PAFA Now Accepting Nominations For 2nd Annual Art Teacher Award for Excellence
PHILADELPHIA-The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) will now be accepting nominations for the 2nd annual "PAFA Art Teacher Award for Excellence." Nominations are due by the close of business day on Monday, April 19, 2010.
The "PAFA Art Teacher Award for Excellence" was created to recognize an outstanding art teacher in The School District of Philadelphia, grades K-12, for his or her exceptional commitment and dedication to their students and creativity in implementing or advocating the use of art in and out of the classroom.
Last year's recipient was Debra Cooperstein, Art Teacher and Department Chair at Central High School. Cooperstein has been employed by The School District of Philadelphia since 1973, having moved to Central High in 1996 where she soon became the department chairperson and a member of the school's instructional cabinet. Cooperstein is currently retired and an adjunct professor at Tyler School of Art, supervising student teachers and interns.
"I was thrilled, very surprised, and incredibly honored to receive this award, especially considering the tremendous job done by my peers throughout the district," remarked Cooperstein. "I've always been proud of the fabulous student artwork that comes out of the Philadelphia School System as a result of the dedication and creativity of our art teachers, and the support provided by the staff at The School District of Philadelphia."
The 2010 award will be presented at the "PAFA Art Teacher Award For Excellence" reception held at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts on Wednesday, May 26 in the Washington Foyer of the Historic Landmark Building, from 4 - 6 p.m.
"The Academy is thrilled to be able to sponsor this award again, after the success of its inauguration last year," stated David R. Brigham, PAFA's President and Chief Executive Officer. "With the proven benefits of arts education for children, PAFA is proud to share the commitment of The School District of Philadelphia to provide the highest quality arts education for its students. It is with great excitement that we honor outstanding art teachers in Philadelphia, who give so much to our children, our community, and our city."
Nominees must be currently employed as an art teacher (grades K - 12) in The School District of Philadelphia. Criteria for selection includes a commitment and dedication to students in the fostering of an individual's artistic spirit; demonstrated teaching techniques that have met the needs and interests of students in a creative manner, bringing about learning and development in other academic areas; the implementation of new innovative curriculum or programming for the classroom; and a contribution of personal effort and time beyond the normal teaching duties in promoting art education and the arts in the public school system, the community, the region and/or the state.
Dennis Creedon, Director of the Department of Comprehensive Arts Education for The School District of Philadelphia, noted, "We salute PAFA once again for recognizing excellence within our ranks of art teachers by acknowledging the dedication and commitment of selected educators who share their exceptional talents and expertise with the students they serve. They are truly our unsung heroes who undoubtedly deserve this special recognition for providing instruction that is innovative, inspirational, and indicative of quality art education."
Only teachers or principals/administrators from the District may nominate a teacher for this award. The nomination consists of the completed nomination form, a recommendation letter of no more than two typed pages, and the nominee's resume. The letter must be based on the selection criteria and should cite specific examples where possible. Nominations are to be mailed to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and are due by the close of the business day on Monday, April 19, 2010.
The selection committee is a panel with representation from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, The School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and Philadelphia Arts & Education Partnership.
The winner will receive a cash award of $500; tuition for a Continuing Education course or workshop; a $100 gift card to be used in the Academy's Art Supply Store or Portfolio®, the museum shop; and a family membership to the Museum. Two finalists will also be selected and will receive a $50 gift card to be used in the Academy's Art Supply Store or Portfolio®, the museum shop, and an individual membership to the Museum.
For further information, please contact Diana Trevisani at 215-972-2013 or dtrevisani@pafa.org.