NEWS RELEASE
Contact:
Kati Elliott/Kathleen Pomorski
KEH Communications
410-975-9638
KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE TEACHER OF THE YEAR HONORED
Elementary school’s computer teacher receives recognition for
combining computer literacy and multi–curricular subject matter
Brooklyn, NY. – Apr.11, 2007 – An elementary school computer teacher who uses
project–based learning to integrate technology into multiple curriculum areas is the
Knowledge Adventure® Teacher of the Year. Katarina Kupfer of P.S. 164 Caesar
Rodney in Brooklyn, N.Y. was selected from a nationwide pool of candidates in the
culmination of Knowledge Adventure’s Teacher Awards Program.
Representatives from Knowledge Adventure joined students and teachers today at P.S.
164 to honor Kupfer who has won her school a computer lab, valued at $10,000,
consisting of eight Dell computers equipped with all of Knowledge Adventure School’s
software, as well as a full day of training for school staff. ”Mrs. Kupfer is a phenomenal
computer teacher. Her students are always engaged with creative projects and
educational research. I am so proud that she has earned this national award. It is
definitely well deserved,” said Danielle Bennett, the school’s assistant principal.
The rest of the school staff echoes Bennett’s sentiment. ”Kathy Kupfer is a competent
and dedicated teacher. Her knowledge of technology is an asset to the students, staff,
and parents of P.S. 164,” said Joann Altieri, the school secretary.
Kupfer has made it her goal to ensure that her pupils never experience the digital divide.
She begins teaching computer literacy at the pre–kindergarten level and embeds
technology into learning projects for kindergarten through the fifth grade. Students learn
mouse control, readiness, alphabet recognition keyboard activities, word processing,
graphics programs, proper keyboarding and Internet research.
”Mrs. Kupfer is caring and I think she enjoys teaching us because we enjoy when she
teaches. She taught me a lot about computers,” said Carmela Amerise, one of Kupfer’s
students. ”She’s nice and I’m glad she is the computer teacher. She is the best.” Added
Natalie Soto, another student at P.S. 164, ”Mrs. Kupfer is a very fantastic teacher. She
respects all of us and makes sure we are as educated as we need to be.”
Kupfers project–based learning activities incorporate not only technology but also multi–
curricular areas. For example, she has designed a four-day ’American History through
Architectural Masterpieces’ project for grades three through five. The project employs
Internet research, scanners, digital cameras and software ranging from Microsoft Word
and Excel to Diorama Designer, Neighborhood Map Machine, Community Construction
Kit, among others. All computer class activities are aligned with the school’s literacy
program.
Kupfer also teaches an after-school technology class for parents. ”For the past few
years, she has gone above and beyond by teaching our parents computer skills,” said
parent coordinator Brenda Soto. ”She is so appreciated by all of our parents for her hard
work and dedication. This award is well deserved. Congratulations.”
The Knowledge Adventure Teacher Awards Program was an essay competition for K–12
educators who are using technology to help students excel in the classroom. From April
2006 through January 2007, a panel of industry experts reviewed the essays and
selected a Teacher of the Month for each month. Kupfer was originally the December
Teacher of the Month and was selected as Teacher of the Year from all the eligible
essays submitted.
”Katarina Kupfer represents the many outstanding educators who are committed to
providing the best in educational technology practices for students,” said Stephanie
Calcott of Knowledge Adventure. ”We honor her for being a community leader and
preparing her pupils for future success.”
Educators can find Kupfer’s ”American History through Architectural Masterpieces”
lesson plan at www.teachersnetwork.org/readysettech/kupfer/kupfer.htm
Knowledge Adventure is represented by CCV Software in New York City. They can be
reached at 201–529–4500.
About Knowledge Adventure
For more than 20 years, children’s software pioneer Knowledge Adventure® has set the standard in creating premium educational products for use in both the classroom and the home. With award-winning brands including JumpStart®, Reading Blaster® and Math Blaster® found in one of every five American classrooms, Knowledge Adventure understands the needs of teachers and provides educators with the supplemental, content-rich materials needed to meet and exceed today’s education standards. Teacher tested and trusted, Knowledge Adventure software has helped millions of students build and strengthen essential learning skills. A subsidiary of Knowledge Holdings, Inc., the company is based in Los Angeles. For more information, please visit
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