PAFA Sponsors New Art Teacher Award for Excellence

May 12, 2008

Contact:
Gigi Lamm
Public Relations Manager
215-972-2031
glamm@pafa.org


PHILADELPHIA—The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts announces the “PAFA Art Teacher Award for Excellence,” 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.

The award will be presented at the November 2008 “PAFA Art Teacher Award For Excellence” reception held at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts on Thursday, November 6, 2008, in the Washington Foyer of the Historic Landmark Building, from 4 – 6 p.m.

“The Academy is proud to honor outstanding art teachers in the public schools of Philadelphia,” states Academy President & CEO Dr. Edward Lewis. “They have given so much to this community, and we are very pleased to acknowledge this extraordinary contribution.”

Nominees must be currently employed as an art teacher (grades K – 12) in the School District of Philadelphia. Criteria for selection includes five years of experience as an art teacher; 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; an awareness and cognizance of the literature, research, and current issues in the field of art education; the creation of a new curriculum or innovative 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.

Other teachers or principals from the District may nominate a teacher for this award. The nomination consists of a letter of no more than 1,000 words and a current copy of the nominee’s resume. The letter must be based on the selection criteria and must 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 Friday, October 10, 2008.

The selection committee is a five-member panel with representation from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Philadelphia Arts & Education Partnership, and the Pennsylvania Alliance for Arts Education.

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 Marsha Braverman at 215-972-2014 or visit www.pafa.org for a prospectus and nomination form.


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Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is America's oldest continually operating school of fine arts and museum.  A recipient of the 2005 National Medal of Arts presented by the President of the United States of America, the Academy is a recognized leader in fine arts education.  Nearly every major American artist has taught, studied, or exhibited at the Academy. The institution's world-class collection of American art continues to grow and provides what only a few other art institutions in the world offer: the rare combination of a world-class museum and an extraordinary faculty known for its commitment to students and for the stature and quality of its artistic work.

Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Academy is located at 118-128 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia, two blocks north of City Hall. Regular admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors and students with ID, $5 children/youth ages 5-18, free for members and children under 5.