JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Judith Phipps, a teacher at
Chimney Lakes Elementary, is one of 76 Florida educators to receive the Foundation for Excellence in Education 2010 Excel Award, and the only educator selected from Duval County.
The Excel Award rewards teachers whose students made the most progress in reading or math from one year to the next for the last three consecutive years. Students of these exceptional educators learned at least 1.5 times, or 50 percent, more than the average student based on the results of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).
"Great teachers produce great students," said Jeb Bush, Chairman of the Foundation for Excellence in Education. "This year, I am honored to recognize 76 extraordinary Florida educators for their proven excellence in the classroom."
Ms. Phipps' students made the greatest gains on the FCAT in math among students with disabilities for three consecutive years.
“The Foundation for Excellence in Education is an exceptional award, and we are so proud of Ms. Phipps,” said Chimney Lakes Principal Janet Knott.
Phipps will be honored at the Celebration of Teaching event on October 30 in Orlando. During an evening ceremony featuring Jeb Bush and educator and author Ron Clark, the Excel Award winners will receive a package of prizes, including cash.
During the day of the event, teachers will participate in focus groups on how to support new teachers, conducted by the University of Florida's Lastinger Center for Learning.
Karen Gaylor, a teacher at Darnell-Cookman Middle/High School, received the award last year for the greatest gains in reading among low income students.
For more information, visit
www.excelined.org.
Duval County Public Schools operates 172 schools and serves approximately 123,000 students. The school district is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy, and culturally diverse world.
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