From the State Department of Education

Veterans Day is November 11 – Idaho Code 33-512 requires that every Veterans Day, schools in session “shall conduct and observe an appropriate program of at least one (1) class period remembering and honoring American veterans…” To assist Idaho schools program planning, the State Department of Education has posted the lesson plan Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty online at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/social_studies/. The lesson plan will allow students to focus on the true meanings of courage, sacrifice and patriotism as they explore America’s history. Many other lesson ideas, school kits, and teacher resources about Veterans Day can also be found at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site at http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/. Please note: The State Department of Education remains open on Thursday, November 11, 2010.

Einstein Fellowship— The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship is a paid fellowship for K-12 science, math, engineering and technology (STEM) teachers. Einstein Fellows spend a school year in Washington, DC serving in a federal agency or on Capitol Hill. To be considered for an Einstein Fellowship for the 2011-2012 school year, apply online now, and submit your application and three letters of recommendation no later than January 4, 2011. To learn more about the program and apply, visit http://www.trianglecoalition.org/fellows/einapp.htm. If you have questions about the program or application, contact Program Manager Kathryn Culbertson at culbertsonk@triangle-coalition.org.

Spring schedule for MTI Courses now posted – The Mathematical Thinking for Instruction (MTI) spring course schedule is now posted online at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/math/mti.htm. Course registration will open on November 1, 2010 at 8 a.m. If you have questions regarding courses or registration, please contact the MTI office at (208) 426-4650

NNU offers Teacher Evaluation courses – Northwest Nazarene University is partnering with Educational Impact to provide professional development credit for a selection of Charlotte Danielson’s Teaching Framework courses formatted to specifically meet the needs of YOUR school district. The Idaho State Department of Education has purchased the training materials. To find more information or to register for these professional development credits, please contact NNU’s Professional Development Coordinator at CSCoordinator@nnu.edu or view our website at www.nnu.edu/idedimpact.

IEA Cold Hard Cash Awards – The Idaho Education Association is offering Cold Hard Cash awards for Idaho classrooms. The IEA will draw eight winners each month from September through May. Each winner will receive $50 to be used to upgrade his/her classroom. The entry form is available at http://idahoea.org/explore-iea/cold-hard-cash/. Just click on the "Cold Hard Cash" icon and submit your completed form. If your name is drawn, you will receive a check from IEA to use in your classroom. If you don’t win, your name will be placed in the drawing for the next month. Please note: Only "New Teachers” (those in their first through fifth year of teaching) are eligible to win

Northwest Professional Educators (NWPE) Classroom Mini-Grant and Teacher Scholarship Awards – NWPE Teacher Scholarship/Classroom Mini-Grant awards are available up to $500 for continuing education expenses and classroom materials designed to advance student achievement. $250 New Classroom Start-Up grants are also available for teachers new to their school district or grade level. Applications can be requested on the NWPE website: http://www.nwpe.org/. All teachers are eligible to apply. NWPE members receive first preference