Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - January 25, 2006

McDougal Littell Sponsors Secondary Social Studies Teacher of the Year Awards

BOSTON — January 25, 2006 — McDougal Littell, a division of Houghton Mifflin Company, announced today a renewed commitment to the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) to sponsor its Outstanding Secondary Social Studies Teacher of the Year awards for secondary school teachers. The prestigious awards will be presented at a ceremonial dinner held during the Council’s annual conference in December.

McDougal Littell publishes textbooks and educational technology in American history, world history and world geography at the middle and high school levels.

“We are proud to be associated with the National Council for the Social Studies, a widely respected organization devoted solely to social studies education,” said Dave Pieklo, corporate vice president and director of marketing, McDougal Littell. “By partnering with NCSS, we are demonstrating our commitment to supporting both social studies teachers and social studies education.”

“NCSS is pleased that McDougal Littell has made a commitment to honor the work of secondary social studies professionals by continuing its sponsorship of the Outstanding Secondary Social Studies Teacher of the Year awards,” said Peggy Altoff, president-elect, NCSS. “Their willingness to partner with NCSS clearly demonstrates a dedication to recognizing eligible teachers for their creativity, scholarship, exemplary use of social studies standards, innovative teaching methods and involvement in professional development to improve their teaching.”

She added, “This is one of the most important events of the conference. I have seen the joy in the eyes of award recipients and their heartfelt appreciation for the celebration and validation of their years of doing their best to enhance learning for students. This collaboration assures that the best secondary social studies teachers in the nation can continue to be honored in a very special way.”

To be considered, nominees need to meet the following criteria:

• Develop or use instructional materials creatively and effectively.
• Incorporate innovative and verified effective instructional strategies and techniques.
• Utilize new scholarship from history, the social sciences or other appropriate fields.
• Utilize the ten interrelated themes identified in NCSS curriculum standards: culture; time, continuity and change; people, places and environment; individual development and identity; individuals, groups and institutions; power, authority and governance; production, distribution and consumption; science, technology and society; global connections; and civic ideals and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a spirit of inquiry and the development of skills related to acquiring, organizing, processing and using information and making decisions related to both domestic and international matters.
• Demonstrated ability to foster the development of democratic beliefs and values, and the skills needed for citizen participation appropriate to students' grade level in classroom, school and community settings.
• Evidence of professional involvement in activities such as workshops, curriculum development, committees and other association activities, etc.

About the National Council for the Social Studies
Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies has encouraged unique and innovative social studies education projects through its award and grant programs, and grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. The annual conference, which brings together more than 4,500 social studies professionals from all across the world, is held in a different city every year each fall. The 86th annual conference will take place December 1–3, 2006, in Washington, D.C. Nominations for the 2006 Outstanding Teachers are due April 1. For more information, visit www.socialstudies.org/awards.

About McDougal Littell
McDougal Littell, a division of Houghton Mifflin Company, is among the fastest growing publishers in the United States, recognized for its innovation, dedication and responsiveness to the needs of educators. Based in Evanston, Illinois, the Company publishes print and technology materials for language arts, mathematics, social studies, world languages and science for grades 6 through 12. The Company’s Web site can be found at www.mcdougallittell.com.

About Houghton Mifflin Company
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Company is one of the leading educational publishers in the United States, with more than $1 billion in sales. Houghton Mifflin publishes textbooks, instructional technology, assessments and other educational materials for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers. With its origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. The Company's Web site can be found at www.hmco.com.