Kinders expand teaching award to $100,000

Any kindergarten through 12th-grade teacher who teaches in a school where at least half of his or her students receive free or reduced lunches is eligible to win a $100,000 award from the Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award.

This award is for teachers who are giving back to the communities that have the highest need, which tend to be the low-income families determined by the government meal programs, said Debbie Fine, a spokeswoman for the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP).

To be eligible for the prize, the educator must show an "unwavering commitment to excellence" and have students who consistently make academically measurable gains.

Measurable gains can be standardized test scores or any quantifiable measure of students' success, said Steve Mancini, KIPP spokesperson.

"We believe teachers are the heart and soul of education in America and this award is going to shine a spotlight on one of the thousands of dedicated teachers in the country," said Mancini.

Teachers cannot nominate themselves. Only someone who knows the educator, such as a parent, student colleague or administrator can nominate them.

The award is unrestricted, which means the money can be used for anything the winner wants to use it for. The award is the largest unrestricted amount ever awarded to a K-12 teacher.

This is not the first time the Rich and Nancy Kinder have recognized excellence in teaching. Smaller financial awards were given in Texas; in 2001 and 2002 a total of 20 Cape Girardeau area teachers were awarded $10,000.

The excellence in teaching award is given to honor Rich Kinder's mother, Edna C. Kinder. Edna Kinder taught special education at May Greene Elementary School in Cape Girardeau for 15 years. They gave more than 30 awards to KIPP teachers and decided in 2005 to expand beyond the KIPP schools to create a new and larger award for teachers who teach in lower-income communities.

"We know a great teacher can make a difference for thousands of children in a lifetime," Nancy Kinder said in a press release.

KIPP will help administer the selection process and no one teaching in a KIPP school is eligible to make sure the contest remains fair. Fine said KIPP is involved because of its relationship with the Kinders over the years. The Kinders will still award KIPP teachers with $10,000 awards, Fine said.

Together with the Kinders, KIPP established a nine-person panel of distinguished educators to review the submissions and choose 20 semifinalists.

Nominations are due Dec. 31 and can be submitted at www.kinderaward.org.

ameyer@semissourian.com

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