Award-winning teachers

The following are excerpts from the nominating information submitted to the Lindback Foundation for the winning Philadelphia high school teachers. There is one winner for each high school.

A. Philip Randolph Career Academy

Miriam Silverman is a benevolent person who encourages her students to go beyond their comfort zone to learn skills. As an English teacher, she stands with her students, who enjoy her sense of humor and benefit from her teaching skills. She has the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues. Silverman is poised, articulate, and possesses the constant energy to withstand her taxing schedule.

Abraham Lincoln High School

Douglas Blose is deeply committed to providing students with a full range of academic, social, and community-service activities. He has organized students to participate in Philly Cares Days and the Robert O. Henderson Epilepsy Foundation Walk. He has also organized many fund-raisers for class activities, and sponsored dances including the junior and senior proms. He tutors students before and, especially, after school who require help in mathematics. He helps them because he thoroughly enjoys providing academic support and puts in countless hours without being compensated.

Academy at Palumbo

Stuart Krzywonos is dynamic, hardworking and a motivating individual. He is an asset to the school, and his teaching skills in mathematics and personality help to motivate all the staff to find ways to make students' class work challenging and innovative.

Benjamin Franklin High School

Danielle Eib has taught at Benjamin Franklin High School for seven years as a learning support teacher. She is also the English chair. Students say she is very creative, happy, and never comes to work with a negative attitude. She cares about students and expects the very best of them. Eib demonstrates commitment to her students and peers. Her colleagues say she enthusiastically collaborates with them.

Bodine High School for International Affairs

Gina Hart teaches English to freshmen and advanced English A1 in the International Baccalaureate program at Bodine High School. She sponsors the Asian Club and Azuka Theatre program and is junior- and senior-class adviser. She also sponsors the Poetry Club and the Bodine yearbook. She coaches the National Academic League and is coordinating the first Bodine School Cookbook. She takes students to the Free Library and has even taken them to Japan. She coordinates the Latino Writers' Forum and the Mentally Gifted Program.

Bok Technical High School

John Hutchinson is a wonderful and patient educator. He offers his expertise on a daily basis on advanced process technology as a chemistry technology teacher. He is a man who has respect for all whom he comes in contact with and patience for any situation that comes his way, which makes him a person who can be approached at any time for advice and help.

Central High School

Patricia Hansbury loves teaching history. She has been a district teacher for 35 years. Her passion shows in her engaging classroom activities. One is taken by her passion not only for what she is teaching but for whom she is teaching.

Charles Carroll High School

Richard Kline is a favored science teacher. Students say he makes learning fun and interesting. Teachers say that any day you can walk into his classroom and find students actively engaged in science experiments, using manipulatives and solving equations on a SMART Board. He is always finding new ways to teach. If they don't understand a concept, he takes another approach - always trying to help students and teachers as well. Students love him because he is willing to stay after school and tutor or give advice. He also sponsors the intramural sports program.

Communications Technology High School

Sunita Patil is respected highly by students, parents, administrators and teachers as a science teacher who maximizes students' abilities in critical thinking and scientific-inquiry methods. She is a very positive influence in the school community, and she can always be counted upon to be part of the solution-making decisions at the school.

Constitution High School

Miranda Thompson became a founding faculty member in 2006 after serving 10 years in another district school. She teaches computer science and even helps other teachers. She has fashioned an educational technology program that provides students and teachers with an array of resources and services that expand teaching and learning in all subjects. She designed the service learning curriculum that all students must take.

Dobbins Technical High School

Stephanie Corbin has been an educator for over 36 years. Her influence on the lives of students fulfills the proverb "It takes a village to raise a child." Her colleagues have remarked that Stephanie's English students are achieving because they are prepared in writing and using vocabulary. Current and former students refer to their use of "Corbin notes" and "Corbin words" as guides to help them in other classes. Many students she has taught return to tell her the impact she has had on their lives and their career choices.

Fitzsimons High School

Meredith Mehra is a math teacher and institute coordinator. Mehra has taught at the school for three years and has become a true teacher leader. She is considered a jack-of-all-trades and the glue that helps keep things together. As a second-year teacher, she became the senior class adviser and the senior project coordinator while orchestrating the Urban Education Institutes and the juniors' job-shadowing experience. Some teachers look at her as a role model and are impressed by the high expectations and standards she sets not only for herself and other staff members but for the students as well.

