SMART launches new recognition programs to support World Teachers’ Day
CALGARY, ALBERTA --- October 5, 2006 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces its support for World Teachers’ Day. As part of its commitment to this celebration, SMART has launched teacher awards programs in nine countries, exemplary educator programs in 14 countries, program support for Intel® Teach to the Future and an international teacher-focused quarterly newsletter. These initiatives recognize outstanding educators for their achievements and also provide the global education community with best-in-class teaching tools and training support.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) initiated World Teachers’ Day to bring a sense of awareness to the current state of education systems and a sense of appreciation for the teachers constantly striving to provide quality education within these systems. Many economically challenged countries recognized as having substandard education systems have been able to leverage this celebration to make positive changes. UNESCO estimates that over 100 countries observe and celebrate World Teachers’ Day and create campaigns around the celebration in order to make a positive difference in education. SMART is supporting education improvements in several countries through the donation of technology products to outstanding teachers.
“The spirit of World Teachers’ Day is something that we embrace 365 days a year,” says Nancy Knowlton, president and co-CEO of SMART. “We have several programs that recognize outstanding teachers, and our products, training and education resources are all aimed at raising the standard of education worldwide.”
About SMART
SMART Technologies Inc. is both the industry pioneer and global education market segment leader in user-friendly interactive whiteboards and group collaboration tools. The award-winning family of SMART Board® interactive whiteboards is the most widely installed interactive whiteboard in the world because of its unsurpassed product quality, versatility and ease of use. School districts across the United States have standardized on SMART products, including New York City Board of Education, Atlanta Department of Education, Vermont Institutes, and San Diego City Schools. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard is used to teach over 11 million students in 330,000 classrooms in more than 100 countries around the world.
SMART is a private company founded in 1987. Employing more than 800 people, SMART is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with assembly facilities in Ottawa, and offices in Bonn, Tokyo, Shanghai, New York City, Chicago and Washington DC. SMART has been issued and maintains a broad portfolio of patents with numerous U.S., Canadian and other patents pending. In 1992, SMART formed a strategic alliance with Intel® Corporation that resulted in joint product development and marketing efforts, and Intel’s equity ownership in the company. SMART products are sold through dealers across North America and distributors worldwide. To learn more about SMART and its products and programs, visit www.smarttech.com and www.education.smarttech.com.