Apply for the Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award (U.S.-Japan)

Application Deadline: February 1, 2012

The Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes exceptional teachers who further mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese. The award is presented annually to two pre-college teachers in two categories, humanities and Japanese language, and consists of a certificate of recognition, a $2,500 monetary award, and $5,000 in project funds. It is named in honor of Elgin Heinz for his commitment to educating students about Asia as well as for the inspiration he has provided to the field of pre-college education.

Eligibility Requirements
The award is open to current full-time K-12 classroom teachers of any relevant subject in the United States. There are two award categories, one in the humanities and one in Japanese language.
Previous award recipients often have over 10 years of teaching experience and have been engaged in teaching their students about Japan for a substantial period of time. Candidates must demonstrate sustained commitment to improving mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese, and must have made a significant contribution to enhancing students’ knowledge of Japan.

Applicants for the Japanese language category must have excellent command of the Japanese language and may be contacted by members of the selection committee to verify this.

Nomination Procedures
Applicants for the Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award need not be nominated to apply. However, the Foundation is always seeking to encourage the nation's top educators to consider applying for the award. Letters of Nomination should briefly highlight the qualifications of the candidate and must include his/her name, contact information, and indicate the school at which the candidate currently teaches.

Nominators should keep in mind the deadline for applications is in early February. Letters of Nomination should be sent to:

Mr. David Janes
The United States-Japan Foundation
145 E. 32nd Street
New York, NY 10016

or via email at djanes@us-jf.org

Review and Selection
A national selection committee will review complete applications received by or on February 1, 2012. The selection committee consists of leaders in the field of education about Japan. The award winners will be announced in May.

For more information, including the application procedures, please visit: www.us-jf.org/elginHeinz.html.