November 30. Crafts.
The Association of Crafts and Creative Industries invites applications for the ACCI Create-a-Craft School Grant Program. More than $120,000 worth of materials, including instructional videotapes, project guides, and activity sheets, will be distributed to approximately 600 schools for the introduction of crafts projects. Eligible are all schools in the United States and Canada that are committed to encouraging student creativity through crafts. Contact: ACCI Create-a-Craft School Grant Program, 1100-H Brandywine Blvd., P.O. Box 2188, Zanesville, OH 43702-2188; (800) 294-5680.
December 1. Young Adult Reading.
The American Library Association, the Young Adult Library Services Association, and Econo-Clad Books invite YALSA members to apply for the Econo-Clad Award. One winner receives a $1,000 grant to attend the 1995 ALA annual conference in Chicago from June 22-29. Eligible are YALSA members who have developed an outstanding reading or literature program for young adults that encourages life-long reading and that has been implemented sometime between Dec. 1, 1993, and Nov. 30, 1994. Contact: Econo-Clad Award Chair, YALSA Office, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390.
December 22. Education Research.
The National Academy of Education seeks applicants for the Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowships. Individuals who have, or will have, earned a doctorate or equivalent degree between Jan. 1, 1989, and Dec. 31, 1994, in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or education are eligible to submit research proposals that are directly related to education issues. Up to 30 fellows receive $40,000 for one year of academic study or $20,000 for two years if studying part time. Contact: NAE, Stanford University, School of Education, CERAS 507, Stanford, CA 94305; (415) 725-1003.
- January 2. Library Services.
The American Library Association offers the Carroll Preston Baber Research Grant. One librarian--from a school, university, or public library--will receive a $7,500 grant to pursue innovative research that could lead to an improvement in library services for a particular group of people, such as high school students or young children. Contact: ALA Headquarters Library and Information Center, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; (800) 545-2433, ext. 2153.
- January 6. Arts Education. The Council for Basic Education, in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts, invites K-12 teachers to apply for the 1995 Arts Education Fellowships. Thirty-three teachers each receive a $2,800 stipend, plus $200 for books and materials, for full-time independent study during the summer of 1995. Applicants must propose a project in any artistic field--such as creative writing, visual arts, performing arts, media art--or a combination of fields. Contact: Arts Education Fellowships, 2506 Buckelew Drive, Falls Church, VA 22046; (703) 876-5782.
January 9. Gender Equity.
The American Association of University Women offers the 1995-96 Eleanor Roosevelt Teacher Fellowships. The fellowship program gives female teachers the opportunity to learn techniques that will increase girls’ self-confidence and academic performance, especially in math and science. Approximately 13 teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to gender equity in the classroom each receive stipends ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Eligible are women who have taught full time in a K-12 public school for at least three consecutive years; at least part of their teaching assignments must include math, science, or technology. For more information, contact: AAUW Educational Foundation, Dept. 14, 2201 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52243-4030; (319) 337-1716, ext. 14.
January 26. Science.
Toyota’s Appreciation Program for Excellence to Science Teachers Reaching Youth, a partnership program of Toyota Motor Sales USA and the National Science Teachers Association, offers grants to science teachers of grades 6-12. Forty teachers each receive yearlong grants of up to $10,000 that support the implementation of innovative environmental or physical science projects in their school or school district; projects should motivate students to learn about the practical aspects of science. Both individuals and teams of up to five teachers may submit proposals. In addition to the grants, award winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the 1995 NSTA convention in Philadelphia. Contact: TAPESTRY, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3000; (703) 243-7100.
- January 31. Travel.
EF Educational Tours invites teachers of grades 7-12 to apply for the Global Classroom Teacher Award. Two teachers--one American, one Canadian--who have fostered global awareness among their students will receive a comprehensive educational tour to Europe or Mexico for themselves and six of their students. In addition, the company offers the American Classroom Teacher Award. One U.S. teacher of grades 4-12 who has in some way inspired students to be better citizens will receive an educational tour of the United States or Canada for him- or herself and 10 students. Contact: Global Classroom Teacher Award/American Classroom Teacher Award, EF Educational Tours, 1 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02142; (800) 637-8222.
