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PBS Recognizes Two Spring Branch ISD Educators with National Award

Health Fitness Teacher Ann King and Librarian Karen Harrell win 2011 PBS Teacher Innovation Awards

(Houston, TX- June 28, 2011)

Ann King, Health Fitness Instructor at Westchase Academy for International Studies, Ann Crider, HoustonPBS Director of Education and Outreach and Karen Harrell, Librarian at Rummel Creek Elementary. Ann King and Karen Harrell won national PBS Teachers Innovation Awards for their work in using PBS content and technology to inspired 21st century learners. Both educators are part of Spring Branch ISD. HoustonPBS hosted a luncheon and award presentation to recognize their accomplishments. (Photo: Courtesy of Julie Coan/HoustonPBS)

Two Spring Branch ISD educators recently received 2011 PBS Teachers® Innovation Awards. These awards invited PreK-12th grade educators to share ideas and videos showcasing how they were engaging students with PBS resources and innovative ideas to reinforce 21st century learning skills.

Ann King, a Health Fitness teacher at Westchester Academy for International Studies, was one of only twelve teachers awarded first place for her innovative approach to engaging students around the question, “What steps can you take to eliminate childhood obesity in one generation?” King guided the students as they researched and developed creative methods to problem solve and communicate their ideas. Students learned about nutrition and exercise, creating new games to encourage others to be physically active before, during and after school. They also planted a garden, grilled vegetables and cooked meals during class and offered samples of different healthy foods during lunchtime.

As a first place winner, King will receive a week long teacher training "Innovation Immersion Experience" at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, a SMART Slate™ wireless slate, and a free PBS TeacherLine professional development course. 

Karen Harrell, a Librarian at Rummel Creek Elementary School, received second place for leading a group of students in the exploration of inventors and inventions by using PBS programs as well as various technologies available in the library. As a result, students gained confidence in their skills which enticed them to follow their curiosity and use their technological expertise to help others create videos, podcasts and slideshows. As a second place winner, Harrell will receive and an exclusive educator’s kit filled with tools and instructional technology resources for the classroom from PBS. 

“As America’s largest classroom, PBS is working with educators to provide tools and share innovative teaching methods to meet the emerging needs of today’s learners,” said Ann Crider, Director of Education and Outreach at HoustonPBS. “Ann and Karen are collaborating with PBS and other PBS Teachers Innovation Award winners to develop and share best practices for public media use in the classroom and beyond to help all students succeed.” 

HoustonPBS will be presenting the awards in July at a luncheon honoring the winners.

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Julie Coan
(713) 743–8460
jcoan@houstonpbs.org