Foreign Exchange
Amigos de las Americas, an international exchange program, sends high school students to rural Latin America to work on health-care projects during the summer. Participants must be at least 16 years old, have had one year of Spanish instruction, and undergo a six- to nine-month training seminar. Participants receive a copy of the quarterly newsletter Amigos Resource and are encouraged to seek contributions to cover the $2,300 to $2,900 living and travel expenses. Contact: Amigos de las Americas, 5618 Star Lane, Houston, TX 77057; (800) 231-7796.
Home Economics
Future Homemakers of America, a vocational organization for junior and senior high school students, sponsors a variety of national programs for students. For $4 per year, members receive the quarterly magazine Teen Times and invitations to attend national and regional conferences. Local chapters must be sponsored by a home economics teacher. Contact: FHA, 1910 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091; (703) 476-4900.
Math Honor Society
Members of Mu Alpha Theta, an international mathematics honor society for high school and community college students, receive the quarterly newsletter The Mathematical Log and qualify for national math conventions. Local chapters must be sponsored by a faculty member, and students must be recommended for membership. Members pay a one-time fee of $2; each chapter pays a one-time fee of $10. Contact: MAT, 601 Elm Ave., Room 423, Norman, OK 73019-0315; (405) 325-4489.
Music Honor Society
The Tri-M Music Honor Society offers student musicians in grades 6-12 the chance to participate in state competitions. Members also receive the biannual newsletter Tri-M News. Chapters must be sponsored by a faculty member, and students must be recommended for membership. There is a $20 initiation fee for each chapter and an annual $10 renewal fee. Students pay $6 on initiation and $2 each year to renew. Contact: TMHS, 1902 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091; (703) 860-4000.
Journalism Honor Society
Members of Quill and Scroll, a journalistic honor society for high school students, receive a quarterly magazine of the same name and have the chance to compete against students from other schools in national yearbook, writing, and photo contests. Local chapters must be sponsored by a faculty member, and students must be recommended for membership. Students pay a one-time membership fee of $9. Junior high students are not eligible for membership but may compete in the society’s national junior high writing and photo contests. Contact: QAS, University of Iowa, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Iowa City, IA 522421590; (319) 335-5795.
History Competition
National History Day Inc. sponsors a national competition for students in grades 6-12. Students undertake a yearlong history project, which is judged by historians at district, state, and national levels. Students compete for cash awards: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third. Entry fees vary. Contact: NHD, 11201 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106; (216) 421-8803.
Amnesty International For Kids
Children’s Edition/Urgent Action Network, an Amnesty International youth program, offers K-8 students information about human rights, countries that violate them, and addresses of government leaders worldwide. Teachers who enroll their classes in the program receive a catalog of Amnesty International publications and a letterwriting guide. An annual report summarizing human rights abuses worldwide is available for $12, plus postage. Students may participate individually at no cost. Contact: UAN, Amnesty International, P.O. Box 1270, Nederland, CO 804661270; (303) 440-0913.
WAVE In Schools
WAVE Inc., a nonprofit organization, operates WAVE In Schools, a program that works with at-risk students in grades 6-12 to keep them from dropping out. Participating teachers are assigned a WAVE specialist who provides training and support through workshops, seminars, and a tollfree hot line. Students of the participating teachers automatically become members of the WAVE Leadership Association and receive the semiannual student newspaper WAVE World. Program costs vary by school. Contact: Donna Sizemore-Elliott, WAVE Inc., 501 School St., S.W., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024-2754; (800) 274-2005.
Discussing Great Books
The Great Books Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization, offers K-12 students the chance to read and discuss selected literature. Discussion groups must be led by a foundationtrained parent or teacher. Cost of training is $70. The foundation provides books for the series at a nominal cost. Contact: GBF, 35 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2300, Chicago, IL 60601-2298; (800) 222-5870.
Pen Pals
World Pen Pals, a program of the International Institute of Minnesota, a United Way affiliate, links students ages 12-20 with pen pals in other countries. Members receive the annual newsletter Pen Pal Post and a sheet of writing tips and suggested writing topics. Cost: $3 per pen pal. Cost for groups of six or more: $2.50 per group member. Contact: World Pen Pals, 1694 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108; (612) 647-0191.
