The PreK-12 Learning Group introduces its newest award program for professionals in the learning resource inudstry
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) August 17, 2013
The PreK-12 Learning Group of The Association of American Publishers is pleased to introduce its newest award program, the Lamplighter Honors for Leadership in Educational Publishing. The Lamplighter Honors celebrate the individuals that have made a positive impact in the lives and endeavors of those throughout the preK-12 learning resource community, including students, educators, and their fellow professionals. These thought leaders, who are at various stages in their careers, have made significant contributions to advance the field through their ideas, talents, and tenacity.
The Lamplighter Honors were established as an extension of the successful Hall of Fame event, which began in 1996 by the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP). In July of this year, the AEP merged with the AAP School Division to create the new PreK-12 Learning Group, and the Lamplighter Honors will be the first award program to be presented by this new division. The Lamplighter Honors Gala is scheduled for December 9, 2013, at the Russian Tea Room in New York, NY.
The Lamplighter Honors include four awards: Hall of Fame, the Visionary Award, Member of the Year, and the Ambassador Award.
About the 2013 Lamplighter Honorees
The Hall of Fame Award is given to industry leaders with an outstanding history of accomplishments. This year's honorees are Dame Marjorie Scardino and Dan Caton. Marjorie Scardino is well-known for transforming conglomerate Pearson into the publishing and education empire it is today. Its education company, still known for publishing, is also a leader in digital programs and services, as well as being the owner of schools and universities in China and Africa. Pearson also includes the Financial Times and The Economist, as well as Penguin. Dan Caton was formerly President of Pearson Learning Group, McGraw-Hill Learning Group, and, most recently, McGraw-Hill School Education. Dan has been known for his innovative and collaborative approach to educational publishing since the 1970's, and is also credited with increasingly moving his companies along the path to digital instructional success.
The Visionary Award is given to mid-career professionals for their insight and exceptional leadership. Peter H. Reynolds is a NY Times best-selling author and illustrator of books for people of all ages (The Dot, Ish, Sky Color, The North Star) published in over 25 languages around the globe. He is also the founder of FableVision, the award-winning, creative R&D/productization development studio located in Boston's Innovation District specializing in digital media, animation, educational software, learning games and mobile apps, and publisher of educational software, books, media. His inspirational works encourage people of all ages to discover their talents, strengths, and voice - and be brave enough to uses those gifts make their mark on the world in a positive way.
The Member of the Year Award is given to a member who has provided tremendous support to the PreK-12 Learning Group. The 2013 winner is Ira Wolfman, chief consultant and president of POE Communications: Educational Content Development and Digital Strategy. Mr. Wolfman was instrumental in developing the program and speaker line-up for this year's annual conference, Content in Context, which welcomes professionals from across the learning resource industry. He played an important role in the recent revamp of the organization’s awards program; regularly provided assistance to staff members on key industry issues; and has, for the past three years, offered his counsel as a board member.
The Ambassador Award recognizes an individual that has helped the organization establish strong relationships across the learning resource community. This year, the award will be presented to Michael Jay, president of Educational Systemics Inc. A renowned expert in the field of educational technology, Mr. Jay provided invaluable counsel and contacts to benefit the Association's programs relating to digital learning. As co-chair of the Content in Context conference, he has taken leadership in creating strands that impact all aspects of the education industry. He has also helped direct the Learning Resource Metadata Initiative (LRMI), which is changing the way educational materials are found on the Internet.
The significance of the lamplighter
The AAP PreK-12 Learning Group adopted the name 'lamplighter' as an homage to the Learning Groups’ Golden Lamp Awards, the original and enduring recognition program. These Honors acknowledge those who have, in various ways, provided a guiding light to students, educators, and fellow professionals on their paths towards knowledge and advancement.
About the Lamplighter Honors Gala The first-ever Lamplighter Honors Gala will recognize these five industry leaders at a black-tie dinner on Monday, December 9, 2013. The event will be held at the Russian Tea Room located at 150 West 57th St in New York, NY. Tickets for the event will be available this fall on http://www.AEPweb.org . Companies and organizations are encouraged to support this major event through the many sponsorship opportunities available. For additional information, please contact Jo-Ann McDevitt at jmcdevitt(at)publishers(dot)org or at 267-351-4327.
About the AAP PreK-12 Learning Group
A division within Association of American Publishers (AAP), the PreK-12 Learning Group serves its diverse membership by providing valuable resources and industry intelligence; fostering a fair, competitive and robust market; and encouraging the development of professional, quality content for teaching and learning. The Learning Group engages state, local, and federal policy leaders on such issues as funding, curriculum, testing, and literacy, and also organizes events, awards, and programs to support professionals at all levels. In 2013, the School Division of the AAP merged with the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) to form the PreK-12 Learning Group, which combines AAP's proven strengths in advocacy and legal affairs with AEP's successful programs for the benefit of its members. Read more at http://www.AEPweb.org