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Zac Posen and Jane Avrich

“Clarity, risk, and brevity” are
what Zac Posen learned from
Jane Avrich, the English
teacher whose class on
the literature of seduction
influenced his aesthetic.

“Once he turned the
classroom into an Eden-like
paradise,” recalls Ms. Avrich.
“Silvery music played in the
background, iridescent fabric
swirled, paper flowers
bloomed, and glitter rained
down around us.”

Behind every famous person is a fabulous teacher.

Contests

TeachersCount contests are our way of saying thank you to the education community. Read below to learn about new contests and past contest winners.

Win a DVD and curriculum guide from Journeys in Film.  Journeys in Film, a non-profit organization that creates standards-based curriculum guides for quality foreign-language films, is offering an exclusive contest just for TeachersCount newsletter recipients and website visitors. The organization is giving away three copies of the film The Cup, each of which comes with a curriculum guide. The Cup is the story of a group of young Tibetan boys who live as monks at the foot of the Himalayas in Northern India. Lesson topics include "Introduction to Buddhism," "A World of Refugees," "The Politics of Production," and others.

For a chance to win, answer this question: if you could pick any film, what film would you show your students to inspire them to build bridges between the world's cultures? In 200 words or less, explain how you would best utilize this film and why. Please send your entries to lauren@teacherscount.org. The contest deadline has been extended to May 15th, 2008.

The mission of Journeys in Film is to foster global understanding and leverage the power of film while expanding basic skills in reading, writing, math, science, social sciences and art. Currently, Journeys in Film is offering a free curriculum guide for Beat the Drum, a contemporary South African film about the devastation of HIV/AIDS. To download the guide or find more information, please visit www.journeysinfilm.org.

Recent Winner

Tote for Teachers – July 2008


Winner Details
Winner Name: Dr. Arlene Carter
School:Axton, VA
Contest Question
"tell us about a lesson you learned that you'll be putting into action with next year's students"
Contest Answer

“A high school student said, "Man, if I was born smart, I wouldn't ask for anything else."

Another student said, "I can't play pro football because of felonies."

A teenager spoke of her childhood rape by her mom's boyfriend.

Stories of abuse, neglect, and desperation found a place in Talk Back journals in my classroom.

The Talk Back journal has proved effective in giving "voice" to my young learners. In it their truths come.

We "talk" back and forth.

Sometimes the talks are easy, sometimes complicated.

My best lesson is to find a way to give "voice" to students.”



Dr. Arlene Carter

Past Contests

Zac Posen Tote Contest
Super Hero Teacher of the Year Contest - 2006