Young Actors Guild
The Young Actors Guild, a professional network for aspiring young actors, offers members advice about the acting profession. Students receive a copy of the book How to Win Stage and Screen Roles for Children. Children 16 or younger may join. Cost: $16.90 per year. Contact: YAG, 29 Manchester Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505; (412) 628-3939.
The Planetary Society
The Planetary Society, an educational space-exploration organization, offers members the bimonthly magazine Planetary Report and information about inexpensive regional space programs and lectures. Recommended for students in grades 8-12. Cost: $15 a year. Contact: Planetary Society, 65 N. Catalina Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106; (818) 793-5100.
Earthwatch
Earthwatch, an organization that sponsors approximately 135 scientific projects each year worldwide, gives students 16 or older the chance to assist in field-research expeditions. Membership costs $25 a year. Expeditions range in price from $2,200 to $2,900. Contact: Earthwatch, 680 Mount Auburn St., Box 403N, Watertown, MA 02272; (617) 926-8200.
Student Council
The American Student Council Association, sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, helps K-8 student council members develop leadership skills. Member councils receive 10 copies of the Student Council Guide and are eligible for discounts on books and novelty merchandise. Members may participate in regional leadership-training workshops. There is a $60 group initiation fee and a $40 annual renewal fee. Contact: ASCA, NAESP, 1615 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314; (703) 684-3345.
DEADLINES
Following is a list of application deadlines for grants, fellowships, and honors available to individuals. Asterisks (
- ) denote new entries.
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
August 15. Special Projects.
The Bill of Rights Education Collaborative, sponsored by the American Historical Association and the American Political Science Association, invites middle and high school social studies teachers to apply for its Minigrants for Teachers Program. The group will award up to 250 grants of $500 to $1,500 to cover expenses for special projects devoted to constitutional rights. Projects should be completed within one year of receipt of the grant. Contact: Minigrants/BREC, 1527 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (202) 483-2512.
September 1. Social Studies.
The National Council for the Social Studies and the Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies Education invite teachers to apply for grants to fund innovative projects related to the theme “Principles of the Constitution in Action.’' One grant of $400 will be awarded in each of the following categories: K-5, 6-9, 10-12, and higher education. Contact: NCSS, 3501 Newark St., N.W., Washington, DC 20016; (202) 966-7840.
September 1. Geography In Social Studies.
The National Council for the Social Studies, in conjunction with the George Cram Co., invites applications from teachers for its Geography Award. Applications must include a program proposal for incorporating the study of geography into the social studies curriculum. The winner will receive both a $2,500 grant and a commemorative plaque. Contact: NCSS, 3501 Newark St., N.W., Washington, DC 20016; (202) 966-7840.
October 1. Social Studies.
The National Council for the Social Studies invites applications for its Christa McAuliffe Award. A $1,000 award will be given for the proposal that best exemplifies a unique ambition or dream that could not be fulfilled under ordinary circumstances. Applicants must be full-time social studies teachers and members of NCSS. Contact: NCSS, 3501 Newark St., N.W., Washington, DC 20016; (202) 966-7840.
- October 15. Overseas Teaching.
The U.S. Information Agency’s 1992-93 Fulbright Teacher Exchange provides opportunities for American teachers to trade assignments for one year with their counterparts in 27 countries. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with at least three years of teaching experience and should be proficient in the language of the host country. Contact: Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program, USIA, E/ASX, 301 Fourth St., S.W., Washington, DC 20547; (202) 619-4555.
- October 31. Foreign Language.
The National Endowment for the Humanities, in cooperation with the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, invites applications for the 1992 Fellowship Program for Teachers of Foreign Languages. Fifty K-12 teachers will receive $3,750 each for six weeks of summer study or research in the United States or abroad. Applicants must have three years of teaching experience with at least half of the time spent teaching foreign languages. Rockefeller Fellows and teachers of English as a second language and bilingual education are not eligible. Contact: NEH Fellowship Program for Foreign Language Teachers in K-12, Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Ave., New London, CT 06320; (203) 439-2282.
