National PTA Commends National Teacher of the Year

Teachers and Educators Representing 50 States Honored at White House


ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwired - Apr 24, 2013) - National PTA congratulates Jeff Charbonneau who was named 2013 Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers at a ceremony at the White House yesterday. Charbonneau, a high school science teacher from Washington State, is recognized for transforming his hometown school's math and science curriculum, increasing science enrollment and preparing his students to graduate with college-level science credits.

Charbonneau encourages innovation and interactive learning. He founded a statewide robotics competition, helped create an ecology program where students learned through hands-on experience and used his status as adjunct faculty with several local universities to award his students college credit through their high school science classes.

Charbonneau was honored by President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Tuesday afternoon, along with the 2013 State Teachers of the Year and Principals of the Year. National PTA attended the ceremony which took place in the Rose Garden of the White House.

"Educators like Jeff embody what it means to be a teacher. Not only is he committed to teaching -- he inspires his students to learn through engaging them. National PTA salutes Jeff as well as all of the teachers and principals being acknowledged at the ceremony -- who are dedicated to the education and development of our nation's children," said Betsy Landers, National PTA President.

The National Teacher of the Year is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year by a National Selection Committee representing the major national education organizations. Nominations for state teachers come from students, teachers, principals, and administrators; teachers then must submit applications to the panel. National PTA's President, Betsy Landers, had the distinctive honor of being part of the selection committee.

For a full list of teachers from each state honored by the Council of Chief State School Officers, please visit: http://www.ccsso.org/ntoy/State_Teachers.html

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

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http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2013/national_pta/teacher_of_the_year/

Contact Information:

Media Contact:
Salma Bahramy
Ph. 703.518.1255