Disney offers
rewarding awards for teachers

More than $1 million to be awarded
to outstanding teachers and schools

Do you know a teacher who goes the extra step to inspire, motivate, and educate students? Disney is searching for dynamic, creative teachers who lead their students to the height of learning for the 2004 DisneyHand Teacher Awards.

Nominations are being accepted through Oct. 3, 2003. If you know a teacher, please raise your hand to nominate them. Students, former students, students' parents, principals, members of the community, or co-workers may submit nominations by calling the toll-free number 1-877-ATA-TEACH (1-877-282-8322) or by using the online nomination form.

Program will honor 45 teachers

In a special effort to diversify the pool of applicants, we encourage students and co-workers to recognize teachers of color who are making a difference in their communities. Also, in order to benefit more educators, and ultimately more students, Disney has expanded the program to honor 45 teachers.

DisneyHand Teacher Awards honor representatives of the teaching profession who construct creative learning environments in which students and teachers alike explore, imagine, and engage in a variety of thought-provoking experiences. These honorees will be selected from nominations submitted by students, parents, educators, and community members representing all regions of the country.

The 2004 nominees will be recognized at a four-day extravaganza at the Disneyland Resort, where they will take part in special events including VIP parties, a parade down Main Street, and unique professional development workshops focused on innovative approaches to teaching and learning through leadership development. The festivities will culminate in an awards gala where an Outstanding Teacher of the Year will be chosen from among the 45 nominees.

DisneyHand will award $25,000 to the Outstanding Teacher of the Year, with the Outstanding Teacher’s school receiving $10,000. All 45 honorees will receive $10,000 each, with their respective schools receiving $5,000.

Honorees to develop action plan for teacher learning

In addition to the awards ceremony and monetary contributions, the teachers and their principals will attend a workshop in October 2004 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, where they will learn how to share their creative teaching practices, and also develop an action plan focused on improving professional collaboration and teacher learning in their schools during the 2004-2005 school year.

The honorees will be chosen by a selection committee composed of representatives of the following organizations: American Association of School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Council for American Private Education, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Great City Schools, the Galef Institute, Harvard University’s Project Zero, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, National Education Association, National Middle School Association, National PTA. In addition, past DisneyHand Teacher Award honorees serve on the selection committee.

For more information on the awards program visit the DisneyHand Web site.