Te@ch awards recognize and reward schools that make learning fun by integrating interactive technology into the K-12 curriculum. This $3 million program awards $2500 Best Buy gift cards to 1,200 schools from across the United States. Mr. Mike Cassidy applied this past September and won one of the $2,500 gift cards. This is not the first time he has won this award. Last year he also placed an application and was awarded a $2,500 gift card. The money from last year went to fund five new video cameras and a computer for storing and managing the videos.

The new equipment was “essential”, and he couldn’t have done it without the grant. He used the video cameras this year with his “persuasive communication” lesson plan. Students wrote a letter to the editor type paper relating to some adolescent problem, and then used the cameras to film a 30 second public service announcement. “The grant has allowed me to reach more students,” said Mr. Cassidy. “My classes have enjoyed the hands on approach and have researched and produced some creative Public Service Announcements. It’s been fun.”

Teachers apply online by filling out a quick and simple form. In this form teachers answer questions related to their lesson plan needing the money, a detailed account of the equipment you would purchase if you won the award, and why you want to use technology. Note that you can not create a new lesson based around the money; it must be tied into an already existing lesson.

There you have it folks, Best Buy and the Te@ch program bring technological advancement to classes to help teachers reach students better and make school a more interesting place. Mr. Cassidy is very pleased with the Te@ch program. He says, “Best Buy is a wonderful place, do all of your technological shopping there.”