Press Release
For Release: April 17, 2012
Download a photo of David Hobbs working with a student in his Winnacunnet High School classroom.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation awards 2012 Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical
CONCORD, NH – David Hobbs, an English teacher at Winnacunnet High School, has been named the recipient of the 2012 Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical.
The Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical is awarded annually by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. It provides an opportunity for one New Hampshire teacher to explore new ways to enhance classroom teaching through a self-designed project, the results from which may be used to help enrich the teaching profession statewide.
Hobbs, of Dover, received the award for his proposed project ‘Digitalliteracynh.’ He will spend the sabbatical year working with teachers around the state gathering how they promote 21st century reading and writing skills and sharing his research via a website and blog.
"Captivated by the potential of new interactive media and often challenged by reluctant learners, many reading and writing teachers are looking to digital media to expand the definition of what it means to be literate in the 21st century," said Hobbs. "[This project] will increase awareness and use of technological tools at the classroom level as well as promote communication and collaboration between New Hampshire districts, schools, and classrooms. Perhaps most importantly, it will create a living and lasting place for New Hampshire teachers to celebrate student work in a 21st century medium."
Hobbs has taught English at Winnacunnet High School for the past five years and also serves as the English department team leader. He received his B.A. in English Literature from Colgate University and both his M.Ed. and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana.
The Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical was established in 1986, when Governor John Sununu and the New Hampshire legislature had the foresight to permanently endow a fund that each year provides for a leave of absence to a talented New Hampshire teacher.
The statewide program is administered by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation with oversight from a steering committee made up of the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Chair of the of the State Board of Education, the Presidents of the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers and a McAuliffe family member.
About the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation manages a growing collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families and corporations. It serves communities throughout New Hampshire, southeastern Maine and eastern Vermont and makes grants and student aid awards annually totaling about $30 million. The Foundation is nonpartisan, frequently playing the role of convener and catalyst on a broad spectrum of issues. Based in Concord, the Foundation roots itself in the communities through regional advisory boards. More information is available at www.nhcf.org or by calling 603-225-6641.
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For further information, please contact:
Julia Olivares, 603-225-6641 ext. 1244 or jfo@nhcf.org
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