ST. LOUIS – As the school year rapidly approaches, KIPP Wisdom Academy held a back-to-school night Friday. However, this event was more than just a meet-and-greet; it was a celebration of excellence in education.
KIPP Wisdom Academy is beaming with pride as two of its teachers, Sonya Taylor and Erica Williams, have been recognized among the top 10 educators nationwide with the prestigious Harriet Ball Excellence in Teaching Award.
“Every time I think about it, I cry. I’ve been in education for 24 years, going into my 25th year, and no one has ever celebrated me in this way. It’s not why I do the work, but it sure feels wonderful for someone to recognize your hard work,” Taylor, a kindergarten teacher, said. “We’re so intentional about meeting the needs of every student. No matter where they came from; we had students that spoke no English. They left reading at a proficient kindergarten level.”
Williams also shared her passion for education.
“I’m excited for just inspiring others. Like I said, it’s not a secret sauce. I’m excited to see the growth within my teammates, colleagues, as well as with the students…I’m just truly excited to be able to drive those results,” Williams, a third grade teacher, said.
In the midst of back-to-school night, one parent emphasized how trusting and proud she is of the KIPP staff.
“It makes me feel super-duper proud, especially because both of my children were here last year and one tested advanced in his testing and one started below basic. By the next year, he was in the top percentile,” Trichina Myers, KIPP Wisdom Academy parent, said.
With the first day of school approaching, parents expressed how they are truly content with the education KIPP is providing, and the two teachers who have received this high honor speak to the exceptional commitment they have to the students.
“Kids that come to those teachers leave a different person for the better. They’re more confident. They have more knowledge. They’re kinder. They’re just better humans. So, the ability for a teacher to transform someone’s life is incredible, and they do it every single day for each single child,” KIPP Wisdom Academy’s School Leader Justin Schulze said.
