News Release
For Immediate Release November 7, 2011
Contact: Charles Pyle, Director of Communications (804) 371-2420
Julie C. Grimes, Communications Manager, (804) 225-2775
Mary Johnston, a first-grade teacher at Clark Elementary in Charlottesville, and Jennie Carr, a fourth-grade teacher at Elkton Elementary in Rockingham County, will share the title of 2011 Virginia “Thinkfinity” Teacher of the Year.
The award — supported through a grant from the Verizon Foundation — recognizes Virginia teachers who successfully integrate Thinkfinity resources into the classroom. Thinkfinity is Verizon Foundation’s free web portal providing access to online instructional resources, including lesson plans aligned with state standards, reference materials and interactive tools for students.
“Great teachers are always on the lookout for new sources of lesson plans, reference materials and activities that engage students and support increased learning,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright said while announcing the winners today at the annual Educational Technology Leadership Conference in Roanoke. “Both Johnston and Carr exemplify excellence, and our judges were hard pressed to select one over the other.”
Technology resource teachers, school librarians and principals nominated teachers for the awards program. Submitted nominations included lesson plans utilizing Thinkfinity resources and a video demonstrating their use in the classroom.
Johnston and Carr each receive $1,000 stipends to conduct workshops on using Thinkfinity at educational conferences, $1,000 unrestricted cash prizes, and iPads — all provided through a grant from the Verizon Foundation.
Four teachers were recognized as Regional Virginia Thinkfinity Teachers of the Year and will each receive a $1,000 educational conference stipend and an iPad:
- Kahla Lose, a first-grade teacher at Ashburn Elementary in Loudoun County;
- Samantha Martin, an algebra teacher at Prince Edward High in Prince Edward County;
- Betsy Reid, an English teacher at Atlee High in Hanover County; and
- Stephanie Smith, an English teacher at Gayle Middle in Stafford County.
Printer-Friendly Version (PDF)