Awards and Recognition

Since its inception in the early 1980's, the Highly Effective Teaching - HET Model (formerly known as ITI) has provided the foundation for school reform and improvement in more than 3,000 schools in over 40 states, as well as several countries. It is estimated that 1.5 million students have been taught using these proven methods. The HET Model is selected by schools and districts as a vehicle to implement state and national standards and as a means for improving the learning environment for teachers and students. The Model, as well as founder and author, Susan Kovalik, have received several prominent awards and recognition, including:

(2005) Keeping America Strong Award
Recognition from the Heartbeat of America presented to founder, Susan Kovalik & CEO

(2004) Brock International Prize in Education (nominee)
Susan Kovalik nominated for this prestigious prize (the only woman out of seven nominees)

"When the contact came (from Slovakia) looking for an education model
that would make their school teachers and children creative again –
Susan (Kovalik) didn't hesitate before she committed her time and her funds,
but most of all, her heart to helping these strangers from across the sea
to begin to reform their educational system."

(1999) St. Gorazda Medal
presented by the Minister of Education, Republic of Slovakia to Susan Kovalik and Sr. Patt Walsh
for providing a democratic education alternative to former communism

(1999) Pamatna Medal of Honor
awarded by Trnava University, Republic of Slovakia, presented to Susan Kovalik for providing a model for humane teacher training

(1999) CSR Programs
selection for inclusion in the Federal Comprehensive School Reform Catalog

(1999) Silver Apple Award
National Education Media Network for "LIFESKILLS: How to Create a Class Family"

(1998) NASA Women of Achievement Award
presented to Susan Kovalik - for successes and contributions to their professions

(1988) Gold Apple Award
National Education Film & Video Festival for "I Can Divide & Conquer: The Story of Division Day"

(1984) Red Apple Award
National Education Film & Video Festival for "Orchestrating Learning - Tape II"

Distinguished Lecturer Keynote Speaker
ASCD Conference, three years running - recognition for Susan Kovalik

(1984) Gifted Teacher of the Year
State of California award given to Susan Kovalik

(1978) San Jose Youth Commission Award
to Susan Kovalik in appreciation of service to the youth of San Jose, California

(1979) 4-H Adult Advisor Award of Appreciation, Santa Clara County, California
to Susan Kovalik in appreciation of time, energy, and effort on behalf of young people

(1979) YMCA Award
to Susan Kovalik in appreciation of continued support of programs that benefit children

Recognition of our innovative Education Model
The following organizations have selected the ITI Model (now HET) as a model for program improvement:

• David and Lucile Packard Foundation – ten-year effort to improve science education, K-6 (more than 45 schools in 16 districts over seven counties in the state of California) and a five-year effort to create model Middle Schools
• Michigan State Department of Education – recommended for Title 1 programs
• Indiana State Department of Education – statewide School Improvement Program involving over three hundred schools
• Institute of Creativity (formerly of Czechoslovakia) – first choice as the educational Model to replace the country's communist system and form a new democratic education program for Slovakia
• Alisal Elementary School District – used the brain research base of the Model and its strategies as a cornerstone for the district wide bilingual and literacy programs (California)
• District wide model for school improvement in more than 40 districts throughout the United States
• Federal school reform effort – CSRD (Comprehensive School Reform Demonstrations) – one of 56 models selected for its breadth, quality of trainings and on-site coaching, and support materials
• American Youth Policy Forum – included in Finding Common Ground: Service Learning and Education Reform by Sarah S. Pearson, a survey of 28 leading school reform models; one of three models whose founder was selected to make a presentation to an audience of 160 Washington D.C. policy makers