AETN Receives National Edge Award

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   The Association of Public Television Stations honored the Arkansas Educational Television Network this week for the Arkansas IDEAS professional development Web portal. 

   The Edge Award, which highlights excellence in the digital transition, groundbreaking partnerships and educational technologies, was presented at APTS Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., Tuesday. 

   “This is a wonderful honor and recognition of the long hours, hard work and dedication of all those who brought this idea to the table, worked on the partnership with and support of the Arkansas Department of Education and then brought it all to fruition in an incredibly short time,” AETN Executive Director Allen Weatherly said. “Accepting the award is one of the true highlights of my nearly three decades in this wonderful business of educational broadcasting. Providing this for Arkansas teachers is an even bigger honor.” 

   Internet Delivered Education for Arkansas Schools (IDEAS) is a free online professional development resource for Arkansas educators designed to enhance teachers’ content knowledge and instructional skills. Educational resources are available to every school and teacher in the state. The portal includes more than 70 TeacherLine courses, video-streaming, access to the AETN Scholar Channel and the means to hold online communications with other educators. An online version of the Arkansas Technology Institute is being developed. 

   “We are honored that AETN has been chosen to receive the Edge Award for the Arkansas IDEAS professional development Web portal,” AETN Education Director Kathleen Stafford-Branton said. “Addressing the needs of Arkansas educators and helping to shape the future of learning in the state are among our greatest priorities. Our commitment to the state's educational needs is bolstered by the realization that we are aiding teachers in becoming more successful in their classrooms and careers.” 

   Act 2318 of 2005 created the Arkansas Online Professional Development Initiative, a collaborative effort among AETN, ADE and PBS TeacherLine to offer online programs, workshops and courses to pre K-12 educators in the state. The goal of the initiative is to improve teacher quality as a means to increase student achievement. 

   For more information on Arkansas Ideas call 1-800-682-2386 or visit www.aetn.org.  

   “Public television continues to lead the television industry in rolling out a new generation of digital content and services for the American public,” APTS President and CEO John Lawson said. “Our award recognizes those stations and leaders who are at the cutting edge within public television. They truly are the best of the best in leading the digital revolution.” 

   APTS is a nonprofit membership organization established in 1980 to support the continued growth and development of a strong and financially sound noncommercial television service for the American public. APTS provides advocacy for public television interests at the national level, as well as leadership and information in marshaling support for its members – the nation's public television stations. APTS' affiliated organization, APTS Action Inc., provides legislative advocacy and seeks grassroots and congressional support. 

   The Arkansas Educational Television Network (www.aetn.org) provides lifelong learning opportunities, improves and enhances Arkansans’ lives and celebrates the unique culture of Arkansas through its programming. AETN’s six transmitters and numerous cable system connections give it statewide reach.