Frankford High School

Melissa Victor, in her 12 years teaching English, world history and creative writing, has always provided students with a place conducive to learning. She is meticulous in designing various learning tools to assist her students. "No one is more willing to share with her colleagues her methodologies and tools to address the needs of students," say some of her peers. She is dedicated, energetic and creative. She is always willing to go the extra mile to clarify a question, to explore a concept, or to motivate a student.

Franklin Learning Center

Lynn Johnson is an exceptional biology teacher. She sets very high expectations for herself and students. She has a strong work ethic. Her first priority is her classroom responsibilities and the interests of her students. Johnson generously shares her time and energy with her students and colleagues. She sponsors a highly successful Red Cross Club, which has been recognized as the outstanding chapter in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region.

Furness High School

David Lon is an excellent English teacher. He has a great relationship with his students and mentors and serves as a role model for them. He connects, collaborates with and inspires his coworkers to energize students in a positive way.

George Washington High School

Michael McKinney is the English department chair and has coached the wrestling team since 2001. He demonstrates deep knowledge of his subject, the core curriculum, and innovative teaching strategies. Because of his motivational techniques and subject knowledge, he is one of the most popular teachers in the English department among students and parents. McKinney provides a positive environment for student learning. As wrestling coach, he inspires and motivates team members, setting high expectations for performance, behavior and academics.

Germantown High School

Shirley Archie is an exceptional teacher and has been an asset to the English department and Germantown High School. She is extremely conscientious and a consummate professional dedicated to teaching and mentoring her colleagues. She treats her students with respect and maintains a creative, conducive learning environment. She is a contributor and a scholar, and maintains the highest level of achievement in her profession.

Girard Academic Music Program

William Morrow is a consummate music educator who is dedicated, determined, and driven to have his students achieve at the highest levels of musical excellence. As mentors and role models to students, few staff members are his equal. He has a unique gift of what one might describe as "humble charisma." There is a power in the baton that he waves as he leads his musical ensembles, a power that compels his students to strive for the most aesthetic levels to musical performance.

High School for Creative and Performing Arts

Elsa Johnson Bass is a theater teacher. She founded the school's CAPA Caravan Theater in 1995. Her mission for the theater company is to encourage and inspire elementary school students to fall in love with the art of reading. Students say that she talks about the "real world" and teaches in ways that prepare them for it. Bass always makes time for students. One of her favorite sayings is "Create, don't imitate."

High School of Engineering and Science

Deborah Aglira has been an English teacher for more than 30 years. She stimulates students to perform their best daily and helps them prepare for the AP English test. She teaches SAT prep classes on Saturday mornings. She takes time to listen and speak to students. Aglira is the architect of the school's Summer Enrichment Projects and has a leadership role in the direction and scoring of the senior multidisciplinary project. Many students return to see her after graduation and during college years.

High School of the Future

Kathleen Lee is highly entrepreneurial in creating community partnerships and uncovering outside funding sources. She knows how to build relationships with people and organizations. Moreover, she has a commanding presence that combines expertise as an English teacher, sincerity, and a terrific sense of humor, which has helped her persuade other teachers to change their teaching methods from straightforward lecture to interactive, highly relevant and project-based .

J.R. Masterman High School

Timothy Roache teaches English. His students say his love of literature, poetry, puns, satire theater, and every form of language is impressive. His passion for his students and his subject make others realize that he is an extraordinary teacher. Roache has a reputation as one of the best teachers in the school. One student commented that he has the ability to lead an enlightening discussion.

John Bartram High School

James Lee has provided stellar instruction in office technology for more than 30 years. He could have retired, but felt the need to continue in order to motivate and cultivate young people. Students often return to school with their own children to thank Lee for his contribution to their lives.

Kensington - Creative and Performing Arts

Valerie Braman, bilingual/English teacher, is known by teachers and students to embody the spirit of her school. She has a collaborative, open and warm disposition in her daily interactions with students, for whom her dedication and caring are transparent. She creates a rich, inviting and safe environment in which students may take risks, question, learn and grow academically, professionally and personally. She has become the building's go-to person.