- Open. First Amendment Rights.
The Gannett Foundation’s Community Freedom Fund offers grants for projects, including those by teachers and students, that promote First Amendment freedom. Applications are to be made through chief executives of local Gannett newspapers and radio and television stations or through USA Today field-operations representatives. Contact: GF, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209; (703) 528-0800.
HONORS
August 15. Social Studies.
The National Council for the Social Studies, in conjunction with Social Studies School Service, invites nominations for the Spirit of America Award, which recognizes an individual who exemplifies the American democratic spirit. The winner will receive a commemorative plaque and some travel expenses to the NCSS annual meeting held in Washington, D.C., Nov. 22-25. Contact: NCSS, 3501 Newark St., N.W., Washington, DC 20016; (202) 966-7840.
August 26. Aviation.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association invites applications for its Excellence in Aviation Education Awards. Eligible are teachers who have integrated aviation into the classroom. Three teachers in four groups--K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12--will be chosen. Winners receive tuition for an introductory flying course. Contact: Shelly Snyder, GAMA Education Office, 1400 K St., N.W., Suite 801, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 393-1500.
August 31. Science Safety.
The Curry College Laboratory Safety Workshop, in cooperation with Fisher Scientific’s Educational Materials Division and UVEX Winter Optical, invites applications for its secondary school laboratory safety program. The winning school will receive a $1,000 prize for its science department’s safety program. For more information and an application, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Laboratory Safety Workshop, CC, Milton, MA 02186; (617) 333-0500, ext. 2220.
- October 1. Private Enterprise Education.
The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge seeks nominations for its Leavey Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education. Eligible are teachers in grades 7-12 who have taught an innovative course on the American private enterprise system. Up to 20 $7,500 awards will be given; an award of $15,000 may be given for “an unusually meritorious entry.’' Contact: Awards Department, FFVF, Route 23, Valley Forge, PA 19481; (215) 933-8825.
- October 18. Tandy Scholarships.
The Tandy Corp., in cooperation with Texas Christian University, requests nominations for the Tandy Technology Scholars Program, which recognizes teachers and students who have demonstrated academic excellence in mathematics, science, and computer science. School principals nominate teachers or students. One hundred teachers will receive $2,500 cash awards; 100 students will receive $1,000 awards. Contact: Tandy Technology Scholars, TCU, P.O. Box 32897, Fort Worth, TX 76129; (817) 924-4087.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The Council of Chief State School Officers named Rae Ellen McKee the 1991 National Teacher of the Year. McKee, a reading teacher at Slanesville (W.Va.) Elementary School, was selected from a field of 54 nominees who were chosen as state Teachers of the Year. (The District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico were also included in the contest.) The other state winners are:
Beatrice Kramer Volkman of Semmes (Ala.) Elementary School; K. Janie Hill of Dillingham (Alaska) Elementary School; Etuale Tuileta of Leone High School in Pago Pago, American Samoa; Elizabeth Bradshaw of Acacia Elementary School in Vail, Ariz.; Nadyne Aikman of Moody Elementary School in White Hall, Ark.; Bruce Fisher of Fortuna (Calif.) Elementary School; Kevin Irvine of Boltz Junior High School in Fort Collins, Colo.; Linda Mathews of Pagels Elementary School in West Haven, Conn.; Lisa Best of Heritage Elementary School in Wilmington, Del.; and Mary Elizabeth Micallef of Bitburg (Germany) American Middle School, representing the Department of Defense Dependents Schools.
