WASHINGTON, March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pearson Foundation president Mark Nieker has been selected as one of the leaders from business, education, philanthropy, and government to serve as NEA Foundation 40th Anniversary Ambassadors. These 35 Ambassadors will spend 2009 raising awareness of and support for the Foundation's work to help strengthen teaching and improve student achievement.

Nieker's appointment follows a series of partnerships between the two Foundations designed to promote 21st Century skills among educators and students through the Digital Arts Alliance, which trains teachers and students in digital moviemaking skills, and provides fully funded and fully equipped arts programs to middle schools, high schools, and community centers across the U.S. The Pearson Foundation is the founding member of the Digital Arts Alliance.

"Collaboration is central to our work, and by activating these leaders we hope to use our 40th Anniversary year to bring attention to the Foundation," said Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation. "Strengthening teachers; abilities to provide students with 21st century skills that will prepare them for college, work, and life is one of the most important investments our nation can make."

She added, "Key to the NEA Foundation's core work is its research-based, Closing the Achievement Gaps Initiative that is bringing together school districts, teachers' associations, parents, community leaders, and others to advance systemic reform designed to increase academic achievement, especially for low income and minority students."

Mark Nieker, president of the Pearson Foundation, said, "Working with the NEA Foundation over the last few years through the Digital Arts Alliance, on projects like the Closing the Achievement Gap Initiative and the Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence, has allowed Pearson to connect with great educators in new and powerful ways. I look forward to continuing this work with the other NEA Foundation 40th Anniversary Ambassadors."

The NEA Foundation
The NEA Foundation is a nonprofit, public charity created in 1969 and sustained by contributions from educators, corporate sponsors and others.  The NEA Foundation offers grants and programs that support educators' efforts to close the gaps in student achievement, increase classroom innovations, salute excellence in education and provide professional development.  For more information, visit www.neafoundation.org.  

About the Pearson Foundation
The Pearson Foundation extends Pearson's (NYSE: PSO) commitment to education by partnering with leading nonprofit, civic, and business organizations to provide financial, organizational, and publishing assistance across the globe. The Foundation aims to make a difference by sponsoring innovative educational programs and extending its educational expertise to help in classrooms and in local communities. More information on the Pearson Foundation can be found at www.pearsonfoundation.org. 

About the 40th Anniversary Ambassadors
Co-chairs: Terry Crane, Chris Gardner; Ambassadors: Barnett Berry, Jerry Caruthers, Mark Chichester, Grace Corrigan, Bonnie Cullison, Linda Darling-Hammond, The Honorable Michael F. Easley, Kelly Firment, The Honorable Lauri J. Fitz-Pegado, Mary Futrell, Ed.D, Michael Geisen, Leon Horne, The Honorable James B. Hunt, Cory Hunter, Sheila Johnson, Louis G. Lower II, Lori McFarling, Bob McGrath, Jessica Mendoza, Mark Nieker, Kimberly Oliver-Burnim, Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow, Gary Phoebus, Jesse Register, The Honorable Richard W. Riley, Sharon Robinson, Ted Sanders, Harriet Sanford, Dennis Van Roekel, Reg Weaver, Jerry Weast, Ed.D, Chad P. Wick, John Wilson.

Pearson Foundation

Pearson Foundation

Pearson (NYSE: PSO) is the global leader in educational publishing, assessment, information and services, helping people of all ages to learn at their own pace, in their own way. For students preK-12, Pearson provides effective and innovative curriculum products in all available media, educational assessment and measurement for students and teachers, student information systems, and teacher professional development and certification programs. Our respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, SuccessMaker, Waterford, AGS, PowerSchool, Chancery SMS, SASI, Pearson Inform, Teachervision.com and many others. Our comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

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