Get Out the Vote! Announcing the 2013 iEducate Delaware Finalists
GET OUT THE VOTE! Visit www.ieducatedelaware.org to view profiles and vote for your favorite iEducate Delaware finalist!
It’s no secret that Delaware is home to many unsung heroes in the lives of our state’s children. That’s why we’re excited to announce the fifteen finalists for the second year of the iEducate Delaware initiative, recognizing outstanding individuals who improve student learning and achievement in innovative ways. The finalists represent a diverse cross section of educators, community leaders, and other inspiring individuals from up and down the state who are dedicating their time and leadership to Delaware’s students.
Public voting has kicked off! You may vote once daily for up to three separate finalists, with voting coming to a close on September 9th. An external advisory group will choose the honorees based on voting results and the finalists’ grant proposals. Up to five winners will be announced at the Vision 2015 conference on October 9, 2013. Honorees will have their stories published state and nationwide and will receive $2,000 toward the education-related cause related to their nomination.
The finalists are:
Dawn Alexander, a preschool teacher at Warner Elementary School in the Red Clay Consolidated School District who prioritizes family engagement, developing the FRIENDs Families Reading to be Invested, Engaged, Nurturing, and Devoted program.
Tara Amsterdam, a teacher at Wilbur Elementary School in the Colonial School District who personalizes learning in her classroom to improve student learning and achievement.
Don Baker, the Executive Director of FAME (Forum for the Advancement of Minorities in Engineering) Inc. who spearheads programs and partnerships to prepare students for college and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Stephanie Barry, the Director for PAWS for Reading, a program in public libraries and schools that helps to students’ literacy skills by using therapy companion dogs.
Tameca Beckett, a youth services librarian at Laurel Public Library who established the Get Your MESS (math, engineering, science, and social learning) On! program to encourage learning skills for students.
Sharon Brittingham, the Development Coach Project Director for the Delaware Academy for School Leadership who helps provide school leaders with additional support and guidance.
Lane Carter, a teacher at Dover High School in the Capital School District who has developed initiatives and partnerships to help improve extended learning opportunities for her students.
Samuel Heed, the Senior Historian and Director of Education at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation who promotes the “Starting a Colony” lesson plan, helping bring local and national history alive for Delaware students.
Patches Hill, a technology systems manager at the Indian River School District who has improved the district’s technology offerings and supports, particularly allowing for underserved students to use these resources.
Matt Farina, a teacher at Mount Pleasant Elementary School in the Brandywine School District who created fitness programs for the school, including a Brandywine School District Elementary Fitness Festival, which was open to the local communities.
Jacqueline Lee, the principal at Gallaher Elementary School in the Christina School District who focuses on a whole-child wellness approach to help improve student learning and achievement.
Jennifer Nauman, the principal at Shields Elementary School in the Cape Henlopen School District who has lead the school to incorporate innovative technology to achieve her vision of a blended learning and/or flipped classroom learning environment.
Jack Perry, the principal at Prestige Academy Charter School whose focus is on preparing his students for college, utilizing programs such as establishing the Most Wanted tutoring program to provide additional help to students.
Ashley Sorenson, a teacher at Howard High School of Technology in the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District who piloted a college-prep and access program at the school, partnering with local and national nonprofits organizations and higher education institutions.