Disney Opens National Search for America's Best, Most Creative Teachers; Nominations for Disney's American Teacher Awards Now Being Accepted

Business Wire, Feb 15, 2001

Business/News Editors & Education Writers

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 2001

"Participating in Disney's American Teacher Award

was a magical experience."

2000 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Ron Clark, PS 83 Harlem

The Walt Disney Company is accepting nominations for Disney's American Teacher Awards, it was announced today by Laurie Lang, senior vice president and executive director, Disney Learning Partnership.

The program honors outstanding teachers who inspire the joy of learning in America's public and private school students in kindergarten through 12th grades.

Beginning this month, nominations are being accepted from students, parents, administrators, teachers and community members. The nomination process takes only a couple minutes, and can be done via a toll free number, 1-877-ATA-TEACH or online at www.disneylearning.org. Nominations will be accepted through March 31.

"We are searching for talented teachers who turn ordinary classrooms into magical places and ignite the spark of creativity in their students," Lang said.

Teachers selected as Honorees will be celebrated at a gala awards ceremony televised nationally. The person selected as Outstanding Teacher of the Year will receive $25,000. In addition, The Walt Disney Company will donate a $10,000 prize to that teacher's school. All 33 Honorees will receive $10,000 and their respective schools will receive $5,000. Since the program's inception in 1989, Disney's American Teacher Awards Honorees have received more than $4 million.

"Participating in Disney's American Teacher Award was a magical experience, because it was a celebration of education and all of the wonderful students I have taught, faculties I have worked with, and communities I have lived in," said Ron Clark, an instructor at P.S. 83 in Harlem and last year's Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

"Disney's American Teacher Awards is helping to create a national network of innovative teachers who make a difference in the lives and learning of students," Lang said. "By rewarding excellence, these awards help support outstanding creative practices across the profession and across America."

All nominated teachers will receive a letter and application from The Walt Disney Company. Completed applications, along with several letters of recommendation, must be returned by May 25, 2001. Disney's American Teacher Awards Honorees are selected by a team that includes representatives of prominent educational organizations, educational experts and former Honorees.

Disney's American Teacher Awards is part of Disney Learning Partnership's broader philanthropic commitment to teacher recognition and professional development. Disney Learning Partnership draws on the resources of The Walt Disney Company to support innovative approaches to learning that promote student success. As part of this effort, Disney's American Teacher Awards Honorees will take part in a summer professional development program designed to leverage their talents as exemplary educators, share their knowledge, and replicate their approaches with teachers across the country.

More than 70,000 teachers were nominated for Disney's American Teacher Awards last year.