Teacher of the Year Award For Southeast School
By Odell B. Ruffin
WI Contributing Writer
Thursday, April 24, 2008
In accordance with the “No Child Left Behind Act,” school districts around the country are striving to ensure higher accountability and teacher performance. It was recently estimated by the District of Columbia Public School System Chancellor Michelle Rhee that 300 teachers in the district are not qualified to teach.
On April 19, the Friendship Public Charter School held their First Annual Teacher of the Year Award hosted by WHUR’S Taylor Thomas. An elegant crowd of the area’s principals, teachers and professors entered the building dressed similar to people attending the Oscars; a phrase mentioned throughout the night.
“Our attempt is to show people, not tell everyone, that these teachers are important in the lives of children. The significance of the award will make others strive to be in this group. This honors our very best. We wanted to show how to get and retain good teachers,” said CEO Donald L. Hense.
To a roaring reaction by family and friends, Narcella Windley attained the coveted “Teacher of the Year Award” and $15,000. A humble third grade teacher at FPCS Southeast Elementary Academy, her eyes full of tears said, “I am surprised and elated to win, these are such beautiful people here.”
As a part of the selection process, each of the nominees was asked to describe their teaching philosophy.
“Children have various needs when they arrive to my classroom. One never knows the experience they bring with them, whether negative or positive. As an educator, it is my responsibility to search for the treasures that are within them,” said Windley.
The top five teachers were chosen based on their ability to fulfill three core promises to students: individual accountability, instructional excellence and extraordinary results for every student. The other nominees included Stephenni Miller Allen, dance teacher Chamberlain Elementary; Valerie Scudder Blow Pierce Junior Academy, seventh grade teacher; Sarah Schiwal Woodbridge Elementary and Middle School, second grade teacher, and Prem-Raj Ruffin Collegiate Academy, AP Calculus teacher. All nominees where awarded a $5,000 each.
Every nominee was showcased on the big screen in a documentary about each teacher’s interaction with the students in the classroom.
At one time suffering from low-self esteem as a child, Allen used dance to restore her confidence.
“I would say that children should find something to help boost their confidence, a mentor or an extracurricular activity. It makes a big difference when a child can be proud of themselves,” said Allen.
On the difficulties of teaching; Ruffin sat back reflecting with a serious demeanor.
“The hardest thing is having to provide quality education every single day. We want to plant the seed and watch it grow all in the same day. But it takes time, diligence and patience,” said Ruffin.
Each candidate stood on the stage proud and dignified. As Hense spoke about them prior to announcing the award. The most gratifying of all was the impact seen through eyes of students. There was a sense of happiness and hope displayed by the children proud of their teachers. The FPCS classy event serves as wonderful example of what should be a national event honoring our teachers.
“Having a dream is so spectacular. I engourage any child that wants to become a teacher, there is no career you can have that doesn’t require a teacher to show you how to achieve that goal” said Teacher Valarie Scudder.