Pearson Foundation and National Education Association Foundation Celebrate Award-Winning Teachers Through Student-Created Short Films

Pearson Foundation and National Education Association Foundation Celebrate Award-Winning Teachers Through Student-Created Short Films

Digital Arts Alliance Provides Tools, Expertise

WASHINGTON, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois high school teacher Joseph Fatheree received the $25,000 NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence at the annual NEA Foundation Gala in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 6, 2009. Presented by the Pearson Foundation and the National Education Association, the award honors the nation's top public educators.

Fatheree and the four Award finalists were celebrated in films created by their students with training and technical support from the Pearson Foundation. The other finalists were: Michael Flynn, of William E. Norris Elementary School in Southampton, MA; Richard T. Ognibene, Jr., of Fairport High School in Fairport, NY; Stephanie Rossi, of Wheat Ridge Senior High School in Wheat Ridge, CO; and Marlene Srock, of Bel Air Elementary School in Minot, ND. All five finalists for the Award for Teaching Excellence, including Fatheree, received $10,000 from the Horace Mann Companies. These student films can be seen here: http://www.pearsonfoundation.org/pg4.12.html

The Award for Teaching Excellence film project is part of a multi-year commitment on the part of the NEA Foundation and Pearson Foundation through the Digital Arts Alliance to support 21st Century learning.

"These individuals have been selected by their colleagues because they have attained the highest standards of the profession, as shown by their effective instruction, advocacy for public education, commitment to diversity, and engagement of parents and community. Seeing how their students view them gives the finest measure of their value and highest note of praise possible," said Harriet Sanford, president and CEO of the NEA Foundation.

Mark Nieker, president of the Pearson Foundation, added, "In the Digital Arts Alliance, we strive to join with leaders in every aspect of education, media and technology to support students, document examples of successful teaching practices, and foster the development of confident school leaders. These student films are great tributes to these inspiring teachers and the important work they do every day."

The NEA Foundation

The NEA Foundation is a nonprofit, public charity created in 1969 and sustained by contributions from educators, corporate sponsors and others. The NEA Foundation offers grants and programs that support educators' efforts to close the gaps in student achievement, increase classroom innovations, salute excellence in education and provide professional development. For more information, visit www.neafoundation.org.

About the Pearson Foundation

The Pearson Foundation extends Pearson's (NYSE:PSO) commitment to education by partnering with leading nonprofit, civic, and business organizations to provide financial, organizational, and publishing assistance across the globe. The Foundation aims to make a difference by sponsoring innovative educational programs and extending its educational expertise to help in classrooms and in local communities. More information on the Pearson Foundation can be found at www.pearsonfoundation.org.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: rod.granger@pearsoned.com

Source: Pearson Foundation

CONTACT: Adam Ray of Pearson Foundation, +1-415-533-1005,
media@pearsonfoundation.org

Web Site: http://www.pearsonfoundation.org/

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Profile: International Entertainment