Purpose

Project Tomorrow, a national education nonprofit organization headquartered in Orange County, supports innovative, research-based uses of science, math and technology resources to develop critical thinking, problem solving and creativity in K-12 students. Our vision is to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s innovators, leaders and engaged citizens.

The Project Tomorrow Innovation in EducationAwards recognizeschools, educational leaders and students for their innovative uses of science, math and technology in the classroom and community. The 2013 Innovation Award categories are: Innovative Schoolwide Program, High Impact Teacher and Emerging Student Innovator.

The Project Tomorrow 2013 Innovation in EducationAwards will be presented at the 20th Annual High-Tech Innovation Awards dinner reception on Tuesday, October 15th, 2013 at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesain conjunction with OC Tech Alliance’s own corporate awards. This high profile event attracts over 300 business and community leaders each year. Award finalists and a guest will be hosted at the reception. Award recipients will receive regional and national recognition through both online and traditional media outlets. In addition, all finalists will receive funding to use to expand a science, math or technology program in their classroom:

High Impact Teacher of the Year in Science Math or Technology Winner: $1,000

High Impact Teacher of the Year in Science Math or Technology Finalists: $250 each

Eligibility

All Orange County classroom teachers are eligible for the awards. Nominations may be self-submitted or may be submitted by a district and/or school staff person, supporting organization such as a PTA unit, parent advisory committee, or youth-based organization(s).

Awards Process

  • Application deadline:5 p.m. on Friday, March 29th, 2013 --deadline extended!
  • Nomination forms may be submitted through the online application form found at sent via email to or fax to 949-609-4665, Attn: Meredith Kohl
  • The Innovation in Education Awards Review Committee will evaluate all nominations and, if necessary, contact the nominee for additional information.
  • All finalists will be notified by Friday, May 3rd, 2013. Finalists must be available to attend the finalists’ reception and participate in a short videotaping (details available at a later date).
  • Recipients will be announced live at the OC High-Tech Innovation Awards dinner on Tuesday, October 15th, 2013.

Information

For additional information, please contact our innovation awards coordinator Meredith Kohl at or 919-609-4660, ext. 12.

High Impact Teacher of the Year in Science, Math and Technology

Imagination is more important than knowledge – for while knowledge points
to all that is, imagination points to all there will be. (Albert Einstein)

Award Criteria:Awarded to the Orange County teacher whose innovative uses of science, math or technology in the classroom has significantly impacted their students’ academic achievements.

For this nomination, please complete the following application. Specific, tangible examples will be very helpful in our evaluation process.

Nominated Teacher
Current Assignment (Grade/Class/Content Area)
School
School contact (if different)
Email address / Phone
This nomination has been submitted by:
Name
Title
School/District/Organization
Email address / Phone

Open-ended responses should be less than 2 pages in length (total):

  • As a teacher, what is your vision of “innovation in education” and how does that vision apply in your classroom?
  • Describe in detail how you have used science, math and/or technology resources in an innovative way to drive improved student achievement.
  • What have been the tangible and intangible results on student achievement in science, math and/or technology as a result of your leadership?
  • What do you think is the role and/or responsibility of the education community in driving Orange County’s economic competitiveness?

By submitting this application, I agree to be nominated for the Project Tomorrow 2013 Innovation in Education Award. I also acknowledge and agree to attend a finalist reception, participate in studies, surveys and conversations to share my knowledge and experiences about using science, math and technology resources to drive greater student achievement.

Name (signed or typed signature acceptable) ______Date: ______

Please submit via email to or fax to 949-609-4665, Attn: Meredith Kohl

15707 Rockfield Blvd, Suite 250  Irvine, CA 92618  phone: 949-609-4660  fax: 949-609-4665