CCV Software - Serving education since 1982 | Knowledge Adventure Teacher of the Year Honored

Knowledge Adventure Teacher of the Year Honored

mary | 07 May, 2007 10:45

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.”

Kupfer’s 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 Microsoft 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 http://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.