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• The Community Foundation and R.E.B. Foundation announce recipients of 2021 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence

  

  The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation are pleased to recognize 35 outstanding public-school teachers selected as finalists for the 2021 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Considered among the best in their field, these instructors demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches and champions for their students. Selected from 91 nominees submitted by students, parents and colleagues, 17 winners and 18 finalists will receive cash grants totaling $249,300. 

  The R.E.B. Awards provide opportunities for area public school teachers to continue their own love of learning as they pursue adventures of a lifetime.

  Connected by a desire to make their lessons relevant, all 2021 awardees will have the chance to collect real-life experiences, stories and artifacts to renew their passion for teaching and enhance their ability to bring subject matter to life for their students.

  2021 Winners

  Amanda Berneche                  Clover Hill High School (CH)                          $13,200
  To study photography in remote locations while chasing the Northern lights in Iceland.

  
  Megan Bouton                        Echo Lake Elementary School (HE)               $11,400
  To study the early childhood experience in Finland and visit kindergartens and forest schools in Denmark, Sweden, and the Pacific Northwest.

  
  Christal Corey                         Franklin Military Academy (RI)                        $13,700
  To immerse in the rich culture and history of the African Diaspora to help further develop cultural competence and cultural sharing in the classroom.

  
  Lucretia Davis                         Oak Knoll Middle School (HA)                        $12,900
  To explore the cultural influence of classical music by visiting iconic cities in Northern Italy, Austria, and Germany.

  
  Jonathan Frame                     Atlee High School (HA)                                     $14,200
  To travel the United States and Europe to create an immersive podcast experience.

  
  Brianna Gatch                         Clover Hill High School (CH)                          $13,900 
  To study Japanese pedagogical techniques and observe their influences on concert bands in Hawaii.

  
  Helene Grossman                   O.B. Gates Elementary School (CH)               $14,800
  To study how Scotland educates their Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

  
  Stuart Harnsberger                 Thomas Jefferson High School (RI)              $14,800 
  To participate in an artist residency in the Cycladic Islands of Greece.

  
  Paul Lathrop                           Chesterfield Technical Center at Hull (CH)    $13,800
  To explore the history and current marvels of engineering and manufacturing across the United States.

  
  Amanda Lemco                       Maggie L. Walker Governor's School (RI)      $15,000
  To pursue an endorsement in teaching Italian through immersive experiences in Italy.

  
  Kristina Mitchell                     Binford Middle School (RI)                                 $11,600
  To explore history and current social issues in Colombia, Bolivia, and Argentina through the arts.

  Robert Peck                            Douglas S. Freeman High School (HE)             $15,000
  To explore concepts of citizenship, constitutionalism, and American identity through travel to the Caribbean, Micronesia, and Native American tribal lands.

  
  Derek Podolny                        Douglas S. Freeman High School (HE)             $14,300 
  To explore the mathematical and historical foundations of various navigational techniques and apply them in real world settings.

  
  Helmut Thielsch Jr.                Lloyd C. Bird High School (CH)                         $15,000 
  To explore the design and construction of significant transportation canals and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and economic impact of these engineering accomplishments.

  
  Dorrie Turner                          James River High School (CH)                              $14,200 
  To visit Greece and Italy to research Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” discovering how it came to represent a complex moment of change between old and new worlds.

  
  John Wilkes                            Maggie L. Walker Governor's School (RI)            $11,300
  To travel the length of the nation's central thread--the Mississippi River.

  
  Nicole Yeaney                         Atlee High School (HA)                                           $12,200
  To travel to Taiwan, Brazil, and Colombia to study the culture and deepen empathy for the culture shock that multilingual learners face.

  ---

  About the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence

  The awards program, which is a partnership between the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the R.E.B. Foundation, recognizes excellence in public education by awarding cash grants to outstanding public school teachers from the City of Richmond, the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover, and the Department of Correctional Education. Since its inception in 1988, the program has awarded approximately $4.4 million to over 985 public school instructors as recognition for their outstanding classroom performance.

• The Community Foundation and R.E.B. Foundation announce recipients of 2020 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence

  

  The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation are pleased to recognize 31 outstanding public-school teachers selected as finalists for the 2020 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Considered among the best in their field, these instructors demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches and champions for their students. Selected from 109 nominees submitted by students, parents and colleagues, 18 winners and 13 finalists will receive cash grants totaling $198,450. 

