Read more about this year`s Teacher Hall of

Hall
Teacher
of
Fame
2015 - 2016
“It is because of teachers like you, Leona Teacher Hall of Fame
recipients, that we have been able to improve life chances for
thousands of young people in the last twenty years. You create positive
relationships with young people which help them take control of
their future. Teaching is the highest, most honorable profession. We
congratulate, celebrate and appreciate your passion, commitment and
enthusiasm. I wish you all the best as you continue to change lives and
make a difference for children.”
William Coats, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
“Northridge staff, students and parents absolutely love the support and encouragement
that Mr. Raddatz provides,” said Ms. Brown­-Coates, Northridge Academy school leader.
Through self-reflection and research, Mr. Derek Raddatz took the initiative to improve
his teaching to fit the needs of his students. He found strategies in brain-­based teaching
that strengthened his commitment to excellence in the education of our students.
October
Derek
Raddatz
Northridge Academy, First grade
“Through informal observation and feedback from students, Mrs. Llanes is viewed
as having a positive impact on student achievement,” said Ms. Hines­Jenkins, César
Chávez Academy Middle School leader. Ms. Josefina Nichols sets high expectations for
her students and follows up to be sure they are meeting those expectations. Her passion
for student achievement shines through when she stays late and comes in early to plan
and help students one-on-one.
Josefina
Nichols
César Chávez Academy Middle School, Eighth grade Math
October
Cherita
Hill
“Ms. Cherita Hill is an extremely positive role model for both students and staff,” said
Ms. Gardulescu, Joy Preparatory Academy school leader. Ms. Hill plans creative and
motivating hands-­on science experiments for the students to perform in the science lab
which she created from a vacant classroom in the building. She continually tells her
students that they have the potential to learn and achieve at the highest levels. Currently
her students are researching outstanding scientists, doing activities, making timelines,
presenting biographies and even dressing up as these inspirational scholars.
November
Joy Preparatory Academy, Sixth through Eighth grade Science
Kendra
Smith
Ms. Kendra Smith has been nominated by both her instructional coach and a fellow
teacher. “She’s a mentor and meets with other teachers to welcome them aboard
and/or guide K-­2 teachers in the right direction of lesson planning, curriculum and
resources,” said Ms. Talbert, Highland Park Renaissance Academy instructional
coach. “Kendra’s room is beautifully arranged as a pleasant and safe learning
environment. She always plans fun and exciting lessons for her students,” said
fellow teacher, Olivia Everhart­-Howard.
Highland Park Renaissance Academy, First grade
November
“Rob has made an impact on me through the impact he is having on our students,”
said Juan Martinez, school leader at César Chávez Academy High School (CCAHS).
Mr. Robert Gardella is described as extremely responsible and dependable. Among the
many hats he wears at CCAHS are his roles as Leadership trip planner, 12th grade class
moderator and outstanding teacher.
November
Robert
Gardella
César Chávez Academy High School, Ninth grade ELA and
Tenth through Twelfth grade AP Literature and Composition
Jennifer
Cojeen
Ms. Jennifer Cojeen demonstrates strong foundational skills in her classroom instruction, classroom
management and carries out effective curriculum accommodations and modifications. The Francis
Reh Public School Academy (FRA) instructional coach, Ms. Pruitt, states, “I discover how much of
a ‘light bulb’ year kindergarten is when I observe her students from the beginning of a school year to
the end.” Jennifer’s outstanding instructional skills set her apart, along with her big heart of gold. She
provides young students with the knowledge, compassion, flexibility, patience and encouragement
they need in order to succeed. She currently has a visually impaired student (blind) in her class to
whom she provides unique educational support and fosters independence. “As I watch her pour life
and love into our students, I believe she is more than ‘just a teacher’ to them. She truly believes our
FRA students are amazing and she embraces being part of their journey,” said Ms. Pruitt.