March 1. U.S. Constitution.
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation awards fellowships to teachers or prospective teachers. Each $24,000 award supports full- or part-time graduate study leading to a master’s degree in American history, political science, or education, with a concentration on the U.S. Constitution. Eligible are grade 7-12 teachers of American history, American government, and social studies, as well as recent college graduates who plan to teach the same subjects. Fellowships will be awarded to at least one recipient from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and, taken together, the other U.S. territories. Contact: James Madison Fellowship Program, P.O. Box 4030, Iowa City, IA 52243-4030; (800) 525-6928.
HONORS
- November 15. Science Facilities.
The National Science Teachers Association invites K-12 science teachers to apply for the Sheldon Exemplary Equipment and Facilities Award. The teacher with the best new ideas for using classroom and laboratory space, furniture, fixtures, or other science teaching apparatus receives $1,000 and up to $500 to attend the NSTA’s national convention in Philadelphia from March 23-26. Contact: NSTA, 1840 Wilson Blvd., 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 22201-3000.
- November 15. Films And Science.
The National Science Teachers Association also offers an award for K-12 science teachers who have creatively used commercially available films or videotapes to develop a science unit or theme. One teacher receives $1,000, plus up to $500 to attend the 1995 NSTA’s national convention. Contact: NSTA, 1840 Wilson Blvd., 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 22201-3000.
- December 1. Reading/Language Arts.
The Weekly Reader Corp., in conjunction with the International Reading Association, invites elementary classroom teachers of reading and language arts to apply for the $1,000 Eleanor M. Johnson Award. The prize will be awarded to a teacher with at least five years’ teaching experience who has demonstrated outstanding classroom achievements in teaching reading and language to elementary students. Applicants must be endorsed by four individuals. Contact: Eleanor M. Johnson Award, c/o Executive Office, International Reading Association, P.O. Box 8139, Newark, DE 19714-8139.
- December 1. Math And Science.
The National Science Foundation invites elementary and secondary science and math teachers to apply for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching. One elementary and secondary science teacher and one elementary and secondary math teacher from each state and U.S. territory receive a $7,500 grant to enhance the science or math programs under their direction. Winners also receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., where they will be honored at an awards ceremony. For more information, teachers should call the science or math consultant at their state department of education.
- December 1. Library Development.
The American Library Association Intellectual Freedom Roundtable invites nominations for the 1995 John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award. The $500 award goes to any individual, group of individuals, or organization that has demonstrated remarkable courage in resisting censorship. Nominations and supporting evidence should be sent to Wayne Rawley, Director of Instructional and Research Services, University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City, IA 52242; (319) 335-5867.
December 1. Children’s Poetry.
The International Reading Association invites submissions for its first Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award. The award, named for the American author and anthologist, will be given every three years, starting in 1995, to honor promising new writers of children’s poetry. One winner receives a $500 cash prize at the 1995 annual convention, to be held April 30-May 5 in Anaheim, Calif. Eligible are educators and writers who have published no more than two books of children’s poetry. Contact: Eileen Burke, Chairwoman, IRA Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award Committee, 48 Bayberry Road, Trenton, NJ 08618.
December 1. Multicultural Leadership.
Gale Research and the American Library Association Ethnic Materials Information Exchange Round Table invite school librarians to apply for the 1995 Multicultural Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and achievement of librarians in serving the multicultural community. One winner receives a $1,000 cash prize and a citation. Contact: David Cohen, Chairman, Gale Research/EMIE Round Table Multicultural Award, Queens College Library School, NSF Building 316, Flushing, NY 12367.
- December 9. Heroes In Education.
The Reader’s Digest Association Inc. invites nominations for the 1995 American Heroes in Education Awards. Individual teachers, principals, or teams of up to six educators from 10 schools receive $5,000 each, plus $10,000 for their schools to support ongoing activities that encourage educational excellence. K-12 teachers and principals who have made a difference in their schools must be nominated by fellow educators. For more information, contact: Reader’s Digest Association Inc., American Heroes in Education Awards, c/o Jan Braun, Program Manager, Reader’s Digest Road, Pleasantville, NY 10572; (914) 241-5370.
