Local Educators Awarded for their Excellence in SW Atlanta Schools

On Nov. 29, Atlanta Families’ for Excellence in Education (AFAEE), community leaders, Atlanta Public School (APS) officials, and the winners’ families and friends publicly celebrated those winning educators at the 7th Annual AFAEE Ceremony at the Atlanta Speech School.

One month ago, eight APS educators, six teachers and two principals, were surprised with parties in their schools or classrooms as they were notified they had been named one of the 2012 AFAEE winners.

Locally, Dr. Evelyn Mobley of West End Academy, Erik Herndon of Young Middle School and Stephanie Jones of KIPP STRIVE Academy were given this exclusive award.

Each winner is awarded $7,500, which includes funding for a school project of the winner’s choice ($3,500), funding for a professional development opportunity to increase the winner’s effectiveness in the school or classroom ($1,500) and a personal stipend ($2,500).

APS Superintendent Erroll B, Davis, Jr. gave the keynote address.  He spoke about the importance of teachers and the challenges they face and noted that he and all APS leadership are committed to better supporting teachers and school leaders at all levels.  “Our vision is to be a student-centered, high-performing urban school district where all students become successful lifelong learners and leaders,” he said.  AFAEE, through the newly created Winners’ Circle, is poised to help create that vision, according to Davis, by creating a movement where excellence in all classrooms is the expectation.

Additionally, Ed Chang, principal at KIPP STRIVE Academy and 2011 AFAEE winner, announced the launch of AFAEE Winners’ Circle, a self-run group of past AFAEE winners.  AFAEE Winners’ Circle will work to support past winners, inspire them continue to grow their abilities and thus further strengthen APS. This Who’s Who of top APS educators will directly support the school district by working with other teachers and principals through training and mentoring.