Andrew BeiterSpringville, NY | YEARS TAUGHT: 26Mr. Beiter believes, “Teaching is the art of inspiring and empowering others to reach their full academic, social, and personal potential. I feel so fortunate to have been guided by positive influences to enter what I feel is a sacred calling, one that allows me the privilege of loving my students, caring for them, and at my best, inspiring them to take the torch that others have given me.”
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
2020 Panel participant on Holocaust Education at 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Krakow, Poland 2017 Collaboration Award from Erie County School Board Association 2013 Louis Yavner Award for Human Rights Education 2010 National Teacher Fellow for the Lowell Milken Center 2010 Curriculum Specialist for the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights 2009 New York State Union of Teachers Regional Award 2008 National Teacher Fellow for US Holocaust Memorial Museum 2008 American Irena Sendler Award for Repairing the World |
Dr. Melissa CollinsMemphis, TN | YEARS TAUGHT: 22Dr. Collins emphasizes, “It is imperative to students’ learning that there is a positive relationship between students and teachers. My students feel comfortable in communicating with me, and they often share their challenges and successes. My students also know that their voices matter; therefore, my classroom is more student-led than teacher-led.”
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
2017 Global Teacher Prize Top 50—Varkey Foundation 2017 Shell Oil Company Urban Educator Award 2015 Henry Ford Teacher Innovator Award 2013 Horace Mann Award, NEA 2012 Global Fellowship trip to South Africa, NEA Foundation 2012 Pearson Global Fellowship Award 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching 2006 National Board Certified Teacher: Early Childhood |
Donna GradelBroken Arrow, OK | Years Taught: 33Ms. Gradel observes, “The core of my teaching philosophy is ‘Every life matters,’ Every student can learn regardless of their starting point, Students want to explore the world around them and be inspired to make a difference in life. Students need to be encouraged and loved, but also challenged. By taking risks to provide opportunities for my students, I see student growth, both academically and socially. And I grow with them.”
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
2019 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year (CCSSO) 2018 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year 2017 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators 2015 Henry Ford Innovation Nation Innovative Teacher Award 2014 Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Secondary Teaching 1994 Oklahoma State Championship Coach Award |
Thomas KnabEast Amherst, NY | Years Taught: 32Mr. Knab;s vision: “ I believe all students must achieve. I believe the teacher is only one path through which knowledge flows. I believe learning occurs best through each student’s point of motivation. I believe successful teaching comes in the ability to provide inspiration. I believe students must be taught not only the skills and knowledge of a discipline, but also taught how to continue that learning throughout life.”
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
2019 Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Fellow 2019 President, National Art Education Association 2018 National Art Education Association Elementary Art Educator of the Year 2018 New York State Art Teachers Association Art Educator of the Year 2013 Western New York Boys Volleyball Hall of Fame 2012 Ray Henry Award (NYSATA) 2003 Local Leadership Award (New York State United Teachers) 2002 President’s Award (Williamsville Teachers Association) 1998 Joe Gillespie Friend of Volleyball Award |
Jamil SiddiquiEast Bridgewater, MA | Years Taught: 27Mr. Siddiqui observes, “I believe in having a growth mindset. Success does not come from knowing the correct answer; it comes from the struggle to find that answer. Not all students have equal innate mathematical abilities, but they can all choose to exhibit the same work ethic and attitude. All students can find success by working hard, improving, and being willing to try new ideas. This is what I want all of my students to learn in my class.”
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
2019 Massachusetts State Teacher of the Year 2019 National Education Association Foundation Award 2017 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science 2008 Math Moves U Teacher of the Year 2000 Teen Ink Teacher of the Year |