WV Seeks to Reward Classroom Innovation

The WVDE is challenging teachers to share how they have incorporated 21^st Century Learning into their classrooms through a statewide contest. The department is offering 10 $2,000 awards to teachers who submit lesson plans that incorporate 21^st Century Tools and Techniques. The contest is being funded with a $20,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation.

Each entry must incorporate at least one of Verizon’s Thinkfinitity partner-created resources, which can be found at http://www.thinkfinity.org. This resource does not need to be the highlight of the project. Submissions are due by noon on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010. Prizes are to be awarded in early 2011. All entries will be shared with teachers across West Virginia.

"West Virginia’s teachers are some of the most experienced, dedicated and creative professionals in the country and crucial in the quest to prepare our students for success in the 21st century,” said state Superintendent of Schools Steven Paine. “I look forward to learning about the different 21^st lesson plans they develop to challenge students.”

Learn more about the contest at http://wvde.state.wv.us/technology/resources/thinkfinity/contest.php.