March 2009 Monthly Inspirer
IN THIS ISSUE
Essay Contest
Teacher Certification
The Latest News
Upcoming Events
JOIN OUR LIST
Join Our Mailing List
2nd Annual
Inspired Teacher Essay Contest
Center for Inspired Teaching

CALLING ALL STUDENTS:

It's that time again, time to put pen to paper and tell us all about that teacher who has made school a better place for you. Students in grades 1 through 12 are invited to submit essays of 200 words or fewer answering the question: How does your teacher inspire you?

This year, thanks to a partnership with the Washington Wizards, winners and their teachers will be celebrated and awarded a prize package at the Wizards' last game of the season. Winners will be selected from elementary, middle, and high school categories. Excerpts of all essays will be published on the Inspired Teaching website and all entrants will receive 2 tickets to the April 13 Wizards Game.

Students can learn more about the contest and enter online today!
Become a Fan!

Check out our Facebook page and become a fan of the organization.

This is yet another way you can stay connected to Inspired Teaching and, even better, a way we can stay connected
to you!
DONATE NOW
Help keep Inspired Teaching strong!
Center for Inspired Teaching is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that exists to ensure schools make the most of children's innate desire to learn. We do this by investing in teachers. Please visit our website to learn more about our philosophy, programs, and results.
Greetings!

Spring is on its way with the usual tricks of March weather and a growing desire to get outside and soak up some warm fresh air. Inspired Teaching has not been hibernating through these last months of winter, however. In fact, quite a few new things are about to bloom.

We closed out February with another delicious Chocolate Inspiration celebration. You can read Aleta's speech in which she unveiled the newest initiatives of the organization. Among them is the Inspired Teacher Certification Program which is currently seeking exceptional applicants to teach in Washington, DC. You can learn all about this exciting program on the new certification website.

The staff has been hard at work helping teachers and students ensure a strong finish to the school year. We're in the midst of seminars at several schools and recruiting for the 2009-2010 Inspired Teaching Institute. Be on the lookout for information about the upcoming Inspired Teacher Symposium and the annual Inspired Teacher Journal filled with action research from incredible classrooms.

And while we're on the subject of Inspired Teachers--ask your kids to tell us about theirs! The 2009 Inspired Teacher Essay Contest is under way with a fast approaching deadline of March 31. Thanks to a partnership with the Washington Wizards, every student who submits an essay will receive 2 tickets to the April 13 game, where winning essayists and their teachers will be recognized.
NEW!!! INSPIRED TEACHER
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Have you been looking for a way to create change?

BE THE SOLUTION.
Become a teacher in Washington, DC.

Center for Inspired Teaching is now offering a 15-month teacher certification program that recruits, selects, prepares, and supports highly qualified individuals who wish to serve the children of the District of Columbia as teachers. The Inspired Teacher Certification Program prepares educators in 3 areas: Early Childhood, Elementary, or English Language Arts (middle and high school).

Program includes:
  • Summer pre-service coursework and hands-on teaching experience with students.
  • Support in securing a full time paid teaching position.
  • Ongoing coursework and regular visits from a mentor throughout the first year.
  • Connection to hundreds of passionate educators through Inspired Teaching's network of teachers who are serving as changemakers in the DC region.
Learn more about this exciting program and apply online today!
THE LATEST INSPIRED NEWS
Chocolate Inspiration Featured on WTOP
WTOP's Bob Madigan visited Chocolate Inspiration and interviewed Aleta for one of his "Man About Town" features.

Inspired Teacher's Classroom Featured in Washington Post
A 77-year-old fishtank sprang to life in the classroom of Inspired Teacher Denise Dawkins. This article from The Washington Post highlights the way Denise seized the moment to let her students' curiosity and imagination flourish.

Aleta speaks to Ashoka Changemakers
Aleta was a speaker at a recent retreat for Ashoka's new Changemaker Campus Inititative. She spoke to aspiring social entrepreneurs about the process of starting an organization and the key lessons she has learned along the way.

Educators from 20 Countries Visit Inspired Teaching
In early February Inspired Teaching was visited by a group of 22 educators from 20 countries through a program run by Meridian International and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Inspired Teaching's office was one of their first stops on a tour of the United States during which the participants are learning about and sharing the latest best practices in education.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Teacher Advisory Board Meeting
When: Wednesday, March 25, 5:00-7:00 pm
Where: Center for Inspired Teaching, 1436 U St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20009
Spend a few hours with fellow Inspired Teachers learning about new plans for the organization and where you fit in making them happen. Also, learn about a new push in Washington, DC for educators to see themselves as changemakers and get involved in federal educaiton policy decision making. 
RSVP by March 23 to Griffin by email or call 202.462.1956.

The Art of Teaching
When: April 4, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Where: Augustana Lutheran Church, 2100 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Like any other art form, teaching requires practice, play, and exploration. Examine the teaching and learning process and discover the skills of Inspired Teachers including: ways to build positive relationships with students, methods for creating challenging and engaging lessons, and exercises that empower students to become problem solvers.