SALT LAKE CITY, July 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Canvas by Instructure (NYSE: INST), the open online learning management system (LMS) that makes teaching and learning easier, today announced the winners of its inaugural Teacher of the Year Awards. The awards recognize three exceptional K–12 teachers who are shaping the next generation of students. One winner was selected from each category: elementary, middle and high school.

"Congratulations to our winners, who are passionately dedicated to making learning fun and engaging and go above and beyond for their students," said Hilary Scharton, vice president of K–12 product strategy for Canvas. "We are so inspired by their dedication."

The Canvas Teacher of the Year Award winners are:

• Todd Miller, Fifth Grade Math Teacher, West Elementary (Arlington, TX)
• Nancy Barbara, Middle School ASL Teacher, Pasco eSchool (Spring Hill, FL)
• David Holland, High School Special Education Teacher, Rawlins High School (Rawlins, WY)

Each award winner reflected on what being Teacher of the Year means and why education is more important than ever. Here's what they had to say:

Todd Miller, fifth grade math teacher at West Elementary: "This is a validation of the work that we as teachers do and how we work hard to create learning environments for our students, even if they think they can't learn a particular subject. I use Canvas because I love it and it does so much for me; when my students use classroom technology I see a change happen. It's like someone flipped a switch and all of a sudden they're doing math without fear."

Nancy Barbara, middle school ASL teacher at Pasco eSchool: "There is a lot of work that goes into developing curriculum, making sure it meets standards, and providing students with exposure to Deaf and hearing cultures. All that hard work — my students' hard work — came to fruition in winning this award. When we make education moving, motivating and meaningful, we create successful learning environments. Canvas helps me do that."

David Holland, special education teacher at Rawlins High School: "Winning this award surprised me because many special education teachers and programs don't get a lot of recognition. But, we stay focused and act as the voice for our students, introducing them to classroom technology tools that help them learn, often bridging the gap in education so people know that all students matter."

Nominations were judged on the following criteria:

• How does this teacher redefine traditional classroom activities to prepare students for college and careers? (25%)
• How does this teacher's classroom experience improve achievement for at-risk populations? (25%)
• How does this teacher impact student engagement, curiosity and/or achievement? (50%)

ABOUT CANVAS
Through open, usable, cloud-based technologies, Canvas enables easy integration of the content, tools and services that teachers need and students want. As the most usable, customizable, adaptable and reliable learning platform (think 99.9% uptime), Canvas is adopted faster and deeper (or, is used in more ways by more users) than any other LMS. So, in the end, investing in 21st-century education technology actually makes teaching and learning easier (like it's supposed to). Learn more about Canvas at www.CanvasLMS.com.

ABOUT INSTRUCTURE
Instructure, Inc. is a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology company that makes software that makes people smarter. With a vision to help maximize the potential of people through technology, Instructure created Canvas, Gauge, Arc and Bridge to enable organizations everywhere to easily develop, deliver and manage engaging face-to-face and online learning experiences. To date, Instructure has connected millions of instructors and learners at more than 3,000 educational institutions and corporations throughout the world. Learn more about Canvas for higher ed and K–12, and Bridge for the corporate market, at www.Instructure.com.

CONTACT:
Becky Frost
Sr. Director, Corporate Communications
Instructure
801-869-5017
[email protected]

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SOURCE Canvas