Francis Reh Public School Academy, Kindergarten
December
Natalie
Hubbard
Ms. Natalie Hubbard just started at Highland Park Renaissance Academy (HPRA) about
five weeks ago and she has hit the ground running. Not only has she been doing hands­on lab experiments, but she has not slowed down since the first day. The students truly
enjoy science and they are eager to learn. Ms. Hubbard has good classroom management
skills and this is due to having consistent procedures and rules in place. “She’s small in
size, but has a huge presence. She doesn’t say much, but what she says speaks volumes.
She’s kind to the kids and they love her. She respects the staff and students, so she gets
it in return. She’s a joy to work with; others are learning from her,” said Rachel Talbert,
instructional coach at HPRA.
December
Highland Park Renaissance Academy, Sixth through Eighth grade Science
Emily
Wenger
Ms. Emily Wenger consistently displays the qualities of an exemplary teacher. Recently,
Ms. Wenger had her students complete a probability and statistics project which required
them to formulate a poll question and go out into their community and collect data.
Students then used their data to create graphs and tables which are proudly displayed
in our hallways. In addition, Emily also gives up her own planning time to provide
assistance to other teachers during their math tier groups. “Emily’s positive attitude,
leadership, and commitment have had an impact on her math students and the staff
at Dream Academy. We are proud to call her one of our own,” said Glenn Woodley,
instructional coach at DREAM Academy.
Dream Academy, Ninth and Eleventh grade
December
Carmen
Ruiz
“In short, Ms. Carmen Ruiz has made and continues to make a huge impact on the
lives of our students,” said Ms. Galarza, Hope of Detroit Academy (HODA) assistant
school leader. Ms. Ruiz recently spent most of the summer of 2015 preparing for the
2015­-16 school year. She helped with the HODA summer program, attended a five day
conference and a four day STEM training so her students started the year at the best
possible vantage point. At the end of the 2014-­15 school year, over 70% of her class
attained grade level proficiency in reading, including the 85% of her students who use
English as a second language.
January
Hope of Detroit Academy, Kindergarten
Jarquita
Evans
Many adjectives are used to describe Ms. Jarquita Evans by Highland Park Renaissance
Academy (HPRA) staff. Creative, innovative, active, engaging, challenging, caring and
inspiring are just a few. Her students have been challenged to create 3-­D objects, design
sneakers and even create the costumes for the holiday program in her class. The students
have learned a great deal in these past few months. Rachel Talbert, HPRA instructional
coach said, “Engagement is her #1 asset. The students love her and the staff have nothing
but good things to say about Ms. Evans!”
January
Highland Park Renaissance Academy, Sixth through Eighth grade Art
Cortney
Kosmala­-Jackson
“Mrs. Courtney Kosmala­-Jackson is the teacher I want all students to have,” said Juan Martinez, school
leader at César Chávez Academy High School (CCAHS). This teacher eagerly seeks out opportunities for
her students to thrive. Among her outstanding efforts over the years, she contributed to the implementation
of Advance Placement (AP) classes in Government and human geography. She brought the “We The
People (WTP)” program with which students compete in the annual state competition to the school and
she takes students to meet business leaders and elected officials through her partnership with the Detroit
Economics Club. Students have access to internships and education through her relationship with General
Motor’s Law Department, she takes students on local field trips to see the law in action and students learn
about educational, economic and political power of underrepresented communities during trips to the
prestigious Damon Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University Law School.
January
César Chávez Academy High School, Ninth through Twelfth grade History and Government
Lisa
Casteel
“Lisa Casteel is a teacher of excellence who gives her all to her class,” said Latricia
Brown-­Coates, Northridge Academy (NA) school leader. Among her talents as a teacher,
she excels at keeping her students engaged, while also managing the environment
to keep it positive. She is dedicated to her students. Ms. Brown­-Coates adds, “Ms.
Casteel’s students realize and feel the love that she has for them.” For individuals who
may need additional help with academic challenges, she uses music therapy during the
class period to maintain serenity for her students.
