PBS, The Henry Ford Call For Entries For Teacher Innovation Awards

DEARBORN -- PBS LearningMedia and The Henry Ford Friday announced the third annual Teacher Innovator Awards, recognizing PreK-12 educators using media in new and unique ways to enhance students' learning.

Teachers are using digital media in the classroom in creative ways to inspire and engage young minds in every subject from math and science to music and the arts.

The Teacher Innovator Awards recognize classroom educators, media specialists, technology coordinators and homeschool educators who are digital pioneers, paving the way for new teaching techniques and a more interactive learning experience.

"PBS is proud to offer opportunities like the Teacher Innovator Awards to recognize teachers applying innovative teaching methods to improve student learning," said Rob Lippincott, senior vice president, PBS Education.  "That's what PBS LearningMedia, a free digital media on-demand service for parents and educators, has been designed to do. And through this partnership with The Henry Ford, we are encouraging and equipping teachers to implement innovative teaching practices to educate today's learners."

Teachers can apply for the Teacher Innovator Awards by submitting a video up to three minutes in length or a written essay, up to three pages with images.  Entries must address how they are using digital media to enhance students' learning by augmenting the traditional textbook approach to teaching.  Thirty educators in total will receive prizes for their outstanding work with the top 10 winners receiving a professional development prize package for a week-long, all-expense-paid "Innovation Immersion Experience" at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, and a PBS TeacherLine course. The deadline to apply for the awards is December 12, 2012.

"The Henry Ford's vision is to reignite a culture of innovation and inspire a 'can do' spirit, especially in American education," said Paula Gangopadhyay, chief learning officer at The Henry Ford. "Digital learning platforms can be powerful tools in the hands of teachers and we are looking for innovative teacher leaders. The Teacher Innovator awards entries will be judged on originality, reinforcement of 21st century learning skills and creative student engagement strategies. Entries that incorporate resources from our Oninnovation website or from PBS websites or programming will receive a bonus point."