Candidate Recommendations Requested
TEA is seeking nominations of relatively new elementary educators who represent the state and nation's best; whose lessons provide models for others; who have served a minimum of five years in education; and who have distinguished him/herself above and beyond established top-quality professionals. The required form to nominate up to three candidates is located at www.tea.state.tx.us/taa/comm021706a1.doc. Include a one-page narrative with the form that addresses how the candidate meets the criteria mentioned, and also a resume. TEA asks that this recommendation be kept confidential and not shared with the individual. For information contact Marilyn Kuehlem at 512-463-9103. Complete information must be sent no later than March 24, 2006 to:

Marilyn Kuehlem
Texas Education Agency, WBT 2-180
1701 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78701-1494

Professional Development Opportunity
Toyota has launched a new, fully-funded professional development program for eligible secondary school teachers to take place in the Galapagos Islands. The program is open to secondary school classroom teachers of all disciplines, who teach full time in one of several states including Texas, who seek to inspire the teaching of environmental stewardship through cross-curricular approaches. Teachers will explore how to develop creative teaching strategies for all subject areas, during this training in the Galapagos Islands. The program will take place October 27 - November 8, 2006 with an application deadline of April 21, 2006. Visit www.iie.org/programs/toyota for more information including program objectives, complete eligibility requirements and to apply online.