I love my job! I am just back from the Intel School of Distinction Awards in Washington, D.C. where I got to play Santa Claus to six deserving schools chosen by Intel as a school of distinction for their excellence in math or science education. I was one of many sponsoring education companies that had the pleasure of showering gifts of our products on these amazing schools.

Like so often happens when giving gifts, the giver gets more than the recipient. I was amazed and inspired by the teachers, principals, school board members and superintendents I met. The principal at Laguna Elementary School in Scottsdale, AZ asked me how she could share her awards of Kidspiration and InspireData site licenses with her sister school, as she makes a point of sharing everything she can with them. Not only does this school provide interactive science experiences for their students, their principal demonstrates the importance of drawing a "bigger circle".

Then there was the principal from Delay Middle School in Lewisville, TX. She was so grateful to receive customized professional development from the Training Resources staff at Inspiration. It is no wonder that DeLay students have improved their math performances by virtually 30% in the last 3 years, as the principal places a strong emphasis on professional development for teachers and administrators and provides many opportunities for their teachers to "stay on top of their game".

Milwaukie, Oregon's Sojourner School was selected as this year's Intel Star Innovator for its innovative and rigorous mathematics program. Sojourner’s six math teachers are the most highly trained in their district. One teacher has received both the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and the Milken Educator Award.

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks for the “inspiration”!