NBEF INNOVATIVE TEACHER GRANTS FOR EXCELLENCE RECIPIENT PROFILE

KENNETH REDLER
Woodrow Wilson School Art Teacher
Innovative Teacher Grant Recipient 2009 – 2011

Art Teacher Kenneth Redler is a 3-time recipient of the NBEF Innovative Teacher Grant for Excellence Program, totaling $1,802.82 in funding to benefit students at Woodrow Wilson School. Mr. Redler’s grant proposals to NBEF resulted in Newark and Philadelphia Museums’ Electronic Field Trips for over 350 Woodrow Wilson School 2^nd through 8^th graders.

The electronic field trip activities provided students with exciting educational museum experiences without actually having to leave the school building. Through the use of innovative technology within the classroom, students have been able to interact with the Docents of the museums, while getting a close up look at Art and History. In turn, Woodrow Wilson School students have been creating their own museum style exhibits of artwork.

Mr. Redler indicated that the catalyst which inspired him to seek the first grant he received from NBEF for collaboration with the Newark Museum was set in motion by a brochure he received while attending the New Jersey Teacher’s Convention in Atlantic City, N.J.  “After reading the Newark Museum’s booklet describing their distance learning program, I began to think of the many concerns related to bringing a great number of students on an off-site field trip. Presenting an interactive, on-site/in school field trip to the students alleviates the need for transportation, permission slips and extended funding.” He added, ”there is little lost class time and safety becomes a non-issue.” Furthermore,  “the Newark and Philadelphia Museum Electronic Field Trips are engaging, student friendly and educationally rich with excellent content standards. Our school days are seamless as students transition from their classes to the art room for their field trip experience and then moved back to class after the close of the programs.”

Ken Redler has been teaching Visual Arts in Woodrow Wilson School for six years. Woodrow Wilson School is a Pre-K through eighth grade campus with a diverse student body numbering approximately 425 students. He received a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts Education/Studio Art from Kean College of New Jersey in 1977 along with a New Jersey State Teacher’s Certification. Prior to his teaching career in New Brunswick, Mr. Redler dedicated 20 years of his creativity, talent, and skills to a floral business he owned and operated. He also led and structured educational programs as F.T.D.’s Education Chairman for New Jersey’s floral industry. Moreover, he taught courses using Art as Therapy to senior citizens with disabilities at Kean College from 1977 to 1979. 

Ken Redler (pictured right) receiving a certificate from NBEF Board President Russell Marchetta

The Philadelphia Museum Electronic Field Trip "An Innovative Educational Experience"