(WASHINGTON, D.C.) January 7, 2016 – Last year, SmartBrief readers were challenged to think outside the box by two original content pieces on learning with laughter and why student data doesn’t tell the whole story. The two stories were selected by readers as the winners of SmartBrief’s second annual Educators’ Choice Content Awards. “Laughter and Learning: Humor Boosts Retention” by Sarah Henderson and “Data Doesn’t Tell a Student’s Whole Story” by Ramy Mahmoud were chosen from among 20 original content pieces written by educators, for educators.

“The Educators’ Choice Content Award is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the amazing things educators are doing inside and outside the classroom,” said Senior Education Editor Melissa Greenwood. “The content written by this year’s winners caught our editors’ and readers’ attention because of the unique topics and innovative voices of the educators.”

Each month SmartBrief Education editors honor two original content pieces that inspire readers to engage, innovate, and discuss. At the end of the year, the editors asked readers to pick their favorite of the 20 stories; more than 5,300 voted. In addition, members of ASCD’s Emerging Leaders program—a group of diverse, forward-thinking educators—weighed in with their top picks.

Both winners will be honored during a reception at the ASCD Annual Conference in April.

Sarah Henderson has taught high-school English in private schools in Michigan, California, and Arizona for the past 19 years. She is passionate about becoming a better teacher by learning more about the cognitive functions of the brain.

“Thank you to the SmartBlog editors,” Sarah said when she learned about being chosen for the award. “I am honored to be selected as an Educator’s Choice Content Award winner. It’s exciting to bring further attention to the advantages of using humor in the classroom.”

Ramy Mahmoud is a science teacher for the Plano Independent School District in Texas and is a part-time senior lecturer at The University of Texas at Dallas.

“I am incredibly honored to accept this award,” Ramy told editors. “Every bit of success I’ve had in teaching has come from lessons learned from fellow educators and role models. It’s so humbling and incredibly gratifying to know that I may now play a small role in influencing my colleagues.”

Read more about the awards program and access links to each nominated story.

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