  The R.E.B. Awards provide opportunities for area public school teachers to continue their own love of learning as they pursue adventures of a lifetime. Connected by a desire to make their lessons relevant, all 2020 awardees will have the chance to collect real-life experiences, stories and artifacts to renew their passion for teaching and enhance their ability to bring subject matter to life for their students.

   

  LIST OF 2020 WINNERS

   

  Gilbert Carter, Jr.                            Franklin Military Academy (RI)                                 $7,800

  To explore the cultural and mathematical foundations of domestic and international botanical gardens.

   

  Ridgely Carter-Minter                   Woodville Elementary School (RI)                          $7,400

  To explore the origins of figurative expressions in Casablanca and Granada and incorporate those learnings in a self-published children's book.

   

  Brett Chonko                                   Clover Hill High School (CH)                                      $12,000

  To improve knowledge and proficiency of the Spanish language by visiting regions of Argentina and Caribbean that feature difficult, distinct Spanish dialects.

   

  Lisa Cocke                                        Liberty Middle School (HA)                                       $9,400

  To visit a community in Ireland that has successfully designed programs that help transition individuals with Autism to post-secondary employment opportunities through immersion and integration.

   

  Erin Daniel                                        Quioccasin Middle School (HE)                                $11,000

  To visit some of the healthiest places on earth - Spain and Costa Rica - to bring back new habits and ideas that promote health and wellness.

   

  Keenan Entsminger                       James River High School (CH)                                   $12,000

  To trace the footsteps of the 246th Coastal Artillery Unit from the mountains of Virginia to the Islands of the Pacific.

   

  Michael Fetsko                                Mills E. Godwin High School (HE)                            $8,300

  To travel to the national parks of Alaska to observe the impact of climate change on the environment and topography.

   

  Alexander Godschalk                    Old Hundred Elementary School (CH)                    $11,300

  To explore early forms of theatre by studying Commedia dell’arte and mask-making in Florence, Italy and by engaging in Shakespearean theatre in England and Virginia.

   

  Matthew Gray                                Atlee High School (HA)                                               $11,100

  To study strength and conditioning concepts and philosophies of the United States Air Force Academy, the U.S. Olympic organization, and the All Blacks Rugby Team by traveling to Colorado and New Zealand.

   

  Mariah Jezek                                   Cool Spring Elementary School (HA)                       $11,300

  To observe Autism therapy practices in North America, Australia, and Europe.

   

  Meredith Jordan                            Manchester Middle School (CH)                              $12,000

  To engage in diverse school community populations in Central and South America to help develop multicultural perspectives in the classroom.

   

  Donna Kouri                                     Greenwood Elementary (HE)                                    $11,900

  To learn, connect and apply independent sustainable living skills through the combination of basic hands-on skills and modern technology by participating in Folk Schools and visiting National Parks.

   

  Jonathan Metcalf                           Franklin Military Academy (RI)                                $7,900

  To immerse in the culture and the extraordinary history of the Basque Country by biking the region in a 3-week trip.

   

  Roy Mitchell, Jr.                              Yvonne B. Miller High School (DJJ)                          $11,800

  To learn more about Kente Clothe and the similarities in culture between African American and Hispanic students through travel to Ghana.

   

  Nathan Morrison                            Atlee High School (HA)                                               $12,000

  To study the ways European economics, religion, and politics influenced independence movements in the Americas by traveling to Spain, Britain and Chile.

   

  Sarah Peña                                       Greenwood Elementary School (HE)                      $11,700

  To foster global citizenship through experiences with art by exploring museums, model schools and multicultural traditions in Dubai, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City.

   

  Pamela Plahs                                   Swift Creek Middle School (CH)                               $8,300

  To gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and to explore the courageous decisions the "Righteous Among the Nations" made to help rescue Jews by traveling to historic sites in Europe.

   

  Arianna Trickey                               Swansboro Elementary School (RI)                         $11,500

  To explore and understand how endangered ecosystems across North America, and their inhabitants, adapt to environmental changes.

   

  All finalists not chosen for a professional development grant will receive a $750 unrestricted cash grant in recognition of their achievements in the classroom.

   

  About the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence

  The awards program, which is a partnership between the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the R.E.B. Foundation, recognizes excellence in public education by awarding cash grants to outstanding public school teachers from the City of Richmond, the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover, and the Department of Correctional Education. Since its inception in 1988, the program has awarded approximately $4.2 million to over 950 public school instructors as recognition for their outstanding classroom performance. 