Northridge Academy, Third grade
February
Melanie
Burchard
Ms. Melanie Burchard’s class routines show off bell ­to ­bell rigorous instruction, studentcentered learning and the ability to weave test preparation into her daily curriculum. She
has welcomed both teachers from César Chávez Academy Middle School (CCAMS), as
well as from other Leona Group academies, into her classroom to model her instructional
techniques and debrief with the observers after class. She has served as a helpful resource
for her instructional coach, Brittiany Romero as she adapts to her new role at CCAMS.
Ms. Romero said “I can say that she is the ideal teacher­­. She possesses skill in her craft,
but is constantly working to improve her craft. She is quite a leader in our building.”
February
César Chávez Academy Middle School, Seventh grade ELA
Sandra
Sanchez
“Ms. Sanchez plays a huge role in our school. She has helped our students stay on track for
graduation and is largely responsible for our 89% graduation rate. Ms. Sanchez has helped our
seniors apply and receive more than $5 million in scholarships annually and she is responsible
for our seniors submitting more than 800 college applications in 2014-­2015”, said school
leader Juan José Martínez. Martinez added, “Ms. Sanchez has very close relationships with
our students and she has helped them believe that college is possible.” Serving for nine years
at CCAHS, Ms. Sanchez has built many community and college relationships that benefit our
students, such as a TRIO partnership with Central Michigan University and “Gear Up” with
Wayne State University. She facilitates an after­school club called “Club Clue,” which allows
students to have experiences in different cultural locations.
February
César Chávez Academy High School, college and career advisor
Heather
Gravlin
Ms. Gravlin has been nominated by her instructional coach. “If you walk into her
classroom, you will see students working together for a common goal,” said Mr. Wright,
HDA instructional coach. Ms. Gravlin has created an atmosphere where students help
each other during classroom time. It is an environment of cooperative learning where
everyone participates in the educational process. Ms. Gravlin has found engaging ways
to encourage the practical use of STEM, which HDA has been focusing on this year,
in her classroom. For Valentine’s day, her students created a catapult with which they
launched their Valentine’s treats to one another. What a great way to generate excitement
around STEM application!
March
Hope of Detroit Academy, Fourth grade
Timothy
Hall
Mr. Timothy Hall varies his methods for creating an incredible classroom environment
while engaging and educating his students. He applies hands­-on lab activities using
relevant materials so students get up close and personal with the science lesson in class.
He incorporates rap, choreographed dances demonstrating cell movement, mnemonics
to aid in memorization and both videos and songs to teach students in a way they
will always remember. He is a team player, working with his colleagues to provide
opportunities for students to succeed, as well as giving up his prep hour to help students
with math. “Mr. Hall sincerely cares about our students. He works hard every day to
create and deliver lessons that will engage his students,” said Francis Reh Public School
Academy instructional coach, Ms. Casey.
March
Francis Reh Public School Academy, Sixth through Eighth grade Science
This is Mr. Mitchell Burdick's first year on the Dream Academy staff. “Mr. Burdick
continues to show growth not typical of a first year teacher,” said Mr. Woodley,
instructional coach. His classroom management, lesson design and confidence have
grown by leaps and bounds this year. Mr. Burdick gives up his planning time to tutor
students in math. He also stays late providing instruction to any students who need help
in our after school enrichment program.
March
Mitchell
Burdick
Dream Academy, Tenth grade Geometry, Twelfth grade Trigonometry
Jennifer
Hoskins
“Ms. Hoskins truly wants the students to learn and will do whatever it takes for each student
to meet their potential,” said Mr. Wright, Hope of Detroit Academy instructional coach. Ms.
Jennifer Hoskins brings new ideas into the student environment and initiatives to help them
improve academic performance. She introduced the idea of individual student data binders in
her classroom so each student can see their own successes in learning. Activities have been
integrated in the binders so the students can do independent work in the areas in which they
need some extra practice. This helps them improve their own scores, leading to an increase in
their skills to communicate about what they can do to help themselves improve. These new
implementations in her classroom have even inspired other teachers to create and keep the
binders for the students in their classrooms.
