Congratulations to the 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award winners. They are truly teachers who demonstrate instructional expertise, creativity and innovation in their classrooms; who make learning engaging, vibrant and relevant for students; and who set a standard of excellence for all teachers. We are so proud of the work they do every day, bringing the joy of discovery and learning to children in our schools. It is an outstanding achievement. Please join us in congratulating them.
-
Mr. Louis Durban
Davis Aerospace & Maritime High School
9–11th Grade Mathematics“Louis is one of the best teachers I have worked with in my career. He does an excellent job creating an environment that is safe and positive where students learn from each other and push themselves through difficult work. ... His classroom is dynamic; his positivity contagious.”
-
Rev. B.A. Gregg
Cleveland School of Science and Medicine
9–12th Grade Foreign Language“Rev. Gregg is an incredibly innovative teacher. His approach to teaching and learning is student-centered and individualized—it is impossible to be bored in his class. ... He wrote the textbook for content expertise—literally. His textbook is used for all levels of Latin and Greek.”
-
Ms. Angelina Kinney
Douglas MacArthur Girls Leadership Academy
5th Grade ELA, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science“Angelina is a leader in her classroom and the school. Her students consistently demonstrate significant academic growth as a result of the quality education she provides them. ... She knows her curriculum and utilizes all of the tools at her disposal to support her girls.”
-
Ms. Lori Kurek
Buhrer Dual Language
3rd Grade English and Social Studies“Lori has created an environment that fosters a love for learning. Expectations are high: her students are always actively participating and engaging in learning. ... She goes well beyond her own needs to ensure her students are successful and achieve their academic and social goals.”
-
Ms. Vivian Meléndez
Rhodes College & Career Academy
10th Grade Mathematics“Vivian is truthfully the most dedicated and talented teacher I have worked with. She is deeply committed to the relentless reflection, improvement, and innovation of her craft. ... She only sees possibility. Her impact goes beyond her own students—she is treasured by all.”
-
Mr. Mark Miller
Paul L. Dunbar
1st–2nd Grade Special Education“Mark creates an exceptional learning environment by developing a positive and caring relationship with students, and a wonderful relationship with our families. He seeks to understand the whole child, exhibiting patience and constant encouragement. ... His passion for education is immeasurable.”
-
Ms. Aurea Orengo-Caraballo
Luis Muñoz Marín
3rd Grade Mathematics, Science, Spanish Language Arts“Aurea has an incredible passion and determination for teaching. Her students lead and run the classroom. She teaches in a way that her students not only learn the content, but love learning. ... She treats everyone with dignity and always goes the extra mile without hesitation.”
-
Ms. Wendy Pugh
Riverside
1st Grade“Wendy is amazing. She is a gifted educator with a unique talent to support a wide range of learners. She makes the most out of her time with students. ... Educators often pop into her room to watch her teach, as she always comes up with fun and innovative lessons.”
-
Ms. LaShawn Thomas
East Technical High School
9–12th Grade Grade Career Tech“LaShawn fosters a culture of respect and acceptance where every student feels valued and appreciated for their unique abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives. ... Her students create, design, build, and redesign structures and robots and leave her class with a thousand times more confidence.”
-
Ms. Toiya Williams-Washington
Albert Bushnell Hart
6–8th Grade“Toiya is one of the best science teachers I have ever encountered. She instills and grows a love of science in middle schoolers, helping them develop strategies for scholarly success. ... Her voice is strong and powerful within our school community, and she is well respected by all.”