   

• Announcing 2017 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence Winners

  

  30 finalists recognized with cash grants totaling $180,800

   
  

  (RICHMOND, VA) – The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation recognize 30 outstanding public school teachers selected as finalists for the 2017 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Considered among the best in their field, these exceptional instructors demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches and champions for their students. Selected from 112 nominations submitted by students, parents and colleagues, 16 winners and 14 finalists will receive cash grants totaling $180,800.

  The R.E.B. Awards provide opportunities for area public school teachers to continue their own love of learning as they pursue adventures of a lifetime. For Minh Jergens, an 6th grade history teacher at Bailey Bridge Middle School in Chesterfield, an R.E.B. Award of $10,000 will allow her to return to her home country of Vietnam, which she left to come to the United States with her father at the age of 9. While there, she will visit war sites to deepen her understanding of this chapter of American history that affected millions of lives, including her own.

  Christine Muse, the lead teacher at Richmond Career Education and Employment Academy, is driven to expose her students with significant cognitive disabilities to activities and experiences that will help prepare them for fully independent lives beyond the classroom. With her award of $9,500, Christine will research entrepreneurial opportunities for her students by visiting a business that employs individuals with intellectual disabilities in North Carolina, traveling to Grenada to explore an emerging program of the Grenada Downs Syndrome Association, and attending the 2018 World Downs Syndrome Congress in Glasgow, Scotland. 

  Connected by a desire to make their lessons relevant, all the 2017 awardees will have a chance to collect real-life experiences, stories and artifacts to refuel their passion for teaching and enhance their ability to bring subject matter to life for their students.

  
  

  2017 Henrico County Finalists

  LIST OF 2017 WINNERS

  
  

  Tiana Addai-Mensah, Miles Jerome Jones Elementary School (Richmond)                           
  $12,000 to visit libraries across the globe with the purpose of exchanging ideas to elevate students’ love of reading for pleasure.

  Helena Agnew, Cosby High School (Chesterfield)
  $12,000 to study Native American crafts at the Taos Art School in New Mexico by taking classes taught by renowned Hopi, Navajo and Acoma artists.

  Heather Andre, Cosby High School (Chesterfield)
  $12,000 to travel to Italy and England, where a cappella music originated, to gain a greater appreciation for and understanding of how to teach and perform this popular style of choral music.

  Karen Barber-Olajuwon, George Mason Elementary School (Richmond)
  $12,000 to attend workshops in the U.S. and Barbados that promote the art of poetry writing, the use of poetry as an instructional tool, and poetry as a constructive outlet for traumatic experiences.

  Alicia Broughton, Laurel Meadow Elementary School (Hanover)
  $10,500 to explore the ancient civilizations and architecture of Greece and Rome to make relevant elementary STEM connections; and to attend the 2018 ISTE conference in Chicago, Illinois.

  Michaela Dismann, Chesterfield Career and Technical Center (Chesterfield)
  $12,000 to gain perspectives from former students and experts at rural colleges, universities and places of rural employment to encourage student interest in large animal veterinary careers; and to gain hands-on experience with stockmanship at a Wyoming Working Ranch.

  Jerome Fleming, Short Pump Middle School (Henrico) 
  $10,300 to explore America’s historic cities and create a photo/video diary of each city to illustrate the culture and history that has made America into the diverse nation it is today.

  Eliza Gemmill, South Anna Elementary School (Hanover) 
  $8,500 to participate in conferences, tours and interviews to learn how companies encourage innovation and how educators can connect business frameworks and philosophies to educational strategies. 

  Jennifer Gradwell, Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home School (Chesterfield)
  $11,400 to explore the connections between poverty, education and students’ hope for the future in Niger, Uganda, and Kenya; and to gain perspective through stories of resilience in parts of Africa with the lowest literacy rates in the world.

  Minh Jurgens, Bailey Bridge Middle School (Chesterfield) 
  $10,000 to visit war sites in Vietnam to deepen the understanding of a chapter in American history that impacted millions of lives.

  Jonathan Lauder, Mills E. Godwin High School (Henrico) 
  $6,500 to explore the ideas of the Enlightenment and the social and political revolutions brought to the western world by travelling to Paris, Vienna, Munich, and Philadelphia.

  Christine Muse, Richmond Career Education and Employment Academy (Richmond) 
  $9,500 to study entrepreneurial opportunities for people with disabilities by visiting and networking with other organizations in North Carolina, Scotland and Grenada.

  Lindsey Pantele, Glen Allen High School (Henrico)
  $12,000 to study the Heroic and Classical Greek, Renaissance, and Modern literary periods through visits to several European cities. 