Kensington - Culinary Arts at the Emerald

James Williams is a mathematics teacher and school based teacher leader. His colleagues say he is a self-starter, highly intelligent, knowledgeable, and passionate about math. Ask his students about him and they will say, "He is hard, but he is my favorite teacher. He's the best teacher I ever had." In the mornings, Williams can be seen greeting the students by name with kind words, gentle hugs, or handshakes and heartfelt smiles of encouragement. Throughout the school day, he labors tirelessly - observing, advising and coaching teachers, and teaching, inspiring and mentoring students.

Kensington - International Business

Kristen Deppenschmidt, a special-education teacher, is considered by her colleagues to be unyielding in her pursuit of her goals. She always has a smile and a kind word. She is considered the consummate special educator. She devotes enormous amounts of her personal time to her students' needs, both after hours at school and at home. Deppenschmidt has a deep understanding of her students and shares that with their families.

Lankenau High School

Meredith Joseph is well-prepared, organized, and confident of her ability to make a difference in the lives of her students. The evidence of her talent as an English teacher is the rapport that she has with her students and colleagues alike. She tempers her strong, assertive style with genuine compassion for students.

Martin Luther King High School

Rolyn Heywood is a master English teacher who started her career in adult education. She is always prepared; her classroom is beautifully decorated with homemade curtains, flower arrangements, and examples of student work. Both her planning and knowledge add to her ability to engage her students and provide opportunities for them to succeed. She also monitors both lunch periods and relates to the students. She teaches credit recovery, a program that helps students earn graduation credits, and Saturday PSSA prep classes and tutors at an elementary school.

Mastbaum Technical High School

Denise Bennett is an excellent mathematics instructor. She encourages her students to succeed and learn at high levels. Students feel safe knowing their work will be critiqued respectfully. She supports them and encourages them to soar to new heights. She is passionate about her work and available to speak with with students, parents and community members. On many days her lunch break is spent in the classroom helping students with their assignments. One senior said that students understood her requirements and expectations, and that they could rely on her to give them extra help, especially outside of class time.

Motivation High School

Roseanna Cerino embodies the ideal spirit of a professional educator. On a daily basis, as a math teacher, she demonstrates leadership through her willingness to interpret critical scholastic and PSSA data, modeling educationally rich lessons for peers during professional development meetings and maintaining outstanding relationships with students and fellow teachers. Cerino does it all with grace, humility and wit.

Northeast High School

Concettina Lucarini teaches mathematics. She is admired and respected by her students and colleagues. Lucarini is always available for any task, including volunteering with open house. She helps set up, greets parents, and answers their questions, staying as long as it takes to answer their questions. She expects no compensation except for the satisfaction of knowing that our program is promoted as one of the school district's best.

Olney East High School

Devonia Mourning-Taylor teaches chemistry and assists the roster chairperson, sponsors the senior class, coordinates credit and grade recovery, and coordinates the education-options testing program. A student who has known Mourning-Taylor for three years says she is a great mentor, role model and warm-hearted person. Although she is a tough teacher, she is never mean. Students feel that she has faith in them and their ability to learn.

Olney West High School

Gregory Bloom has served Olney in many capacities, including Spanish teacher, school-growth teacher, coach (baseball, football and basketball), mentor to both students and teachers, and motivator for positive change. However, the greatest contribution that he makes does not come with a title. It's his willingness to go far beyond the call of duty. He always seems to step in where he is most needed and never seeks recognition.

Overbrook High School

Bonnee Breese goes above and beyond in her service to help students grow personally and academically as English students. She's also committed to helping Overbrook become a strong, united and academically worthy school. She also finds time for her own learning as a a member of the Teachers' Institute of Yale University. She is one amazing teacher, coworker and woman.

Parkway Center City High School

Elizabeth Williams' history class is described as "relevant, fun and interactive." All students are engaged and respected. Students know they have a voice and are taught and encouraged to share. Her goal is to develop students who are responsible decision makers, active citizens, and prepared for the 21st century. She points to her own experiences to show how she overcame struggles and adversity.

Parkway Northwest High School

Kelly Marino is extremely organized and thoroughly prepared. She shares with her students her enthusiasm and passion for math. Since she desires all students to achieve, she tutors after school and, at times, during her lunch for those students who need it. Her patience, motivation, and great concern for the needs of young people are duly noted.

Parkway West High School

Schnee Grayson is very energetic, has a wonderful work ethic and organizational skills, and is very committed to the teaching profession. Her knowledge of content, ability to motivate students, teaching competence, and positive spirit have enabled her to develop an excellent rapport and working relationship with students, staff, parents and community.