Shirley Hopkinson of Brightwood Elementary School in the District of Columbia; Sarah Gustafson of Everglades Elementary School in Okeechobee, Fla.; Jeffrey White of Berkmar High School in Lilburn, Ga.; Joy Puu’olani Gaston of Kihei (Hawaii) Elementary School; Shirley Rau of Nampa (Idaho) High School; William Branch of Evanston (Ill.) Township High School; Darcia KingO’Blenis of Pierre Navarre Middle School in South Bend, Ind.; David Hunt of Clarence-Lowden High School in Clarence, Iowa; Frances Irelan of Lee Elementary School in Manhattan, Kan.; Tim Moore of Simon Kenton High School in Independence, Ky.; Susan LeJeune of Crowley (La.) High School; and Stephen Ellwood IV of St. Francis (Maine) Elementary School.
Rosemarie Fuchs McConnaughey of Columbia Park Elementary School in Landover, Md.; Charles Sposato of Framingham (Mass.) South High School; Katherine Afendoulis of Collins Elementary School in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Cathy Nelson of Fridley (Minn.) High School; Mary Lofton Davidson of Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Miss.; Sharon Strating of Savannah (Mo.) RIII School Distict; Debra Ann Leeds of Lincoln-McKinley School in Havre, Mont.; James Kubik of Norfolk (Neb.) Senior High; Walter Plants of E.C. Best Middle School in Fallon, Nev.; Kim Carter Sands of Rindge (N.H.) Memorial School; Constance Cloonan of Carroll Robbins School in Trenton, N.J.; and Carolyn Paez of Silver High School in Silver City, N.M.
John Taylor Gatto of Booker T. Washington Junior High School in New York City; Louis Gotlib of South Granville High School in Creedmoor, N.C.; Fran Joersz of Hughes Junior High School in Bismarck, N.D.; Lori Urogdy Eiler of Shaw High School in East Cleveland, Ohio; Marilyn King of Stillwater (Okla.) Junior and Senior High School; Bonnie Elliott of Bend (Ore.) Senior High School; Karen Beechy Kreider of Central High School in Philadelphia; Fredeswinda Vasquez of Angela Cordero Bernard School in Ponce, Puerto Rico; Darlene Walsh of Greenbush Elementary School in Warwick, R.I.; Nancy Townsend of Wilson High School in Florence, S.C.; Deborah Van Pelt of Eugene Field Elementary School in Mitchell, S.D.; Joseph Stafford York of Fayette-Ware High School in Somerville, Tenn.; Sandra Parks Gifford of Paris (Texas) High School; Waldo Warnick Jr. of Delta (Utah) Technical Center; Sheila Whitney Mable of South Burlington (Vt.) High School; Joanne Stowers Groseclose of Marion (Va.) Intermediate School; Cynthia Lancaster of Hiawatha Elementary School in Othello, Wash.; Rita Tenorio of La Escuela Fratney in Milwaukee; and Bette Sample of Gertrude Burns Elementary School in Newcastle, Wy.
TEACHING TOOLS
Following is a list of free or inexpensive classroom resources that teachers can order:
Boosting Self-Esteem
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting offers a booklet titled Celebrate Yourself: Six Steps To Building Your Self-Esteem. The booklet, which is appropriate for teens and adults, costs $2. Contact: CPB/SelfEsteem, P.O. Box 4205, Arlington, VA 22204; for orders of more than 100, call Custom Print at (703) 979-8473.
Civil Rights History
The Southern Poverty Law Center offers a free copy of Free at Last: A History of the Civil Rights Movement and Those Who Died in the Struggle. The 104-page publication, geared toward grades 6-12, includes a summary of the civil rights movement. Contact: Free At Last, SPLC, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.
Teaching The Humanities
The National Humanities Center, an independent nonprofit institute, offers Soundings, a cassette audio tape that includes conversation and commentary by six successful teachers on how they teach. Cost: $10. Contact: Pat Schreiber, NHC, P.O. Box 12256, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2256; (919) 549-0661.
Sharon K. Williams and Lalitha Duddey
TO THE READER
“Extra Credit’’ appears in each issue of Teacher Magazine and includes some or all of the following categories: deadlines for grants, fellowships, and honors; honorees; inexpensive teaching resources; student contests, internships, and scholarships; and television programs. Submissions are welcome. Please send them to Extra Credit Editor, Teacher Magazine, 4301 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 250, Washington, DC 20008.
