THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO ALL CURRENT VIF TEACHERS AND U.S. TEACHERS PARTICIPATING IN A VIF PROGRAM SUCH AS SPLASH, GLOBAL GATEWAY, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, PASSPORT, OR CULTURAL STUDIES.

Have you gone above and beyond to promote global awareness in your classroom? Every year, VIF recognizes excellence in the field of global education through the International Educator of the Year awards. Award recipients are outstanding teachers who inspire students, colleagues, and community members to embrace different world views. Past International Educator of the Year winners have exposed students to the world's languages, its myriad of cultures, and the diverse perspectives of all of its people.

The contest is open to all VIF teachers and U.S. teachers participating in a VIF program such as Splash, Global Gateway, Global Connections, Passport, or Cultural Studies. All application materials must be received electronically or postmarked by midnight, March 9, 2012.

Five winners nationally will receive a $300 cash prize and educational resources for their school.

To apply, teachers must submit one letter of support, either a short video or portfolio and a brief essay.

> One letter of support: The letter must be from an administrator or supervisor. The letter of support should contain specific references to overall teaching performance and cultural contributions to the classroom, school and community.

> A short video or a portfolio: Applicants should submit either a video -or- a portfolio that demonstrates your teaching skills and integration of culture into your classroom, school and community.

• Video: Your video should be no longer than three minutes in length and include images and audio that clearly demonstrate how you have integrated culture into your classroom, school, and community. View examples from past winners here and here. If submitting by post, the video should be saved on a CD or DVD that has nothing else stored on it. Ensure that you've obtained the appropriate permissions for your students to be included in the video before submitting.
• Portfolio: Your portfolio should include photos and text that clearly explain how you have integrated culture into your classroom, school, and community. The portfolio should not be longer than six pages in length. The portfolio must be printed if submitting by post. Ensure that you've obtained the appropriate permissions for your students to be included in the portfolio materials before submitting.

> One brief essay: The essay must include your name and question. Single space and do not exceed 300 words. The word limit does not include the question and your name.This essay should respond to only one of the following prompts:

• Prompt 1: Describe how you promote global awareness in your classroom, school, and community and its impact on participants.
• Prompt 2: Why do you think it is important to integrate culture and global concepts into your teaching?
  
  

1. Complete the application form.
2. Gather all the materials listed above. Questions about your applications should be forwarded to gtomlinson@vifprogram.com
3. Submit your materials by midnight, March 9, 2012 via dropbox or post: International Educator of the Year Awards / VIF Program / P.O. Box 3566 / Chapel Hill, NC 27515