover Goes to Mars, The Planetary Society, 65 North Catalina Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106; (626) 793- 5100; e-mail: rrgtm@planetary.org; Web site: www.redrovergoestomars.org.
March 15—Environmental education: Applications are due for the Igniting Creative Energy Challenge, sponsored by the National Energy Foundation. The competition is open to K-12 students. Applicants will be asked to submit ideas on energy conservation and the environment through a variety of formats. Three grand prize winners will receive a trip to Washington where they will attend the Energy Efficiency Forum. Contact: Igniting Creative Energy Challenge, NEF, 3676 California Avenue, Suite A117, Salt Lake City, UT 84104; Web site: http://www.ignitingcreativeenergy. org
March 28—Science: Applications are due for the Physics Bowl Competition, sponsored by the American Association of Physics Teachers. High school students will be asked to compete by taking a 40- question physics- related test. Each winner will receive a TI-83 Plus silver edition calculator and an all expense-paid trip to the AAPT summer national meeting. Contact: Maria Elena Khoury, Directors of Programs and Conferences, AAPT Physics Bowl, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740; (301) 209-3344; fax: (301) 209- 0845; e-mail: aapt-prog@aapt.org; Web site: www.aapt.org.
March 31—Arts education: Applications are due for the Plush Toy Design Contest, sponsored by Amazing Kids! and Ty Inc. Students ages 5-17 will be asked to invent and design a plush toy. Seven finalists will receive Beanie Baby toys from Ty, and the grand prize winner will get a $1,000 scholarship and be mentored by a professional toy designer. Contact: Amazing Kids! 1158 26th St., PMB 485, Santa Monica, CA 90403; (310) 514-9203; Web site: www.amazing-kids.org/toycontest02.htm#top1.
—Marianne Hurst
