Dr. patricia Jordan

new York City, NY | YEARS TAUGHT: 1972 - 2001

Patricia feels that academic preparation, in addition to the equally significant personality components of passion and persistence, are core components of the art of teaching. Dr. Jordan explains that her past classrooms were entertaining, encouraging, and educational spaces. Her approach to teaching was to maintain her students’ comfort and confidence so that they could best learn and appreciate mathematics.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2004      Chasing Rainbows Award (Dolly Parton Foundation)
  • 1998      Tandy Corporation Technology Scholar
  • 1995      National Council of Negro Women Achievement Award
  • 1993      Disney Teacher Award
  • 1993      New York State Teacher of the Year
  • 1993      NAACP Humanitarian Award

richard T. Ognibene

Fairport, NY | YEARS TAUGHT: 1986 - Present

Richard says that a great teacher spells his name in fire on the blackboard or submerges himself in a barrel of water because he knows that exciting lessons inspire kids to learn the scientific principles at hand. Ognibene believes that teaching is the noblest job in the world because “we bring hope for the future. That is why I was drawn to teaching, and that is why I stay.”
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2011      Empire State Pride Agenda Community Service Award
  • 2009      Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence (National Education Association)
  • 2008      New York State Teacher of the Year
  • 2008      Betsey Exner Leadership Award (Fairport Educators’ Association)
  • 2007      Key to the City of Rochester
  • 2006      Crystal Apple Award
  • 2005      One Teacher in Ten Award

Susan M. Rippe

Olathe, KS  | Years Taught: 1983 - Present

Susan believes that excitement breeds excitement. She is passionate about teaching science and wants her students to become  mini scientists, life-long learners and hypothesizers who understand the process of science. Rippe firmly believes that the most productive relationship between student and teacher is based on mutual respect where the teacher is the facilitator of knowledge and students are empowered by their learning. The relationship is positive and interactive with high expectations.  Students feel safe and valued.  The teacher supports the students not only in the classroom but also outside by attending extracurricular events.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2009      Greater KC Regional Robotics Coach of the Year—Woodie Flowers Award
  • 2006      National Teacher of the Year, the Christa McAuliffe Memorial Award
  • 2005      Air Force Association Missouri State Teacher of the Year
  • 2005      Rotary District 5710 Educator of the Year
  • 2000      STAR Alumnus Award (Wichita State University)
  • 2000      Kansas — State Teacher of the Year

Ben talley

Bristol, VA | Years Taught: 1991 - Present

Ben feels that “the teaching profession is the highest of all possible callings for me.” He believes that good teaching is both art and science. Part of his calling, as he sees it, is to help all of his students to  find what inspires them to get excited about life and to point them onward with resources in that direction.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2014      Bristol Rotary Teacher of the Year
  • 2008      Bristol Mayors’ Award for Community Service
  • 2007      Adult Education Teacher of the Year
  • 2003      McGlothin Award for Teaching Excellence
  • 2001      Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year for Virginia

brigitte Tennis

Redmond, WA | Years Taught: 1981 - Present

Brigitte sees teaching as a vocation, a call from the core of her being—a call to ignite the fire of learning in others. Her approach is that all students can learn, but a great teacher must be positive and enthusiastic as well as knowledgeable and willing to put in the time to touch every child.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2013      Featured in "50 Heroes in the Classroom" in American Teacher, by Katrina Fried
  • 2011      Jones New York in the Classroom Award
  • 2008-09      Sylvan Learning “Teachers Who Make a Difference” Award
  • 2006      National Board Certification
  • 2006      Who's Who of American Teachers
  • 2005      Who's Who of American Teachers
  • 2004      DisneyHand American Teacher honoree
  • 2004      Who's Who of American Teachers
  • 2002      PTSA Outstanding Educator Award for Dedication and Service
  • 2002      Who's Who of American Teachers
  • 1998      Who’s Who of American Teachers