Paul Robeson High School

Antoinette Turner is a professional in the true sense of the word. She is very knowledgeable in English and respected in her classroom. Turner is very hardworking, successful, and a wonderful mentor and friend.

Pennypack House School

Robert Leyrer is a social-studies teacher and is head of the special-education department. His leadership has guided Pennypack through annual audits and inquiries with stellar results. His colleagues admire his rapport with students. They say he has successfully managed to break down the walls that often come between students and teachers. He is the only teacher on the staff who allows students to call him by his first name and is probably the only one who can keep the respect and admiration of his students.

Philadelphia High School for Business and Technology

Debra Parnell Goode is a native Philadelphian with more than 35 years of experience in educating youth. She teaches business and technology and is director of the ELECT/CTC Saturday School. She helps students attain marketable job skills. Goode makes the most of every moment of instruction and challenges her students to maximize their potential and expand their intellectual capacity. She spends countless hours before and after school and on weekends, helping them write resumes and cover letters and prepare for job interviews. She has also helped create extracurricular activities in the community.

Philadelphia High School for Girls

Arline Amoroso, an Italian teacher for 20 years, has mentored aspiring language teachers. She also organizes functions that generate more than 50 clubs yearly. She is considered the "unofficial" school photographer for five evening formal affairs and at least 30 events yearly. She is the class sponsor, which she started in 1989. She has also sponsored trips to Italy, Spain, Switzerland and France. Each spring, she takes students to New York to see a play or a Broadway musical. She has been a vibrant member of the Leadership Team.

Philadelphia Military Academy at Elverson

Howard Waxman is the lead teacher for health and physical education. He serves on the safety and supervision team and leadership team and assists with discipline. He also leads the school beautification program and annually plants trees and flowers outside the building. He is referred to as Coach Waxman. Students describe him as committed to giving students a quality educational program with very high expectations. He is always willing to take on other responsibilities that support the staff and students.

Philadelphia Military Academy at Leeds

Stacey Ludrick is a Spanish teacher who exemplifies the behavior she expects from her students. She believes the students pick up on nonverbal communication; therefore, she always carries herself professionally and with a can-do attitude.

Rhodes High School for Girls

Terri Wiley teaches African American history, women's studies and American history. If you ask any student to name his or her favorite teacher , the answer will be Wiley. She strives to create a positive and supportive learning environment in her classroom. All of her students look to her as a role model and work to their potential because of the interest she takes in helping each student in all of her classes reach their academic goals. She works to build trusting relationships with students and their parents. She is the go-to person in the building.

Robert E. Lamberton High School

Deborah Smithey has a wonderful rapport with all her students. She has the ability to connect with her students, and mutual respect is prevalent in her classroom. She is a conscientious and energetic biology and algebra teacher who consistently uses the latest best practices in all her class activities. Also, she is very personable and extremely well-organized.

Robert Vaux High School

Gladys Arroyo is a Spanish teacher who makes it enjoyable for students to learn the language. She works during her lunch time and on Saturdays to help students with their work. Students describe her as a wonderful teacher with a great sense of humor. One colleague says she possesses the gift of making the complex more understandable. She is viewed as unassuming and an accessible person who loves to share her knowledge with her students and others.

Roxborough High School

Sarah Poncz is truly an honorable teacher. She is well-respected, instructive and thoughtful. She is very determined, dedicated and motivating with everything that she does.Poncz often goes beyond what is required of her in order to provide her students with a thorough understanding of mathematics.

Samuel S. Fels High School

Linda Daniels, according to her colleagues, represents the epitome of excellence in teaching. Her many years and dedicated service as a math teacher go beyond the call of duty. She has an inspirational spirit. Teachers see her as knowledgeable and inspiring. She has an excellent grasp of the latest curriculum concepts and succeeds in implementing those innovations in her classroom. "She always has a smile," a student said. "And she is always full of energy with a positive attitude." If you go to her with a problem, she recognizes it and is willing to help.

Sayre High School

Whitney Peterson-Docket is a dynamic reading teacher whose wealth of knowledge will ensure progress for students. She plays a vital role as a member of the leadership team, assisting in developing the school's improvement plan.