  Todd Ritter, Henrico High School (Henrico)  
  $10,600 to participate in Commedia Dell’arte and mask-making workshops in Florence, Italy and to visit several theatres spanning from ancient Rome to modern day.

  Frenishee Smith, J.E. B. Stuart Elementary School (Richmond)
  $9,000 to visit schools across the country that use innovative ways to engage students living in poverty; and to attend The International Conference on Urban Education in Nassau, Bahamas.

  Gregory Townsend, Douglas Freeman High School (Henrico) 
  $12,000 to explore the culture, archaeology and geology of Central and South America while learning the Spanish language in an immersive setting.

  All finalists not chosen for a professional development grant will receive a $750 unrestricted cash grant in recognition of their achievements in the classroom.

   

  Learn more about the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence

   

• 2018 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence recipients announced

  The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation are pleased to recognize 34 outstanding public school teachers selected as finalists for the 2018 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Considered among the best in their field, these instructors demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches and champions for their students. Selected from 136 nominations submitted by students, parents and colleagues, 16 winners and 18 finalists will receive cash grants totaling $189,900.

  The R.E.B. Awards provide opportunities for area public school teachers to continue their own love of learning as they pursue adventures of a lifetime. Matt Wester, a science teacher at Franklin Military Academy in Richmond Public Schools, believes that the more you know the world, the greater your capacity to love it. With an R.E.B. award of $8,700, Matt will travel to the American West and immerse himself in the wilderness of six national parks to deepen his own spirit of wonder and discovery, as well as that of his students.

  Meghan Hamm, a teacher at Yvonne B. Miller High School, shows students who believe they can’t that they can and uses creative approaches to help them express their individuality. Art has been a successful tool in preparing her students to share feelings that have not been expressed before, and to face challenges that may have led them to the Department of Juvenile Justice. With her award of $9,500, Meghan will visit Italy to learn ancient papermaking techniques that she will bring back to her classroom. 

  Connected by a desire to make their lessons relevant, all of the 2018 awardees will have a chance to collect real-life experiences, stories and artifacts to renew their passion for teaching and enhance their ability to bring subject matter to life for their students.

   

  Crystal Barker, L. C. Bird High School (CH) — $11,000

  To expand knowledge and experiences in outdoor adventure education – including biking, underwater exploration, fishing and modifications for people with disabilities – through local training and travel to Alaska and Florida.

  Dickson Benesh, Maggie Walker Governor's School (RI) — $10,900

  To participate in a cycling adventure tour in Iceland, primarily to investigate the effects of climate change and to collect real-world data for analysis in the classroom.

  Caroline Canning, Henrico High School (HE) — $11,500

  To learn about the effects of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela, and social justice in South Africa; and to make connections to literature through experiencing the culture and beauty of Zambia.

  Shannon Castelo, James River High School (CH) — $8,700

  To discover the geography and cultural landscapes of two world cities, New York City and Jerusalem, that have shaped the past and continue to shape modern, global decision-making.

  Nichole Gross, Fairfield Middle School (HE) — $12,000

  To explore the vast cultures, landscapes, languages, and arts that influence world literature and American culture through travel to England, France, Italy, Spain, Ghana and Morocco.

  Gina Hackett, L. C. Bird High School (CH) — $11,800

  To explore the ancient culture and landscape of Athens and Santorini, Greece with a focus on bringing the strong sense of community and hospitality back to the classroom.

  Meghan Hamm, Yvonne B. Miller High School (DJJ) — $11,300

  To learn papermaking, watermarking and bookmaking in Fabriano, Italy and 13th century paper mill techniques in Amalfi, Italy.

  Christine Henry, Marguerite Christian Elementary School (CH) — $11,800

  To encourage the next generation of thinkers and risk takers by retracing the footsteps of her grandmother – a former refugee, immigrant, and US citizen – through travel to Canada and Europe.

  Melinda Johnson, Washington Henry Elementary School (HA) — $11,000

  To attend the National Kindergarten Conference in Las Vegas and then explore innovative play-based education practices with travel to Colorado, Paradise Island, Ireland, and Scotland.

  Kieasha King, Woodville Elementary School (RI) — $12,000

  To obtain a Social Emotion Learning (SEL) certification at UCLA, gain anti-stress techniques in the Dominican Republic and mindfulness skills in Hawaii.

