The Teacher Who Changed My Life An Essay Contest By New America Media and New Orleans Ethnic Media
WHAT: The New Orleans Agenda is partnering with New America Media (NAM) and other media partners in New Orleans, LA to organize an essay contest on teachers. We invite you to write a short essay (500 words max) describing the teacher who changed your life or the life of your child. Who is this
remarkable person? Did this person mentor you, open your mind to a subject that became your passion, help you in a personal crisis?
Write about a teacher, who is not your relative, who might have passed away or lost contact with, or a teacher who taught you in your home country.
Essay writers are invited to write up to 500 words. In English or inthe writer's native language. In-language submissions will be translated prior to final judging. Essays should be sent us via email or regular mail, along with the Entry Form (See below).
Distinguished educators, journalists, scholars and advocates will select a winner from each category. Judges will look for evidence that the teacher opened up a new pathway of knowledge or opportunity for the student that he or she had previously not been aware of, or that the teacher inspired or fostered a love of learning. We are looking for real life examples and expect the entries will help us expand our definition of what a "great teacher" is.
Winners in the "Teenager" and "Adult" categories will each receive a cash award of $500 and the teachers profiled will also receive an award of $500. Winner in "Teacher In Memory" will have the honor to pick a local public school in New Orleans or the surrounding parishes to donate a $500 check made by NAM.
We will host a special presentation of the awards in New Orleans in February. Winning essays will be published by NAM and other media outlets.
A native of Houston, Tex., Shamier enjoys shopping, traveling and spending time with friends and family.