The Washington Examiner
Friendship Public Charter Schools' Teacher of the Year Ceremony
By Mark Lerner
Monday, April 19, 2010
My wife and I had the distinct pleasure last Saturday night to attend a ceremony announcing the Teacher of the Year for 2009 - 2010 for Friendship Public Charter Schools. Allow me to set the set the stage.
The event was held at the J.W. Marriott in downtown Washington, D.C. There hundreds of teachers mingled over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with the schools' board members, supporters, and other staff in a setting equal to the elegance of a Presidential inaugural ball. The attire of those in attendance matched the ambiance to perfection.
Professionalism was clearly on the mind of Friendship's founder and board chair Donald Hense. "Every year I see more and more people here in tuxedos," he commented toward the beginning of the dinner. "Perhaps one day in a few years all men will be wearing one."
Nine teachers were nominated by their co-workers for the award. Michele and I had the honor of speaking to a couple of them. Kun Ye Booth, a science teacher at Blow Pierce Junior Academy, explained why she thought she was selected. Her face lit up as she tried to convey the enthusiasm and resources she brings to her classroom everyday. She pointed out that when you are that engaged it is difficult for the kids not to be excited about learning.
All you have to know about Meyassa Baker, an English teacher at Chamberlain Elementary, is two numbers, 70 and 80. 80 refers the percentage of students in her classroom who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Over 70 is the percent of her kids that are proficient in reading.
The others up for the award included Allison Crouch, Collegiate Academy; Tina Fletcher, The Academies of Anacostia; Christina Lee, Technology Prepatory Academy; Ethan Powe, Southeast Elementary Academy; Kelly Scheuermann, Friendship Academy of Engineering and Technology; Christopher Mason, Friendship Academy of Science and Technology; and Jimise Winston, Woodridge Elementary and Middle School.
The winner receives $15,000 and a trophy with each of the other contestants earning $5,000. In an especially classy move it was explained that the cash award include funds to cover all applicable Federal and state taxes.
During the formal program each teacher was introduced by the Principal of their respective school. A short video, produced at the same high level of quality as everything else we witnessed, filled in the details behind the nomination. A full color program also highlighted the work of each educator. April Ryan, White House Correspondent for American Urban Networks, did a perfectly efficient job as Mistress of Ceremonies.
I don't think my eyes were dry during the entire event.
5 independent judges from outside of Friendship selected the winner. The award for this school year was presented to Ms. Crouch. a math teacher with 11 years in the field. In the video announcing her nomination her students attested to the fact that Ms. Crouch always works with her pupils until they understand the concepts before them. "She makes math understandable," one of her students remarked, not forgetting to add, "and fun!"
In the end, of course, this night was really about the children. During his closing comments Mr. Hense reminded us in a soft deliberate manner that he was active in this country's civil rights struggle. In fact, he was the head usher at Dr. Martin Luther King's funeral. I could see that he is still fighting the fight.
"We purposely open our schools in the poorest neighborhoods in this city," he said. "That is because we believe in our hearts that every child can learn."
After spending a few hours with these teachers I am completely convinced that they will. I am hoping I'll be invited again next year. If I am fortunate enough to attend I'll be the one taking notes in a tuxedo.