Fort Worth, TX, November 9, 2004—On October 20, the Amon Carter Museum presented its first Innovative Teaching Award to Peter Hacker, an assistant professor of history at Tarrant County College Northeast. Hacker received $2,500 and two American Airlines travel vouchers. The award was presented at the museum’s annual dinner for its Corporate Leaders Society. Both the dinner and the cash award were generously underwritten by Fidelity Investments. The vouchers were donated by American Airlines.

This new award recognizes an educator who has demonstrated exceptional creativity in using the Carter’s collection in classroom teaching. It is open to educators who are currently teaching at any level and in any discipline.

“We were very pleased to present this award to Mr. Hacker for his creative use of the museum’s collections in his lesson plans for his history students,” said Amon Carter Museum Director Rick Stewart. “The award is part of the museum’s continued commitment to promote the understanding of America’s heritage through works of art as well as to share the best teaching practices with educators.”

Hacker was selected for the award based on a history assignment he designed around the objects currently on view in the Carter’s permanent collection installation Encountering Texas, 1846-1856. The exhibition features the work of three artists who depicted various scenes of Texas during its early statehood. Hacker required his students to use the works of art as primary source material in drafting a historical essay on Texas’ first 10 years as a state.

“I am incredibly honored by this prestigious award and very grateful to the Amon Carter Museum, Fidelity Investments, and American Airlines for supporting teachers and educators,” Hacker said. “Incorporating the arts into educators’ lesson plans is a vital necessity if we expect our students to emerge from the education process as informed and well-prepared individuals.”

Douglass Reed, senior vice president and general manager of Fidelity Investments, added, Fidelity is pleased to be a part of the Amon Carter Museum Innovative Teaching Award. It is great that educators can promote America’s heritage through creativity using artworks at the Amon Carter Museum.”

Rick Wilbins, managing director, corporate communications for American Airlines said, “Collaborating with the Amon Carter Museum to support and recognize innovative educators is good for our schools and children, good for our community and good for American Airlines.”

The Amon Carter Museum’s education staff works with area schools and educators to provide a meaningful experience for students when they view the museum’s collection of American art. Through guided tours with the Carter’s gallery teachers, professional development programs, the Teaching Resource Center, the teacher newsletter, and other outreach efforts, the museum reaches more than 35,000 students and educators each year.