Sometimes that special teacher or inspirational program makes all the difference in the education of a child.
Sonoma State University is looking to honor just such a program with its annual Jack London Award for Excellence in Education.
Local parents, along with school superintendents and fellow teachers, are asked to nominate an exemplary and innovative K-12 program for this award, given every year by the School of Education.
Applications must be postmarked by Friday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. Site visits are scheduled for March. The award is given to classroom teachers who run exemplary educational programs in Sonoma County schools with a record of excellence, says Phyllis Fernlund, dean of the School of Education at SSU.
SSU faculty and staff, as well as community and educational leaders, serve as judges for this awards program. Winners will be honored at a reception at the Sonoma State University from 4-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14.
In addition, programs coordinated by school administrators or community representatives are eligible for the Jack London Special Award for Community-School Cooperation.
Winners who have earned the Jack London Award trophy in the past include Washington Elementary School's Physical Education Program (2002), Santa Rosa Middle School's Rekindling Hopes and Dreams (2001), Robert L. Stevens Elementary School's Dolphin Kings Chess Club (2000) and Santa Rosa High School's Art Quest (1999).
Applications as well as the criteria for judging each program are available at www.sonoma.edu/education, in the principal's office at each school, or by calling Kristen Fellner at SSU, (707) 664-2132.
