In order to recognize teachers who make exceptional efforts to encourage creativity, integrity and excellence in the classroom, The Oklahoman announced the “You Dreamed for Me” Teacher Recognition Program.
This Spring semester, winning educators were presented with an OK A+ plaque and check award from The Oklahoman and SandRidge.
"We're pleased to acknowledge these OK A+ educators who continue to nurture creativity in every learner in their classrooms," said OK A+ Executive Director Jean Hendrickson.
Photos from school award presentations:
Joy Rainey: OK A+ Western Village Academy
OK A+ Executive Director Jean Hendrickson, Western Village Academy winning educator Joy Rainey, Western Village Academy Principal Peggy Brinson, and The Oklahoman Educational Services Manager Wendy Kleinman. (pictured left to right)
Beverly Ray: OK A+ Linwood Elementary School
OK A+ Principal Liaison Marci Brueggen, OK A+ Linwood Elementary winning educator Beverly Ray, and The Oklahoman Educational Services Manager Wendy Kleinman. (pictured left to right)
Damon Frazier: OK A+ The Marcus Garvey Leadership Charter School
OK A+ The Marcus Garvey Leadership Charter School Principal Dr. McPherson, The Oklahoman Educational Services Manager Wendy Kleinman, The Marcus Garvey LCS winning educator Damon Frazier, OK A+ Executive Director Jean Hendrickson, and The Marcus Garvey LCS Dean of Instruction Herlena Leggins. (pictured left to right)
MaryAnn Campbell: OK A+ Sequoyah Elementary School
OK A+ Executive Director Jean Hendrickson, Sequoyah winning educator MaryAnn Campbell, and The Oklahoman Educational Services Manager Wendy Kleinman. (pictured left to right)
Read more about each of these educators below.
The top four teachers were recognized in a series in The Oklahoman, beginning Wednesday, December 17, 2008. The winning teacher was honored at the 3rd annual Jami Smith “You Dreamed for Me” Christmas Concert, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m. at Crossings Community Church located at 14600 N. Portland in Oklahoma City.
Joy Rainey was recognized as the “You Dreamed for Me” Teacher Recognition Program Winner Saturday, Dec. 20 in The Oklahoman newspaper. Rainey teaches physical education at Western Village Academy school in Oklahoma City, and was nominated by principal Peggy Brinson.
“Joy Rainey has made a difference in hundreds of students’ lives, not just one. Joy has taught 2nd grade, kindergarten and is now our physical education teacher. Six years ago, Joy started a girls basketball team. We now have 12-16 teams impacting more than 150 of our students’ lives each year under Joy’s management and coordination. Miss Rainey also coaches our jump rope team. Over the years, it’s been amazing to watch troubled students blossom with pride, gain more self-esteem and accomplish more academically by mastering the art of jump roping and performing at community events. Joy provides transportation for students who otherwise couldn’t make it to practices, games or events. This year, Joy initiated a “Morning Fitness Wake-Up” program and arrives early every day to engage all 300 students in exercise, fitness and health education. In addition to exercising and dancing, she has brought a dentist, nutritionist and backpack safety expert to speak to our students. Joy embraces every single pursuit with the greatest intent to make it the best it can be for our children, and she never gives up on anyone. She continually comes up with new ways to help make our community and students’ lives safer and better."
Beverly Ray was announced as one of the top four finalists Friday, December 19, 2008. Ray teaches Technology and ELL at Oklahoma A+ School Linwood Elementary in Oklahoma City. Marci Brueggen, school volunteer, nominated Ray.
“The need to channel technology skills toward creative expression has Beverly Ray dreaming up ways to take her computer students places they’ve never been. Her students use video bios with music and visuals to tell stories about family origins. While some students can’t imagine coming from any place other than Oklahoma, a Linwood classmate’s newly immigrated family video shows a deep respect for the new life pursued far from their homeland. America’s history becomes personal, and no doubt, that’s why test scores of Linwood’s kids have soared. Clearly, Ms. Ray respects and values each student’s personal story, allowing it to be the basis for rich, shared learning. More than video process, it’s a life lesson for everyone at Linwood Elementary School. Thank you, Ms. Ray, for finding the unique gifts of each child in your care.”
Damon Frazier was announced as one of the top four finalists Thursday, December 18, 2008. Fraizer teaches Afrikan Drumming and Rhythms at Oklahoma A+ School The Marcus Garvey Leadership Charter School in Oklahoma City. Herlena P. Leggins, Dean of Instruction at The Marcus Garvey Leadership Charter School, nominated Frazier.
“Mr. Damon Frazier is a gifted and talented instructor. Mr. Frazier is a professional musician, and moved here after hearing that Dr. Kevin A. McPherson was opening an Afrikan-centered charter school in Oklahoma City. He has worked at Marcus Garvey for four years. His greatest contribution to Marcus Garvey is his creation of the Sankofa Drumming Ensemble. This year the Sankofa Drummers are made up of the fifth and sixth grade classes. These students have performed at numerous engagements throughout the years at churches, civic organizations, state wide events, and the University of Oklahoma. Under Mr. Frazier’s leadership, an application to perform at the Inaugural Ceremony for 2009 was submitted. He spent hours creating a DVD, audio recording and pictures to be sent to the committee. His concern for the students at The Marcus Garvey Leadership Charter School is unquestionable.”
Maryann Campbell was announced as one of the top four finalists Wednesday, December 17, 2008. Campbell teaches Physical Education at Oklahoma A+ School Sequoyah Elementary in Oklahoma City. Montie Koehn, Principal of Sequoyah Elementary School, nominated Campbell.
“The students at Sequoyah Elementary cannot wait to go to P.E.! Mrs. Campbell knows how to engage her students. Aside from her very active classroom, she sponsors Jump Rope 101, Chess Club, and the school’s walking club. Furthermore, she gives students motivation and encouragement to stay active. Mrs. Campbell is not just a facilitator, she is an active participant. She has very high expectations and her students rise to the occasion.
Mrs. Campbell doesn’t seek out recognition for good deeds, but instead quietly spends her weekends at chess tournaments with her students. The extra opportunities Mrs. Campbell provides for our students contributes to our low number of discipline referrals. Mrs. Campbell gives our students an extra incentive to try a little harder, and that makes a difference in our students’ lives."