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| National Coalition for Public School Options Announces First Idaho Pioneer of Teaching |
May 16, 2009
The National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO), an alliance of parents working together to protect parents' rights to access the best public school options for their children, this month announced the first Idaho Pioneer of Teaching. Erica Haynes from Idaho Virtual Academy. Haynes was named the Idaho award winner in the national competition held to recognize top performing elementary and secondary teachers in public charter schools, magnet schools, virtual and online schools.
Erica Haynes is a high school social studies teacher at the Idaho Virtual Academy. Those who nominated her comment on her dedication to her students, and her ability to make classroom time fun. She engages students both inside the classroom and out, leading a camping trip for students every fall, and setting aside time to know the students personally, allowing her to help students identify and reach goals.
Ms. Haynes said the structure of an alternative public school allows her to lead extracurricular activities, like the hiking trip, that provide students “the opportunity to integrate curriculum and bring learning to ‘life.’ On our camping trip, we are experiencing science by collecting bugs and examining plant life. We are experiencing math by mapping, using a compass and measuring. We are experiencing music with camp fire songs. We are experiencing history when we hike to a homestead…we get to take the skills we learn in the classroom and use them outside the confines of four walls.”
NCPSO President Lori Cooney said the Coalition “is proud to recognize these pioneering teachers who exemplify the innovative instruction and dedication which are essential tools to meet the learning needs of all types of students. It is important to recognize the integral role teachers play in non-traditional settings as we work to protect educational options so every student has a chance to succeed.”
Ms. Haynes was also one of twelve state finalists selected by the NSPSO board to compete for the national award announced today as part of both National Public Charter Schools Week and National Teacher Appreciation Week. Congratulations to Jane Ferris of Pennsylvania for being selected as the national American Pioneer of Teaching. Information on this award can be found on the NCPSO website at www.publicschooloptions.org.
The National Coalition for Public School Options is an alliance of parents that supports and defends parents' rights to access the best public school options for their children. The Coalition supports the creation of public school options, including charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs. Additionally, the organization advocates for free and equal access without restrictions to these public schools for all children.
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| Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families PO Box 6236 | Boise, ID 83707-6236 | 877-792-5900 |
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