TORONTO -- Schoolteachers from Ontario and P.E.I. have won cash prizes for themselves and video equipment for their schools in the 2003 A&E Canadian Teacher Grant program.

The A&E program encourages elementary and secondary school teachers across Canada to develop "innovative and challenging" curriculum using the television channel's programming.

Winners in the 10th annual program are Marc Hodgkinson of Lorne Avenue public school in London, Bob Nicholson of Montague regional high school in Montague, P.E.I., Faye Posmituk of Goulbourn middle school at Stittsville, southwest of Ottawa, and Tim Sloan of Queen Mary school in St. Catharines.

Each receives a $1,000 grant and the school gets a colour TV, VCR and library of A&E videos.

"It is very gratifying to witness such an enthusiasm for teaching," says Shelley Blaine Goodman, vice-president of A&E Canada. "Canadian students will do well by these extraordinary teachers."

The winners were chosen from submissions from primary and secondary school teachers across the country. Judging was conducted by an independent panel of educators.

Three $500 winners were also announced: George Cizmar of Oakville, Pam Newton of Parry Sound, and Patricia Stang of Cambridget.