Teaching Aids

Each year the Instructor Development Committee provides an opportunity for all Districts to share their best teaching aids with other USPS instructors at the Teaching Aids Exhibit during the Annual Meeting.

All District Best in Show awards are eligible to earn recognition in the annual competition. Districts are encouraged to hold a Teaching Aids competition at their Fall Conference and submit their winning aid for National recognition.

Teaching Aid Award Description

Districts are encouraged to hold teaching aids exhibits and competitions at their Fall Conferences. Aids that have been used in any USPS course or seminar during the past two educational years are eligible for considerations. The one manual or electronic teaching aid selected as “Best of Show” will be eligible for submission to the annual exhibit at the Annual Meeting of USPS. All entries submitted will be evaluated and ONE entry will be designated as “Best of Best”. The name of the submitting District will be added to the BELL AWARD on display at Headquarters. Additionally, the Bell Award district along with second and third place districts will receive Certificates of Appreciation to be presented at a district conference. An announcement of the winners will be made during the Annual Meeting and the certificates mailed to the District Commander after the event. All entries will be featured on the ID Committee web site and accessible by all members and instructors.

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Teaching Aids Submittal Guidelines

1. The Teaching Aid must have been used in a USPS course or seminar during the past two educational years.
2. Each District may enter one aid that was judged “Best-in-Show” at their last District Fall Conference.
3. The teaching aid must be accompanied by the following three pieces of paperwork where applicable: (a) a statement of purpose; (b) construction plans; and (c) operating instructions. Electronic copies of these should be emailed to the Chair, IDCom prior to the Annual Meeting. This will give the committee an idea as to the number of aids being displayed and will be included with the pictures posted to the IDCom web site.
4. A completed registration form must be hand delivered to the Teaching Aids Exhibit Registration Desk. The form may be completed, saved, and printed on-line.
5. Any District shipping a teaching aid to the exhibit at the Annual Meeting must send it to the Annual Meeting hotel marked: “Hold For (Your District Representative)”, probably your DEO.
6. Shipped aids must arrive by Thursday, the week of the Annual Meeting.
7. The Instructor Development Committee will neither accept nor re-ship any Teaching Aid that was sent to the Annual Meeting site.
8. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the District.
9. Teaching Aids must be registered on Thursday between 0900 and 1600; Teaching Aids must be displayed by Friday morning as judging will begin at 1200 on Friday.
10. The exhibitor is responsible for placing the teaching aid as directed by an ID Committee Member.
11. Teaching Aids will be on display in the vendor area of the Annual Meeting. This area is normally open from 0800 Thursday through 1200 Saturday and all Teaching Aids must be removed by 1100 Saturday. Please check the Annual Meeting agenda for any changes.
12. A Teaching Aid that has won Best in Show at the Annual Meeting Exhibit is not eligible in ensuing years.
13. The exhibit area may not be staffed for extended periods during the conference or overnight. All reasonable steps will be taken to ensure security of the exhibits but IDCom will not be responsible for any damage or loss to the teaching aid. If you have specific concerns please contact the Chair, IDCom.

A printable PDF copy is also available.

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