FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Contact: Amber Lyons *  202-572-6247 * press@publicschooloptions.org              

National Coalition for Public School Options Announces

Indiana Pioneer of Teaching Award
 Teacher Recognized for Outstanding Service and Leadership

INDIANAPOLIS - The National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO), an alliance of parents working to protect parents' rights to access the best public school options for their children, today announced the winner of the Indiana Pioneer of Teaching Award.  Sean Grimes, a fourth grade teacher from Indiana Virtual Pilot School, is the Indiana award winner.  This award recognizes top performing elementary and secondary teachers in public charter, magnet, virtual and online schools.

NCPSO President and parent of virtual academy students Lori Cooney said, "Teachers play a vital role, creating innovative and individualized techniques that enable all types of students to learn.  For the second year, the Coalition is excited to acknowledge teachers who are deeply dedicated, go above and beyond, giving students every opportunity to excel outside the traditional classroom."

Mr. Grimes adds new learning opportunities for virtual students including a book club and Indiana state history class.  Mr. Grimes believes parental involvement is the key to a good education. "Education is forever changing and headed in a wonderful direction," Mr. Grimes said.  "I believe that our new endeavors have added a much needed nudge in helping us strive toward the quest for greater success with our youth."

Mr. Grimes is one of thirteen state finalists selected by the NCPSO board to compete for the national award also announced today.  Brian Lankford of Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest in Mesquite, Texas and Diane Williams of Anser Charter School in Boise, Idaho share the award of National American Pioneer of Teaching. 

Information on these awards can be found on the NCPSO website at http://www.publicschooloptions.org/.

The National Coalition for Public School Options is an alliance of parents that supports and defends parents' rights to access the best public school options for their children. The Coalition supports the creation of public school options, including charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs. Additionally, advocating for free and equal access without restrictions to these public schools for all children.

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