RESTON, VA, December 6, 2006 -- The Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) has named Paul Foster, PrintED instructor at Sollers Point Technical High School in Baltimore, MD, the recipient of their 2006 Academic Education Award of Excellence. In its 22nd year, the annual contest recognizes companies and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to education and training in graphic communications. Paul Foster accepts the Education Award of Excellence from Jim Workman at the 2006 GASC/PIA/GATF Teachers' Conference. Prior to launching his teaching career, Foster spent 16 years in the printing industry. He joined the Sollers Point staff as a graphic communications instructor seven years ago, and during that time has become a strong advocate of PrintED. PrintED's emphasis on industry-defined competencies and standards has been a vital guide to the Sollers Point program, Foster says. "We are trying to model our program on what print shops really need to do today in order to compete," he explains. "That means it's more than just printing. PrintED has kept me on track to teach my students the things they need to know to succeed," Foster says. Foster's support of the PrintED program extends beyond the school grounds. He has backed a variety of initiatives designed to make the PrintED process more user-friendly and has promoted the sharing of ideas and curriculum materials among teachers throughout the state. He has also worked with the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) to develop a process for teachers seeking PrintED accreditation to complete their applications and supporting documentation electronically. Additionally, he has worked with the Maryland State Department of Education to organize statewide informational meetings, and recently helped launch a web forum for teachers at http://board.pgama.com. The forum, which is hosted and supported by the Printing & Graphics Association, Mid-Atlantic (PGAMA), provides a framework for teachers to exchange information with other teachers nationwide and share their experiences in compiling and presenting the data required for PrintED accreditation. Rhonda D. Hoyman, Technical Program Supervisor in the Offices of Career and Technology Education, Baltimore County Public Schools, comments that "Mr. Foster's achievement is not only a great honor for him, but also a recognition that Sollers Point Technical High School is preparing students for high skill, high wage and high demand occupations." GAERF Chairman Randolph W. Camp of Walton Media Services in Monroe, GA agrees. "The recognition of Paul Foster by PIA/GATF is a tribute to an outstanding teacher, and clear evidence of how much PrintED can enhance any graphic communications program."