It turns out that I was one of 10 finalists for the Great American Teach-Off. I didn’t make it into the final round but I’m thrilled to have been named a finalist. The other finalists are doing great things to impact kids, and the winner is deserving of that honor!
Here’s the full text of the press release:
University of Phoenix and GOOD name Christopher Craft as one of 20
finalists in the Great American Teach-Off
Craft Could Receive a $10,000 Classroom Grant to Support His
Innovative and Creative Idea to Engage Students
Columbia, SC. [March 4, 2013] — GOOD and University of Phoenix today
named Christopher Craft as one of 20 finalists who will remain in the running
to win the Great American Teach-Off. The program will award two deserving
teachers – one from grades K-6 and one from grades 7-12 – with $10,000
classroom grants.
Finalists are now competing for public votes to secure their place as one of
America’s most innovative teachers. Contestants will provide video responses to
a series of questions highlighting their creativity and passion in the classroom, as
well as their positive impact on the greater education community.
About Christopher Craft
Christopher Craft created Crossroads School’s S.T.E.M. program, through which
he and his students have successfully published several apps to both the iOS
App Store and the Google Play store. In his Introduction to S.T.E.M. course,
Craft teaches his sixth grade students how to build cutting edge technologies
such as functioning hydrogen fuel cell model cars, robotics, apps for smart
phones, and video games.
Craft also serves as a Technology Teacher Leader in his school. He regularly
leads professional development classes for the faculty/staff in his school
and around the district. The school leadership regularly consults with him
for recommendations prior to making technology purchases. School districts
worldwide consult Craft for his expertise in technology.
Creating Positive Change in the Community
Craft is launching an after-school robotics program called RoboPAWS, named
after the cougar—Crossroads Elementary School’s mascot. The RoboPAWS
program is designed to encourage at-risk students to explore robotics and kids
will get to compete in local Lego League competitions with area small businesses
as sponsors.
Craft hopes to apply his winnings from the Great American Teach-Off to the
development of RoboPAWS.
Voting for The Great American Teach-Off
Voting begins on March 4 and the public can visit http://kto6gato.maker.good.is/
to cast their votes for the finalists. Each week, the field will be narrowed by
two finalists based on public votes. The two grant recipients will be named this
spring.
Additional information about all 20 finalists can be found at www.good.is/GATO.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education
and life in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, challenging courses and
interactive learning can help students pursue personal and career aspirations
without putting their lives on hold. As the flagship university of Apollo Group,
Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population,
offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from
campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the
world. For more information, visit http://www.phoenix.edu.
About GOOD
GOOD Worldwide LLC. (www.good.is), launched in September 2006, is an
integrated media, thought leadership and community action platform for people
who want to live well and do good, and a community of, by, and for the people,
businesses, and NGOs moving the world forward. GOOD’s mission is to
convene, connect, and empower the global community of people “who give a
damn.”
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