Educational award number two for 1996 goes to the charter school movement. These public schools are popping up everywhere and are conceived, organized and run by outstanding teachers and caring and involved parents. There are currently over 480 of these schools now in the U.S. operating in seventeen states and the District of Columbia. This is school reform done right. The public's money stays in the public sector, teachers and parents develop outstanding educational programs, and students attend by choice.
Charter schools are truly a win-win program and their continued growth across America is guaranteed.
My third educational award for the past year goes to the National Teacher Leadership Academy. This three year old annual program held in pristine McCall, Idaho attracts the finest educators from many states. In a camp and adventure environment they develop incredible relationships with others and within, and leave even stronger than they came. I have experienced this one first hand and can attest that the participants and faculty develop bonds that remain strong and active long after the T-shirts and singing have faded. That is what my three success awards are for this year - stepping forward.