McAuliffe Prize nominees sought

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Education and Human Sciences seeks nominations for the 2009 Christa McAuliffe Prize for Courage and Excellence in Education.

"Rewarding courage selects out a different kind of teacher," said UNL's Gregg Wright, creator of the prize and co-chair of the selection committee. "The teachers who have been recognized are all excellent educators who have shown a special kind of courage in their career."

Nomination materials and additional information can be found at http://courage.unl.edu. Nominations are due Dec. 1 and the award winner will be announced in January.

"We are eager to honor these efforts," said Marjorie Kostelnik, dean of the college. "More than ever we need excellent teachers who advocate for their students in a variety of ways."

The winning teacher will receive a $1,000 stipend and a specially designed plaque. The winner's school will receive a $500 award to help support important school activities.

This year will the 22nd annual presentation of the Christa McAuliffe Prize, which was started as a memorial for McAuliffe, the teacher-astronaut who lost her life in the Challenger space shuttle accident in January 1986. McAuliffe provided a visible demonstration of courage and excellence in education. The prize is awarded annually near the time of the anniversary of the space shuttle tragedy to teachers who exemplify the character of McAuliffe--excellence, commitment, creativity, the ability to inspire and courage.