  Tamara Letter, Mechanicsville Elementary School (HA) — $11,200

  To connect with educators and organizations across the United States and Canada in an effort to cultivate kindness for global impact and to inspire others through digital sketchnoting and storytelling.

  Robert Meister, Glen Allen High School (HE) — $10,000

  To study improvisational handpan music and technique with international musicians from France, Portugal, and the U.S. to further enhance lessons in literature and writing.

  Robin Milwit, Greenwood Elementary School (HE) — $11,500

  To study emerging technologies that help develop students’ social and emotional skills by visiting schools and ed-tech companies in Finland and attending national technology conferences in Florida, California and the Fred Rogers Center in Pennsylvania.

  Kathy Paschall, Franklin Military Academy (RI) — $11,500

  To find adventure in the natural wonders of Iceland and Patagonia by becoming immersed in their extraordinary earth science features.

  Lauren Serpa, Spring Run Elementary School (CH) — $11,500

  To enhance student collaboration and creativity by studying comedy improv in Chicago and exploring the music, dances, instruments, and art from Ireland and The Netherlands.

  Matt Wester, Franklin Military Academy (RI) — $8,700

  To travel through the wilderness of the American West and experience the spirit of wonder and discovery that has inspired famous scientists over time.

   

  All finalists not chosen for a professional development grant will receive a $750 unrestricted cash grant in recognition of their achievements in the classroom.

  About the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence

  The awards program, which is a partnership between the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the R.E.B. Foundation, recognizes excellence in public education by awarding cash grants to outstanding public school teachers from the City of Richmond, the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover, and the Department of Correctional Education. Since its inception in 1988, the program has awarded $3.5 million to over 800 public school instructors as recognition for their outstanding classroom performance.

  
  

• Announcing the 2019 R.E.B. Awards recipients

  The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation are pleased to recognize 28 outstanding public school teachers selected as finalists for the 2019 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Considered among the best in their field, these instructors demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches and champions for their students. Selected from 129 nominees submitted by students, parents and colleagues, 19 winners and 9 finalists will receive cash grants totaling $210,000.

  On November 11, the region celebrated these educators at an awards ceremony at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, where the winners were announced. The First Lady of Virginia, Pamela Northam, spoke words of encouragement and congratulations, along with local nonprofit leader Damon Jiggetts, who delivered the keynote address.

  The R.E.B. Awards provide opportunities for area public school teachers to continue their own love of learning as they pursue adventures of a lifetime. Connected by a desire to make their lessons relevant, all 2019 awardees will have the chance to collect real-life experiences, stories and artifacts to renew their passion for teaching and enhance their ability to bring subject matter to life for their students.

   

  John Barclay, Franklin Military Academy (RI): $12,000
  To chase Global Solar Phenomena including the Aurora Borealis in Iceland and Solar Eclipses in Africa, Southern Asia and the Southern Pacific Ocean.

  Caroline Bare, Hanover High School (HA): $11,900
  To study the Transatlantic Slavery Triangle through the prisms of history, memory and reconciliation in relation to Richmond, England and Ghana.

  Caitlyn Carpenter, Glen Allen High School (HE): $9,000
  To travel the United States to visit mentorship models for youth and gain insights into the collective understanding of historically marginalized communities.

  Mandelia Fisher, Chimborazo Elementary School (RI): $10,300
  To attend the National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools in Atlanta and explore the architecture, culture and cuisines of New York, Egypt and Singapore.

  Nicole Fleming, Miles Jerome Jones Elementary School (RI): $11,200
  To make text-to-self connections through children's literature by traveling to New York, Alabama and California.

  Amy Gregory, Chickahominy Middle School (HA): $12,000
  To discover and explore geographical features and biomes across the United States and Canada.

  Amanda Hach, Glen Allen High School (HE): $9,000
  To cultivate empathy and community by visiting historically significant and culturally relevant sites relating to the African American experience in the United States.

  Adam Hawkins, Chesterfield Technical Center (CH): $12,000
  To travel the country in an RV visiting technical centers that offer work-based learning, with a focus on the culinary industry.

  John Holland, John B. Cary Elementary School (RI): $11,500
  To understand the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci as an example of STEAM in action by visiting Portugal, Spain, France and Italy.

  Kimberly Jackson, Echo Lake Elementary School (HE): $9,000
  To study the animals of the Galapagos, the Islands’ intricate ecosystem, and the importance of reducing the environmental footprint on the Islands.

  Heather Leise, Atlee High School (HA): $11,900
  To compare and contrast benevolent dictators of the past and present by traveling to Singapore and the former states of Yugoslavia.

