Chicago Public School students return for first day of school
Excel Academy of South Shore hosted Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez during their back-to-school press conference on Monday. Watch Video
Teacher Erin Juarez honored for ‘strong work ethic’
Buckeye special education teacher Erin Juarez was recognized by a national organization as the Southwest region’s teacher of the year. Philadelphia-based Special Education Services Inc. bestowed that honor upon her for her work during the 2021-22 school year. Juarez, who has taught kindergarten through fourth grade special education for four years at Sierra School of Liberty, was nominated for the award by her supervisor for her strong work ethic. She was emotional when she learned that her hard work and commitment to improving her students’ lives had been recognized and validated by SESI. "I’ve gone above and beyond (in my [...]
Fitzpatrick Named Specialized Teacher of the Year
Jill Fitzpatrick, a lead special education teacher at High Road School in Caroline County (303 Sharp Road, Denton), was recently named a regional winner in Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) Teacher of the Year Program.“Teaching is my profession, but moreover it is my calling. There are always setbacks and frustrations, but overcoming them is part of the enjoyment of teaching. I have the philosophy that there are no hopeless cases. The more challenging the behavioral and academic hurdles, the higher the rewards when that students succeed,” says Fitzpatrick.Teacher of the Year honors outstanding, innovative educators who lead by example with an [...]
‘An Incredible Honor’: Hartford Teacher Wins National Award
A Connecticut high school teacher is being recognized for her “outstanding and innovative” work in the classroom. High Road School of Hartford teacher Rachael Chatel was named as the first Teacher of the Year by Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI). The private school works with special education students ages 15 to 21 facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that can impede success in a traditional classroom setting. Nationwide, SESI works with more than 7,000 students in over 600 school districts. Chatel won the top honor for going “above and beyond for her students and working to engage families in meaningful [...]
Excel Academy students overcome struggles to graduate and achieve academic dreams
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Imagine the feeling of setting a goal you thought was unrealistic – only to achieve it despite huge odds. Dozens of grads at the Excel Academy schools did just that. CBS 2's Steven Graves met some of the students who are getting a second chance to achieve their academic dreams. The graduation ceremony for the multiple Chicago campuses of Excel Academy was held at Christ Universal Temple, 11901 S. Ashland Ave. At the ceremony, each tear shed is a heavy emotional release. There is joy, fear, shock, and happiness from students - or even a grandmother who could [...]
High Road School of Sussex County teacher honored
GEORGETOWN — Dan Jones, a special-education teacher at High Road School of Sussex County, was recently named a regional winner in Specialized Education Services Inc.’s (SESI) Teacher of the Year Program. “My personal philosophy on learning and education is that nothing in life comes easy. Hard work and determination are the foundation for any success,” Mr. Jones said. The Lewes resident has been at High Road for four years and focuses on the behavioral needs of some of the more demanding classrooms (students ages 13-19). Outside of his teaching duties, he also works as a domestic violence counselor. The Teacher [...]
Rachael Chatel on Connecticut News 3
Watch News
‘My kids become a part of me,’ says award-winning Graham Academy teacher
KINGSTON — Brynn Kovalick speaks with disarmingly simple passion about the many roadblocks a teacher overcomes in helping children on the autism disorder spectrum. Disarming because, even as she extols the rewards, a young student lies combative on a hallway floor in the safe and patient hands of a behavior specialist.“My teaching philosophy is to learn everything about each student,” the 9-year veteran of the Academy staff says. “That’s how you help them, by learning how they learn best and how they understand things.”Articulating that philosophy became a must after a co-worker nominated her for the regional Teacher of the Year [...]
Local special education teacher receives “Regional Teacher of the Year” award
47ABC – A local special education teacher, receiving a major honor for the work they do. Dan Jones, a special education teacher at High Road School in Delaware joined the morning team to tell us more about that accomplishment. Good Morning Delmarva
Graham Academy teacher with deep ties to community honored as Regional Teacher of the Year Award on PA live!
Watch PA Live