(Dearborn, Mich.) – Now more than ever, teachers are finding ways to inspire outside of the classroom, and today The Henry Ford is proud to recognize 20 educators from across the country who have gone above and beyond with their students.
The winners were selected based on their ability to demonstrate habits of an innovator. Teachers who inspired their students to challenge the rules and take risks, who demonstrated how to be collaborative and empathetic, and taught the value of learning from failure and staying curious.
In previous years, Grand Prize winners won an all-expenses-paid 5-day immersive experience at The Henry Ford itself, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grand Prize was altered for 2020 and those changes are still in effect for 2021. Thanks to the program’s sponsor, Raytheon Technologies the Grand Prize winners will receive $1,500 in funds for classroom supplies, select merchandise from The Henry Ford and a 1-year premium subscription to the Henry Ford’s educational products and services. Winners will also be invited to participate in a THF Conversations panel discussion about their innovative teaching practices which will be broadcast live across THF social media (Date TBD). First place winners will receive an innovation teaching kit that includes The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation DVD set, merchandise from The Henry Ford and more.
Hosted by Mo Rocca, CBS' "Sunday Morning" correspondent and produced by Litton Entertainment, The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation is an award-winning half-hour program that tells the fascinating stories behind the historic innovators of the past and the forward-looking visionaries of today, showcasing the extraordinary talents and dedication required to bring their inventions life.
| Grand Prize Winners: | First Place Winners: |
| Rachel Arbor, Colo. | Brooke Brown, Okla. |
| Joann Blumenfeld, N.C. | Madison Coleman, Tex. |
| Michael Dunlea, N.J. | Cierra Coyner, Va. |
| Kelli Johnson, Md. | Christopher Hemler, Mich. |
| Lee Loden, Tenn. | Elizabeth Jorgensen, Wis. |
| Jennifer Macias Morris, Wash. | Valerie King, Ga. |
| Matthew Mutschler, Mich. | Kate Kogge, Va. |
| Amy Porter, Tex. | Melissa Romero, Mich. |
| Melissa Tracy, Del. | Heather Russell, Va. |
| Aziz Zahraoui, Va. | Christopher Stanley, R.I. |
Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford, a globally-recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Together with its online presence at thf.org, its national television series The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation and Invention Convention Worldwide, the growing affiliation of organizations fostering innovation, invention and entrepreneurship in K-12 students, The Henry Ford inspires individuals to unlock their potential and help shape a better future.
Litton Entertainment is the preeminent independent producer and distributor in the U.S. television industry, creating and distributing quality programming for over 20 years with a specialty in educational and informational (“E/I”) programming. Litton talent and crews can often be found on all five continents producing Emmy winning, rich and nutritious content distributed worldwide. Litton's Weekend Adventure, produced by Litton Studios, was the first program block of its kind and airs Saturdays on ABC stations nationwide. Litton Entertainment provides CBS Network with six original programs for Saturday mornings called CBS Dream Team: It's Epic!; The CW Network with One Magnificent Morning, a three-hour destination featuring E/I programming; and NBC stations with six original E/I series under the iconic brand The More You Know. Litton's syndication and news division distributes a diverse slate of programs including the new E/I block Go Time! and Consumer Reports TV. Litton is majority-owned by Hearst: http://www.hearst.com/
Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. Our global team of 180,000 employees pushes the limits of known science and redefines how we connect and protect our world. We are advancing aviation, building smarter defense systems and creating innovations to take us deeper into space. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
InHub
August 12, 2021
A Community Built by Educators for Educators
Help prepare all learners to be world-changing innovators, inventors & entrepreneurs.
inHub OverviewIntegrate Innovation Learning into Your Classroom
Learn more about workshops and experiences designed just for educators.
Professional DevelopmentResources that Activate an Innovative Mindset
Connect core disciplinary understanding to the real-world.
Curriculum ResourcesTake Learning Beyond the Classroom
Introduce them to iconic inventions, inspiring individuals, and unique settings that have changed the world.
Experiences & Field Trips