FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC, March 30, 2018 – Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national association for magnet and theme-based schools, is pleased to announce its 2018 Regional Teachers of the Year. These awards recognize magnet school teachers who exemplify instructional excellence in the classroom and outstanding leadership in their school and community. The recipients will be honored during Magnet Schools of America’s 36th National Conference in Chicago, Illinois April, 25-29, 2018. They are all eligible to be chosen as the National Magnet School Teacher of the Year. This award will be announced on the last day of the conference during a special awards ceremony.
“We are proud to acknowledge these magnet educators for their unique approach to teaching,” said Magnet Schools of America Executive Director Todd Mann. “All of these teachers are exceptional in their own way and have demonstrated an ability to connect with students and inspire them to reach their full potential.”
Regional Teachers of the Year are selected from Magnet Schools of America’s eight regions through a competitive application process. To be chosen, candidates must first be nominated, then they are required to submit a narrative application that describes their professional and educational background, teaching philosophy, community and family engagement efforts, and innovations in the classroom. They must also submit three recommendation letters, including one from a parent, one from a community partner, and one from a co-worker or an administrator.
All awardees must be members of Magnet Schools of America and have served as a magnet school teacher for a minimum of three years. Teacher of-the-Year applications are reviewed and scored by a panel of experienced magnet school educators.
2018 Regional Teachers of-the-Year
REGION I
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
JENNIFER DOWKER
Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School
Theme(s): Performing and Visual Arts
Grade(s): K-5
New London Public Schools
New London, Connecticut
REGION II
Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, The District of Columbia and International
SUSAN ELLERBEE
Randallstown High School
Theme(s): Biomedical Technology and Mass Communication, Academy of Health Professions
Grade(s): 11-12
Baltimore County Public Schools
Randallstown, Maryland
REGION III
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands
DALE J. ADAMSON
Howard D. McMillan Middle School
Theme(s): Medical and Health Sciences, Robotics Engineering and Technology
Grade(s): 6-8
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami, Florida
REGION IV
Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee
APRIL GUENZLER
Brooks Magnet Elementary School
Theme(s): Museums
Grade(s): K-5
Wake County Public School System
Cary, North Carolina
REGION V
Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas
JOHN HAYMAN
Southeast Middle School
Theme(s): Digital Arts and Technology
Grade(s): 6-8
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
REGION VI
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
MARGARET KOREMAN
Franklin Fine Arts Center
Theme(s): Fine Arts
Grade(s): K-8
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, Illinois
REGION VII
Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming
SHANNON RAINS
McLean Science & Technology Magnet
Theme(s): Science and Technology
Grade(s): K-5
Wichita Public Schools
Wichita, Kansas
REGION VIII
Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific
MEGAN FRANKE
Las Vegas Academy
Theme(s): The Arts
Grade(s): 9-12
Clark County School District
Las Vegas, Nevada
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To learn more about the Magnet Schools of America Teacher of the Year Awards, please visit www.magnet.edu
Press Contact: John Laughner, Communications Manager, john.laughner@magnet.edu, 202-824-0672
Raise the level of performance consistent throughout school districts nationwide and creates a platform from which all magnet schools can flourish. Magnet Schools of America’s national certification process is designed to recognize the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation and to help them as they grow.
