Exciting News in Huntsville: Teacher Honored as Finalist for National Award!
Huntsville, AL – There’s a buzz of excitement in the air over at Rolling Hills Elementary School, where one amazing teacher has just been recognized in a big way! Denielia Turner, a beloved 2nd-grade teacher, is a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award. This honor is awarded by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) in collaboration with Toyota and highlights educators who truly value family engagement and use innovative, multi-generational methods in their teaching.
Fostering Family Connections
What makes this award particularly special is its focus on the connections between families and schools. Turner stands out among a group of four other distinguished finalists who are all recognized for their commitment to building strong partnerships with families and for implementing creative learning initiatives. She’s not just teaching her students; she’s reaching out to their families and weaving them into the educational process.
Meet the Other Finalists
Denielia isn’t alone on this exciting journey. The other finalists include:
- Enjoli “CeCe” Craycroft – Student Community Liaison at Binet School in Louisville, Kentucky
- Cassandra Kramer – Adult ESOL, Workforce Readiness and Digital Literacy Instructor at English Empowerment Center in Falls Church, Virginia
- Adie Simmons – Founder & Executive Director at Washington Family Engagement in Edmonds, Washington
- Megan Singh – Adult Education Leader at Enlace Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana
A Worthy Recognition
The finalists were chosen for their unwavering dedication to not only educating children but also to engaging their families in the learning process. Turner, with her innovative classroom practices, aims to create an inclusive environment where students and their families can thrive together.
The grand winner will be announced on November 20th during the 2024 Families Learning Conference taking place in Louisville, Kentucky. The spotlight will shine as the winner receives a generous $20,000 grant to support their family engagement efforts. The runner-up won’t leave empty-handed either, as they will take home a $5,000 award.
A Legacy of Support
Since its inception in 1997, the partnership between NCFL and Toyota has contributed over $700,000 to support family engagement initiatives across the country. This program not only recognizes the hard work of educators like Denielia but also emphasizes the importance of involving families in their children’s education.
Why Family Engagement Matters
Family engagement is more than just a buzzword; it’s a proven method for improving student achievement. When families are actively involved in their children’s learning, students perform better academically, have better social skills, and show higher levels of motivation. That’s exactly what Turner strives to achieve in her classroom as she bridges the gap between school and home.
As we count down the days until the announcement, it’s clear that Denielia Turner and her fellow finalists are already winners in their communities. Their commitment to enriching the lives of families and children reflects the core values we all cherish.
Wishing the Best
So, let’s send our cheers and best wishes to Denielia as she represents Huntsville in this national spotlight! Her hard work and dedication exemplify what it means to be an exceptional educator, and no matter the outcome, she is making a difference every day in the lives of her students and their families.