Hope of Detroit Academy, Second grade
April
Lanora
Miles
Ms. Lanora Miles is new to the Highland Park Renaissance Academy (HPRA) family
this year and in her short time she has created a welcoming atmosphere in her classroom.
Students in her class regularly enjoy reading novels in the classroom and become
engaged in the learning process. Ms. Miles integrates technology into the classroom
and she is always available to advise her students on ELA. You can tell she is genuinely
connected to the students, as they look forward to seeing her everyday. “Ms. Miles is a
very upbeat, funny and outgoing teacher, who has a very close bond with her students,”
said HPRA instructional coach Ms.Talbert.
April
Highland Park Renaissance Academy, Sixth through Eighth grade ELA
Ross
Feldscher
Even though this is Mr. Ross Feldscher's first year on staff, “he has become a model
teacher as recognized by his students and the staff,” said Detroit Public Safety Academy
school leader, Mr. Pettway. He manages to instill high expectations (with successful
results) and develop good rapport with his students. His classroom delivery of content
is innovative and exciting for his students. Mr. Feldsher also supports and volunteers for
athletic programs at the school. Despite all of this, he still finds time to sponsor after
school activities and collaborate with the rest of the staff.
April
Detroit Public Safety Academy, Ninth through Twelfth grade U.S. History & World History
?
Chantra
Williams
“Chantra is an amazing teacher - a master of her craft!” said Francis Reh Public School
Academy (FRA) instructional coach, Ms. Casey. Ms. Chantra Williams uses center-based
learning in the classroom. Each student in a center group gets the opportunity to be a leader,
and this invigorates the students to feel empowered and gain confidence. This allows for
Ms. Williams to have one-on-one guided sessions with students, or specific groups who
may need differentiated instruction. Her centers are so successful, other staff members have
observed her classroom just to see how it is organized. Ms. Williams helps give professional
development presentations on best practices at FRA. She also pulls the community together
by organizing activities for family night. This year it was all about STEAM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and the community is still talking about it!
May
Francis Reh Public School Academy, Fifth Grade
Elvia
Martinez
Palos
“She (Ms. Elvia Martinez Palos) reaches each student at their level and pushes them
forward,” said Hope of Detroit instructional coach, Andrew Wright. Ms. Martinez Palos
is striving to become the best teacher she can be, and as a first year teacher, she hit the
ground running. She works countless hours both in and out of the classroom to put
together lessons that fill in the gaps for students who may be struggling. She encourages
kids to enter writing contests and finds creative ways for the students to show off their
writing skills. The contests allow the students a broader audience to appreciate their
compositions and three of her students recently placed in one of those contests.
May
Hope of Detroit Academy, Sixth through Eighth grade Writing
Ryan
Maxwell
Mr. Maxwell joined the Academy for Business and Technology (ABT) teaching staff
mid-year, but his enthusiasm could not be mistaken. He took the leadership role in the
science department and in working with other new staff members. The interest in his
students' success was clearly evident within the first few days of his role. He introduced
new classroom management systems into our high school classrooms and demonstrated
how routines and procedures have positive results with older students. He has opened
up his classroom during his lunch hour, after school and even during his planning hour
to help students and staff. “He has been a great asset to our staff and truly cares about
the students we serve,” says Ms. Daniels, ABT instructional coach.
May
Academy for Business and Technology, Ninth through Twelfth grade Science
The Leona Group thanks
for their generous contribution of
technology prizes.
School leaders, assistant leaders and instructional coaches
are asked to submit their nominations for monthly teacher
hall of fame candidates. These nominations are based on the
observations the school leaders make in their locations. It is up
to them to honor a teacher that they feel embodies the spirit of
their school’s mission. Once the nomination is sent electronically
to The Leona Group department of academic achievement, the
team reviews the nominees and base their decisions on who best
embodies the spirit of The Leona Group and academic success.