New State and National Teacher Award!

I just got wind of a new National History Day Teacher Award, and I think you'll agree that it's pretty great. Not only will it honor TWO New York teachers, but it comes with a $500 cash prize! Each! Take a look at the info from the National History Day office below:

"The Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award recognizes outstanding NHD teachers. Two state winners, one at both the junior level and senior levels, will be selected from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense Schools, International Schools-Asia and the U.S. territories. The winners of the national awards will be selected from among the state awardees. Each state winner will be awarded $500.00 and the national winners will receive $10,000.

Selection Criteria

• A minimum of five years classroom experience with National History Day and preference is given to a teacher working with an “at risk” population, defined as a student population that has a low graduation rate


• A documented commitment to student-led historical research


• Evidence of creativity in the classroom that exceeds expected participation in NHD

Eligibility

• Any full time NHD classroom teacher grades 6-12

Supporting materials

• Nominee’s resume


• A letter of introduction to the nominee’s classroom written by the nominee that details the value of NHD for the specific student demographics and describes the curriculum and how students excel academically because of the historical research


• A recommendation from an immediate supervisor or a district or state coordinator or a parent

Application information

• Download an application form by clicking here.


• Nominations must be received by the New York State History Day office by Friday, May 7, 2010.


• Nominations can be emailed (preferred) to nyshistoryday@nysha.org


• Nominations can be mailed to: New York State History Day, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326

All state winners are finalists for the national prizes. The nomination packet will then be submitted for the state winners to the national office. The national winners of the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award, at the junior and senior levels, will each receive a $10,000 cash award."

I regret that I can't get this together in time for the State Contest on April 30th, but I want to give everyone a chance to get the nomination materials together. Oh, and teachers? Nominate yourselves! I am serious. And if you want me to write a letter of recommendation for you, drop me an email: t.voigt@nysha.org. I look forward to hearing from MANY of you!!