January 15. Gifted Children.
The Intertel Foundation Inc. invites individuals and organizations to apply for the 1995 International Hollingworth Award Competition. Applicants must submit a research proposal in the field of education or psychology of gifted children. One winner receives a $2,000 cash prize and a certificate. For more information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Roxanne Cramer, Chairwoman, HAC, 4300 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-3507.
CALL FOR PAPERS
- November 25. Music Education.
The Music Teachers National Association invites music teachers of all grade levels to submit proposals for the 1996 MTNA national convention, to be held in Kansas City, Mo., March 23-28. The association requests papers, panel discussions, performances, lecture-recitals, demonstrations, research findings, and creative projects on any aspect of music education. Teachers must submit four copies of a 250-word typewritten proposal and a one-page vita. Contact: 1996 Convention Program Steering Committee, MTNA, The Carew Tower, 441 Vine St., Suite 505, Cincinnati, OH 45202-2814; (513) 421-1420.
December 1. Children And Pollution.
The Children’s Environments Research Group, an organization that studies children in the physical environment, seeks submissions for the “Children, Pollution, and Environmental Health’’ special issue of Children’s Environments, an international journal. Educators are urged to submit papers, book reviews, and work-in-progress reports that explore the health risks children face as a result of environmental pollution. Papers can address research applications, theories, or environmental policy. For submission guidelines, contact: Children’s Environments Research Group, City University of New York Graduate School and University Center, 33 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036; (212) 642-2970.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Nick Ferentinos has been named the 1994 National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund. Ferentinos has taught journalism for 18 years at Homestead High School in Cupertino, Calif., and has served as adviser to the school’s award-winning newspaper, The Epitaph, for 12 years. He has been a longtime advocate of student rights. The teacher will receive the award Nov. 19 at the joint convention of the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association in Dallas. Next fall, Dow Jones will award a $1,000 journalism scholarship in Ferentinos’ name to a Homestead High School senior.
English teacher Le Roy Chappell was the only teacher among this year’s 10 winners of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Achievement Awards, sponsored by the National Council of Educational Opportunity Associations. Chappell, curriculum coordinator for the Maricopa County (Ariz.) Board of Education’s alternative high schools, was recognized for his visionary leadership of inner-city youth. He and the other winners were honored in September at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
FOR YOUR STUDENTS
Following is a list of contests, scholarships, and internships for students organized by application deadline. Asterisks (
- ) denote new entries.
November 11. Art Of Caring.
The Caring Institute of Washington, D.C., announces the Fourth Annual Art of Caring Poster and Essay contests. Students in grades 1-6 should submit posters they’ve created that express their feelings on the importance of caring for others. Students in grades 7-12 should submit essays, short stories, or poems that describe what caring really means. Entries in both contests will be judged on originality, creativity, technique, feeling, and effort. First-place winners in each contest receive a $100 U.S. Savings Bond and a trip to Washington, D.C., to see their work exhibited at the Frederick Douglass Museum and Hall of Fame for Caring Americans. Second- and third-place winners receive a $75 and $50 U.S. Savings Bond, respectively. Contact: Art of Caring Poster and Essay Contest, Caring Institute, 519 C St., N.E., Washington, DC 20002-5809.
- December 1. Science.
Science Service and Westinghouse Electric Corp. invite high school seniors to enter the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. Students must submit a written report of an independent research project in mathematics, engineering, or the sciences; their high school transcripts; national test scores; and teacher recommendations. Forty finalists will be chosen to attend the weeklong Science Talent Institute in Washington, D.C., March 8-13, where they will be interviewed by judges. The top winner receives a $40,000 scholarship. All 40 finalists receive scholarships of at least $1,000. Contact: Science Service Inc., Youth Department, 1719 N St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (202) 785-2255.
December 9. Literature.
Read magazine, in conjunction with Center for the Book at the Library of Congress, invites students in grades 6-10 to enter the 1995 Letters About Literature Writing Contest. Students are asked to write a letter in 1,000 words or less to their favorite author (living or dead), explaining how that author’s book influenced their lives. The grand-prize winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a ceremony at the Library of Congress, during which he or she will read the winning letter. For an entry form, contact: Letters About Literature, Read, The Weekly Reader Corp., 245 Long Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457-9291; (203) 638-2622.
