Local educator nominated for Disney Teacher Award
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George joins an elite group of teachers from across the country who have been recognized by their communities. As the next step in the awards process, George is now submitting an application to be considered for the 2006 Disney Teacher of the Year.
“I’m excited,” said George. “It’s an honor to be recognized for this award.”
Since 1989, Disney Teacher Awards have been presented to teachers who construct learning environments where students and teachers alike explore, imagine and engage in a variety of stimulating experiences. Specifically, the program honors teachers who exemplify creativity in teaching and who inspire a joy of learning.
“Sixteen year ago, we started celebrating local heroes by establishing the annual Disney Teacher Awards to celebrate and honor America’s finest educators,” said Terry Wick, vice president of Disney Worldwide Outreach. “This nomination process shows thousands of teachers across the country how much their work means to their students, colleagues and communities.”
In addition to letters of recommendation, George will submit an application that includes several professional reflection essays describing her classroom and approach to teaching, the impact of high-stakes testing, and an event that shaped her as a teacher. A committee of education experts from around the country will then review the applications and select finalists.
The finalists will be announced in late spring and celebrated at a red-carpet awards gala in July. During the gala, four honorees will be selected as outstanding teachers, and one will be named the 2006 Disney Teacher of the Year.
In addition, finalists each receive $10,000, a $5,000 grant for their school, and a six-day professional development institute with their principals at the Walt Disney World Resort. At the institute, teachers share ideas to refine their innovative teaching approaches and learn how to engage other teachers to build an effective collaborative teaching culture at their school.
George is a Centertown resident. She is married to Jason George. They have two children, Dylan and Curtlan George.