Cable in the Classroom is looking for exemplary media and technology-savvy educators to serve as advisors and project consultants. These K-12 educators (teachers, library media specialists, etc.) will be asked to use and evaluate a number of new tools and technology applications in their classrooms and must have enough flexibility in their planning and curriculum to do so within a reasonable time frame. They also must be available during the school year to participate in online collaborations, consult and collaborate in limited-duration projects, and spend two to three days out of the classroom at meetings or conferences. Teacher advisors will be paid $4,000 in annual stipends. In addition, their schools each will receive $1,000 for supporting the teachers.

The Science Screen Report Award is given to one teacher who has creatively used commercially available films or videotapes to develop a science unit or theme. The prize includes $1,000 cash and travel expenses of up to $500 to attend the NSTA National Convention in Atlanta, where the Science Screen Award will be presented.

Delta Education LLC and NSTA have partnered to recognize and honor three science teachers who successfully use inquiry-based science to enhance teaching and learning in their classroom. Full-time preK-12 science teachers are eligible to apply for one of three awards, each valued at $3,000. Each award includes $1,500 for the awardee and $1,500 toward travel and expenses for next year’s NSTA National Convention in Atlanta.

The National Civic Star Award recognizes school districts that have teamed with local communities to develop and implement innovative programs to advance learning. State winners will receive plaques commemorating their efforts and will be included in public relations activities to honor their achievements. A national winner, selected from the state winners, will receive $10,000 ($5,000 for the school district and $5,000 for the district’s scholarship fund) during AASA’s 2005 National Conference on Education in
San Antonio.

The Community Technology Centers program provides an estimated $10 million to help eligible applicants create or expand community technology centers that will provide disadvantaged residents of economically distressed urban and rural communities with access to information technology and related training. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations (including faith-based organizations), state and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other entities, such as foundations, libraries, museums, public and private nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses, or consortia thereof. Grant awards will range from $250,000 to $500,000.

The Toshiba America Foundation encourages projects that can improve classroom teaching and learning of science, math, and technology. Proposals from individual teachers or groups of teachers in grades 7-12 will be considered for funding. Proposals are welcomed from public or private schools throughout the United States, but the foundation gives priority consideration to schools in Toshiba America company locations. Grant requests in excess of $5,000 must be received by no later than the first working day in February for March consideration or the first working day in August for September consideration. Smaller grant proposals (under $5,000) are accepted throughout the year. Decisions about small grants are made monthly, except in March and September. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the foundation before or during the proposal preparation process.

The NASDAQ National Teaching Awards are designed to advance economic literacy in schools nationwide by recognizing middle and high school teachers who are helping students make sound, informed decisions and function well in the economy. This competition is open to all teachers of students in grades six to 12 who incorporate economic education into the classroom in any subject area. One national grand-prize winner will receive $25,000 (which includes his or her $10,000 regional award), five regional winners each will receive $10,000, and 20 regional semifinalists will receive $1,000 each. Each of the five regional winners also will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City with a guest to accept the NASDAQ National Teaching Award for Teachers in the year following the contest.

The Turnaround Management Association (TMA), which is dedicated to corporate renewal and turnaround management, has established a new award to honor teachers who have changed the outcome of children’s lives. Three to five primary or secondary teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in shaping and influencing children’s lives through education will receive a $5,000 cash stipend, plus transportation to and lodging for TMA’s annual convention, where the award will be presented.