December 16. Writing And Art.
Read magazine also announces the 17th annual Writing and Art Awards Contest. Students in grades 6-12 are asked to submit entries in one of three categories: fiction, essay, or art. Young fiction writers are asked to tell a tale with intriguing conflicts and well-defined characters; essay entrants must write using a first-person anecdote; and artists can submit their work in any medium they chose: photography, painting, woodcut, etc. The first-place winner in each category receives $100; second- and third-place winners receive $75 and $50, respectively. In addition, the first-place entries will be featured in the April 1995 issue of Read magazine. For more information, contact: Read, The Weekly Reader Corp., 245 Long Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457-9291; (203) 638-2400.
- December 23. Poetry.
The Weekly Reader Corp. and Read magazine invite students in grades 4-12 to enter original poems in the Seventh Annual Ann Arlys Bowler Poetry Contest. Students may enter up to three poems of any genre. Entries must be typed, no longer than one page, and signed by a parent or guardian, teacher, and the student verifying that the work is original. Six first-place winners will have their poems published in an upcoming issue of Read magazine. In addition, they receive a silver medal and a $100 cash award. Six semifinalists receive $50 each. Contact: Bowler Poetry Contest, 245 Long Hill Road, P.O. Box 2791, Middletown, CT 06457-9291; (203) 638-2406.
- December 31. Prevention Mural.
The Bureau for At-Risk Youth invites entries for its First Annual Prevention Mural Contest. Groups of students, classes, or community organizations should write a letter proposing a site in their community for an outdoor drug and alcohol prevention mural. The letter should also include ideas for the mural and why the community needs such a mural. Award-winning artist Cheryl Gross will work with the winning group to create the mural. All associated costs will be covered by the bureau. For more information, contact: The Bureau for At-Risk Youth, 645 New York Ave., Huntington, NY 11743; (800) 99-YOUTH.
- January 13. Inventions.
Duracell and the National Science Teachers Association invite high school students to enter the Duracell/NSTA Scholarship Competition. Students must design and build a working mechanical device powered by Duracell batteries that performs a useful function. Students should photograph their devices, draw schematic diagrams of them, and write a two-page paper describing their uses. The top 100 finalists will be asked to send their actual devices for judging. The first-place winner receives a $20,000 U.S. Savings Bond; five second-place winners each receive a $10,000 bond; 94 additional winners receive bonds of up to $1,000 in value. Students are encouraged to send their preliminary ideas by Nov. 15 to receive a general critique and a certificate for free batteries. Contact: Duracell/NSTA Scholarship Competition, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3000; (703) 243-7100.
- January 31. Publish-A-Book.
Raintree/Steck-Vaughn Publishers invites students in grades 2-6 to enter its annual Publish-a-Book Contest. Students must write a piece of fiction or nonfiction on the theme “The Future.’' Each entry must be typed, double-spaced, and mailed by a sponsor, either a teacher or a librarian. Entries for grades 2-3 should be 300 to 500 words; entries for grades 4-6 should be 700 to 900 words. One winner from grades 2-3 and four winners from grades 4-6 each receive a $500 advance against author royalties and 10 copies of their book, published with professional full-color illustrations; 30 honorable-mention winners each receive a $25 cash prize. Contact: Publish-a-Book Contest, Raintree/Steck-Vaughn Publishers, P.O. Box 27010, Austin, TX 78755.
January 31. Letter Writing.
RespecTeen invites students in grades 7-8 to enter the 1995 Speak For Yourself competition. Entrants are asked to submit a copy of a letter they have written to their U.S. representative on an important issue concerning young people. One winner from each state and the District of Columbia will be selected to attend the 1995 RespecTeen National Youth Forum, to be held April 22-27 in Washington, D.C. For more information, call: (800) 888-3820.
- February 1. Technology.
Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association announce the ExploraVision Awards for students in grades K-12. Groups of three or four students working with a teacher-adviser must create a project predicting what technology will be like in 20 years. All projects must include a descriptive paper and 10 storyboard scenes presenting the students’ ideas. Regional finalists will be chosen and asked to make a video of their team project. Each member of four first-place teams wins a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond; each member of eight second-place teams receives $5,000 in savings bonds. In addition, the winning teams receive some money to help pay for a trip to Washington, D.C., where they will be honored at an awards ceremony. Contact: Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards, National Science Teachers Association, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201; (800) EXPLOR-9.
- February 4. Traffic Safety.
The American Automobile Association invites students in grades K-6 to enter the AAA National School Traffic Safety poster contest. Students must design a poster addressing pedestrian, bicycle, driving, or alcohol safety. There are two judging categories: grades K-3 and 4-6. Forty winners from both categories receive savings bonds. For a free brochure, contact your local AAA or call: (800) 763-6600.
- February 15. Music Scholarships.
The National Federation of Music Clubs invites music students with visual or physical disabilities to apply for the Joyce Walsh Scholarship for the Handicapped. Students must send a cassette tape of their instrumental or vocal performance, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or other mentor, and a letter from a medical doctor stating the nature and duration of their disability. Scholarships will be awarded to 14 students, with the first-place winner receiving $750. Applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 18 and be active members of the NFMC. Contact: Joyce Walsh, 905 Dial Drive, Kennett, MO; (314) 888-3347.
February 15. Geography.
American Express invites students in grades 6-12 to enter the 6th annual American Express Geography Competition. Students must examine an issue or problem related to one of three themes--travel and trade, cultural diversity, and the environment--and then develop a written solution. Students may enter as individuals or in teams, but they must be sponsored by a teacher and principal. Two first-place winners each receive a $7,500 cash award; second- and third-place winners also receive cash awards. The sponsoring teacher of each winner receives $1,000. For more information, contact: American Express Geography Competition, P.O. Box 672227, Marietta, GA 30067-0038; (800) 395-GLOBE.
- February 28. Fiction Contest.
Highlights for Children magazine invites children and adults to enter its 16th annual fiction writing contest. Entries should be humorous stories for children of 900 words or less that have not been published elsewhere. Three winners receive $1,000 each and will have their work published in upcoming issues of Highlights for Children. Entries must be postmarked between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28. Send manuscripts with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Highlights for Children, 803 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431; (717) 253-1080.
March 1. Student Filmmakers.
Students ages 19 and younger are encouraged to submit original films and videos to the New York National High School Film Festival, to be held April 9, 1995. The festival is being organized entirely by students to provide a showcase for student filmmakers. Students may submit any style or genre of film or video; the judging categories will be determined by the entries. Selected filmmakers will receive certificates, promotional items, and written evaluations of their work. A $10 entry fee must accompany each submission. Contact: New York National High School Film Festival, c/o Trinity School, 101 W. 91st St., New York, NY 10024.
- March 15. Videos.
The Weekly Reader Corp., Read magazine, and Panasonic, a video equipment manufacturer, invite student teams in grades 5-12 to enter the Video Voyages Contest. Each student team must submit an original video, no longer than 10 minutes, in one of the following categories: personal, local, national, historic, or future. The top three student teams in grades 5-6 and 7-12 will each win video equipment, which may include Panasonic camcorders, VCRs, and TVs, for their schools. For more information, contact: Video Voyages, The Weekly Reader Corp., 245 Long Hill Road, P.O. Box 2791, Middletown, CT 06457-9291; (203) 638-2442.
March 15. Editorial Cartoon.
Knowledge Unlimited Inc. invites K-12 students to submit original cartoons for the 1995 NewsCurrents Student Editorial Cartoon Contest. Students may enter as many cartoons as they like on any topic of nationwide interest. Winners will be chosen in three categories: grades K-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Each first-place winner receives a $100 U.S. Savings Bond; the second- and third-place winners receive a $75 and $50 U.S. Savings Bond, respectively. For more information, contact: Knowledge Unlimited Inc., P.O. Box 52, Madison, WI 53701; (800) 356-2303.
--Cheryl Landrith and Megan Pincus
