Recognizing Teachers That Bring Hope into the Classroom

Sapna Iyer
with fellow teachers
and a graduate at SIATech

Most of the time over-age and undercredited students are marginalized, as are the schools that serve them.  Instead of recognizing the incredible courage, grit, and perseverance it takes to re-enroll in school when you know you are way behind, and the incredible dedication, expertise, and big-heartedness it takes to help student learn at rates of 1.5, 2, or even 3 grade levels per year, we tend to treat the students and teachers in alternative schools as after-thoughts.

Which is why we need to celebrate that Sapna Iyer, an English teacher at SIATech San Diego, is one of four finalists for the "Most Hopeful Teacher in America" Award from Gallup. In being a finalist, Ms. Iyer, the only high school teacher among the finalists -- and the only dropout recovery teacher-- is taking center stage. She created SIATech's college-prep program UPath (University Path), which prepares recovered dropouts for the college application process, tasks such as choosing a major/career path, study skills, and applying for financial aid.  The winner will be announced tomorrow, May 24, 2013.   

SIATech is a personalized, competency-based model, which means that teachers need to work as a collaborative team.  SIATech San Diego Principal Sally Cohenour wanted to nominate all her staff. She commented that their team effort to create caring relationships with students coupled with a terrific Job Corps partnership creates the foundation for learning. Sally is extremely proud of Sapna and her entire staff. "It is great to see a prestigious organization like Gallup recognize our teachers' hard work and the difference being made for our students."

Gallup’s award, focusing on individual teachers, may soon be out of date. Perhaps next year we’ll see awards for the Most Hopeful Team of Teachers in America.