Science Leadership Academy

Matthew VanKouwenberg is a science teacher who is considered to be very knowledgeable and passionate. He is one of the prime architects of the school's unique biochemistry curriculum and founder of the engineering curriculum. He started the cross-country team and Engineering and Science Club. He is beloved by students, and he frequently works after school with students on science and engineering projects . His engineering students are applying for a patent on a biodiesel project that they are working on in his class. His classroom represents the best of engaged, real-world student work.

Simon Gratz High School

Brett Vance, an English and history teacher, is highly respected by the Gratz community. He demonstrates all the attributes of excellence in teaching and learning at the highest levels. He is a role model for students and collaborates effectively with colleagues. He is a master of instructional strategies and subject matter and moves students forward by making learning relevant and entertaining. Vance has the intrinsic ability to motivate students. His influence carries over to other classes and other parts of their. He also sponsors the student government and is considered a great mentor.

South Philadelphia High School

Donald Snyder is a science teacher and an outstanding member of the teacher community. He has an excellent work ethic and is willing to put in any amount of time deemed necessary. Additionally, he keeps his teaching skills sharp through academic and real-life education. He is respected and well liked by everyone who knows him.

Stephen A. Douglas High School

Daniel Drumm, a health and physical-education teacher, is considered a great person, teacher and friend. He gets along with everyone. He is fair and determined to make students have fun while learning. He makes sure no one is left out. Drumm started a weight-training and aerobics program in the morning and afternoon. He has worked to institutionalize the Annual Turkey Bowl and McDonnel Memorial Walk with students, staff and parents. He acts as a mentor and is always willing to lend a helping hand.

Strawberry Mansion High School

Hemant Mishra has taught math for seven years and has taught math and physics in Ajmer, India. His colleagues admire his positive attitude and love of work and his outstanding teaching. Under his leadership, the school's robotics team achieved fifth position among the 40 teams in the BEST Robotic Competition 2007 organized in the Northeast zone of the United States. Colleagues describe him as a gentleman possessing good ethics and values. He always helps, encourages and boosts students to achieve high goals.

Swenson Arts and Technology High School

Linda Samperi, who serves as a school-based teacher leader for mathematics, is a testing coordinator, and teaches Algebra 1. Throughout her nearly 35 years as an educator, she has demonstrated a commitment to excellence through her teaching, service in various schoolwide capacities, and her attendance and participation in professional development. She serves as a role model for students and, like a best friend, shares from her life and gives them advice.

Thomas Alva Edison High School

Legna Melendez teaches Spanish as a first language. In addition to excelling as a teacher, she has supported students for weeks when families have suffered personal crisis and emergencies. She has paid for eyeglasses for students in need and prom tickets for those who would otherwise stay home on prom night. She has personally made contacts and provided excursions for worthy students on her own time and without recognition from anyone. She organized a Volunteer Internet Connection Venture to provide Internet access for ESOL/bilingual classrooms. She sponsors multicultural clubs in dance and technology.

University City High School

George King, an English teacher who is known as the "resident expert," has earned the respect of his students, parents and colleagues by conducting himself as a gentleman and a scholar at all times. He has a reputation for being strict but fair among his students, always making himself available for those needing help. King arrives early every morning, rarely misses a day, and works tirelessly with enthusiasm and vigor.

Walter Biddle Saul High School

Jessica Naugle makes learning an experience both in and out of the classroom. As an agricultural science teacher, she works diligently to teach her students how to successfully integrate technology into their studies.

West Philadelphia High School

Lt. Col. James Cotton, a teacher of aerospace science, is result-oriented and well-organized. He stresses individual responsibility, respect and self-discipline. The learning environment is positive, and his concern for student success in all academic programs is evident. His personality and dedication enhance an overall goal of graduating better citizens to enter college, the military and our society.

William Penn High School

Austin Williams is a first-year chemistry teacher who brings life to the science classroom through his enthusiasm and caring for students. Students enjoy his motivation and like to attend his class. Both boys and girls want to pursue careers in the field. Williams serves as junior-class sponsor and conducts teacher professional development. He volunteered to produce the school's first play in recent years. He is described as a true Renaissance man who works tirelessly to improve the education for our students and staff.

Youth Study Center School

Ethel Cruz, an art-education teacher, has used her life experiences as well as professional education to motivate, inspire and teach youths who are in detention the beauty, discipline and connections of visual arts in their daily lives.