Weekly Reader Corporation and
National Middle Level Science Teachers Association
present
The Vincent J. Marteka Jr. Award
for Creative Science Teaching

     The Vincent J. Marteka Jr. Award for Creative Science Teaching, sponsored by Weekly Reader Corporation, publisher of Current Science, is presented annually at the National Science Teachers Association National Convention during the Middle Level Luncheon. The recipient will be a middle level science teacher of grades 5-9. The judging will be based on exemplary science teaching in the following areas:

          exciting students about science as a discipline
          designing and using innovative teaching strategies
          using technology
          serving as a science resource for other teachers
          generating community involvement

     For more than thirty years, Mr. Marteka worked for Current Science as a writer, editor, and Managing Editor. The Marteka Award celebrates Mr. Marteka and the limitless imagination he brought to the pages of Current Science. The brilliant effort that he put forth on behalf of Current Science has had an impact on countless middle level science teachers and students. The first award was presented in 1998 during the Middle Level Luncheon at the National NSTA Convention.

Award:

     The Weekly Reader Corporation offers one award of $2,500. In addition, Weekly Reader Corporation will reimburse the recipient up to $1,000 for registration, travel, lodging and meals to the National Convention of the National Science Teachers Association during which the award will be presented. Marteka Award funds are to be used for projects within the school or district and must be spent within one year of receiving the award. Funds must be used to purchase supplies or equipment from any of the Cadre of Excellence:  Science Industry Partners or Friends of NMLSTA. A one-page written report submitted to NMLSTA detailing the expenditures will be required by December 31 of the award year.

Guidelines:

     1. The candidate must have taught for five full years and be currently teaching science at the middle level (grades 5-9) half time or more.

     2. The candidate must be a member of NMLSTA and/or a subscriber to Current Science. Proof of membership or subscription may be submitted with the award application.

     3. The application title page must include name, position title, home address, home telephone, school address, school telephone, and title of narrative.

     4. A narrative describing the work that justifies the award must not exceed four typed pages. Content must be organized under the five bulleted areas listed above, with each section titled clearly. The narrative should be double-spaced on single-sided 8½" x 11" paper with 1-inch margins and with of font of no more than 12 characters per inch. At the end of the narrative, the candidate will give Weekly Reader Corporation
non-exclusive permission to edit and reprint the work.

     5. Five pages of color photographs with three photographs per page are required. Each should be clearly titled and illustrate one of the five areas in the bulleted list above (e.g., "Students About ...". The caption for each photograph must be limited to 30 words.

     6. Two, and only TWO, letters of recommendation are to be included. These may be from any of the following: administrator, parent of current or past student, student, state supervisor, colleague, or community associate. Letters are limited to one page.

     7. The entire original application and five copies, including all the supporting documentation, should be sent to Karen Cavalluzzi, 1642 NW 785 Road, Bates City, MO 64011. Copies of the color photographs may be made in monochrome. The entry packet must be postmarked no later than December 10 of the award year. Applications may not be faxed. The award winner will be notified by February 7 of the award year.

     8. Previous recipients of the Marteka Award are not eligible. Failure to follow the rules precisely will result in disqualification.

     9. Candidate: I certify that all of the above guidelines are met, that the work described is my original work, and that I am a member of NMLSTA and/or a subscriber to Current Science.


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(Signature)

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(Date)

10.School principal or superintendent (circle one): I endorse this application.

_______________________________________________________
(Signature)

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(Date)