At RAFT we see examples of exceptional teaching every single day.  Educators from in and outside the classroom come through our doors and to the online store looking for ideas and resources that will help them convey complex concepts and get their students excited about learning. RAFT hands-on teaching resources are especially effective in conveying science and math concepts because children learn by experimenting through trial and error.  When students realize they can master science, math and other topics they get excited about learning and the possibilities they envision for their future expands.

In addition to providing ideas, professional development, and hands-on learning activities, RAFT promotes exceptional teaching by honoring educators of all kinds with RAFT’s “Hands-on” Award which is given to two educators each quarter. This program was started in 2011 and the library of best practices is growing on how the “Hands-On” award winners use hands-on teaching in a variety of settings, including science classrooms, after-school programs, and home school and faith-based environments, and vocational programs for adults with special needs. If you or someone you know meets the criteria for this award, please fill out the application form. We would love to hear from you.

The Robert Brownlee Award is another way we recognize exceptional teaching. Each year the outstanding efforts of a science teacher using hands-on learning in their classroom are recognized with this award made possible by a visionary scientist, Robert Brownlee. A creative genius,his inventions provided elegant solutions to complicated problems. If you know a K-12 grade science teacher that successfully uses hands-on learning methods to engage their students and you would like to nominate them for this award, please submit the form  by August 30. The winner will be awarded at our annual fundraising dinner on October 9.