To recognize and reward Region IV educators who develop and/or implement exemplary programs to heighten awareness of and respect for diversity.

 

Who Are We?

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was founded in 1913 “…to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all…”  ADL is an international non-profit organization dedicated to defending our country’s democratic ideals, safeguarding civil rights, confronting anti-Semitism and protecting the rights of all religious, racial and ethnic groups.

 

Why An Award?

ADL’s years of experience working with schools have shown that educators are crucial to promoting the understanding and appreciation of diversity. Therefore, we wish to reward the efforts of those who nurture mutual understanding and respect in our increasingly diverse school populations, and challenge their students to question stereotypes and confront hate in all of its forms.

 

Walter Kase

Walter Kase, a Polish-born Holocaust survivor, spent the years from 1939-1945 in five different

concentration camps.  Walter spoke to youth, educators, and community leaders throughout the state about the dangers of prejudice and bigotry and the importance of love, respect, and understanding.  We are

honored to name our Educator Excellence Award after Walter, a man who did so much to promote respect for all people.

 

Walter Kase Educator Excellence Award

The Walter Kase Educator Excellence Award pays tribute to three Region IV educators for their outstanding efforts to create an atmosphere in our schools that rejects prejudice and regards diversity as a strength. Each recipient of the Award will receive:

• A $500 stipend ●An engraved plaque
• One full-day ADL A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute workshop

 

A luncheon will be held in December to honor the recipients.

 

Who Are We Looking For?

ADL is looking for teachers, administrators and student support service staff members who have developed and/or implemented programs that:

 

• Emphasize the value of diversity by making it an integral part of the curriculum.

• Challenge students to question stereotypes and examine their own prejudices and those of society.

• Empower students to reject hate in all of its forms.

 

 Criteria For Application

Applicants must have developed programs and/or implemented creative strategies that promote

understanding of and respect for diversity.  Programs may include, but are not limited to issues of race,

religion, ethnicity, gender, age, nation of origin, language, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic status and education.

 

• Applicants must currently be employed in a public, private or parochial school in Region IV

 (PreK-12).

• Applicants must be willing to share their teaching strategies with others.

• Applicants may be either self-nominated or nominated by others.

• Applicants must include two letters of recommendation. One must be from a supervisor.