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Outstanding Educators

Meet the APS Teacher of the Year finalists and find out why they stand out.

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Elementary Teacher of the Year Lorene Irvin knew she wanted a career that would allow her to help others. She had a tendency to cry when others got hurt, so she chose teaching over nursing. APS Today visits Mrs. Irvin’s kindergarten classroom where she has nurtured her “babies” for the past 34 years.

High Museum How do you know when you’ve spotted a masterpiece? Eleven hundred APS students and 15 teachers are getting the opportunity to answer that question on their own terms at the High Museum. Thanks to two grants from the McCathey-Dressman Educational Foundation, they are participating in the A Masterpiece of Learning.

Middle School Teacher of the Year Zawadaski Robinson combines the discipline of a past military career with a strong science background to keep students at Price Middle School excited about coming to science class.

Newsbriefs Topping this month’s docket of newsbriefs:

  • As APS launches a math and science education initiative funded by a $22-million grant from the GE Foundation, the GE College Bound program at Southside High School continues to prepare students for higher education.
  • Five APS teachers earned National Board Certification, bringing to 51 the total number of APS educators with the advanced certification.

U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings made a special trip to Venetian Hills Elementary to celebrate the school’s recent designation as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and the district performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. - High School Teacher of the Year: “It’s not unusual for a coach to expect his players to outrun him,” says Mays High School math teacher Mack Graham. Mr. Graham expects his students to exceed his math ability by their senior years.

Teacher of the Year Announcement There are three outstanding finalists, but only one can earn the title of systemwide teacher of the year. Before the announcement is made, each teacher receives a special tribute from current and former students as well as colleagues.

Holiday Performances APS Today gets into the spirit of the season at the district holiday concert. We’ll leave you with a sampling of the top musicians and vocalists from all grade levels.