  Christopher Morris, Swift Creek Middle School (CH): $10,000
  To explore the music and sounds of Spain.

  Elizabeth O'Shea, L.C. Bird High School (CH): $9,000
  To explore the western front of World War II Europe.

  Rachael Pifer, Robious Middle School (CH): $11,700
  To obtain the Children's Yoga Teacher Certification with an emphasis on making yoga and mindfulness inclusive and accessible to children of diverse abilities.

  Kathryn Regan, J.A. Chalkley Elementary School (CH): $11,500
  To engage in immersive and authentic experiences in Mexico and southern Europe.

  Beth Sawyer, Evergreen Elementary (CH): $11,500
  To expand knowledge of learning through play by observing innovative play and outdoor-based instructional programs in China and Switzerland.

  Natasha Thomas, Southampton Elementary School (RI): $11,300
  To embark on the African-American experience through the lens of Black artistry in Los Angeles, and to make heritage connections in South Africa.

  Timothy Towslee, Glen Allen High School (HE): $10,800
  To obtain certification as an outdoor ethics master educator and to apply these skills by backpacking through the Alaskan wilderness.

  Denise Yancey, William Fox Elementary School (RI): $8,300
  To experience Spanish immersion in Panama and to observe the ecosystems and biodiversity of Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico.

   

  All finalists not chosen for a professional development grant will receive a $750 unrestricted cash grant in recognition of their achievements in the classroom.

  About the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence

  The awards program, which is a partnership between the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the R.E.B. Foundation, recognizes excellence in public education by awarding cash grants to outstanding public school teachers from the City of Richmond, the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover, and the Department of Correctional Education. Since its inception in 1988, the program has awarded nearly $4 million to over 800 public school instructors as recognition for their outstanding classroom performance.

   

• Announcing Recipients of 2021 R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership

  The R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership seek to recognize public school principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. Every year, four principals are selected for this achievement – one each from the Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and the City of Richmond school districts.  They each receive a $10,000 cash grant and an additional $20,000 to support a project of their choosing to benefit the school.  New in 2021, a runner-up from each district will also receive a $10,000 award to support their proposed school project.

  The following principals were selected as the 2021 winners:

  LaShante’ Knight, Salem Church Middle School (Chesterfield)
  With her R.E.B. Award, Ms. Knight will create a Learning Lab for Teachers, providing a permanent professional learning space; a Resource Center for Parents where workshops such as Conversational Spanish and English will be offered and career support will be accessible; and a Real-World Connections Amphitheater for Students providing access to virtual field trips, student leadership conferences, and guest speakers.

  Lisa Thompson, Washington Henry Elementary School (Hanover)
  With her R.E.B. Award, Ms. Thompson will create a sustainable outdoor learning environment that will become a permanent footprint of Washington-Henry Elementary.  A student “task force” will design the outdoor classroom plan to share with teachers and families, allowing input and feedback from multiple stakeholders. 

  Ryan Stein, Greenwood Elementary School (Henrico)
  With his R.E.B. Award, Mr. Stein will enact KinderGator Camp, a 5-week summer in-person experience open to all rising 1st graders at Greenwood Elementary School. KinderGator Camp will aim to re-engage young learners to the in-person educational environment, where students will work with master teachers who provide a robust focus on connection, literacy, and social and emotional development.

  Latonya Waller, T.C. Boushall Middle School (Richmond)
  With her R.E.B. Award, Ms. Waller will create a Next Century School Learning Classroom that will offer a state-of-the-art learning space with augmented reality, video conferencing, and AV production capabilities. The complementary Next Century School Learning Lab will expand the small mobile MakerSpace cart into a full learning lab, designed to be highly interactive with all the materials that support true inquiry-based instruction and problem-based learning.

  The following candidates were selected as runners up and will receive a $10,000 award to support their proposed school project:

  Lindsay Porzio, Crestwood Elementary School (Chesterfield)
  To construct a new greenhouse, pour a concrete slab and walkway to comply with the ADA, and install a safety fence around the area. 

  Leigh Finch, John M. Gandy Elementary School (Hanover)
  To enhance the current House system to include sister school, Henry Clay Elementary School, as they prepare to merge into one school in the coming years. Assigning students to “houses” helps them develop relationships with other students and teachers in different grades.

  Leigh Dunavant, Mills E. Godwin High School (Henrico)
  To bolster continuous school improvement at Godwin High School, this award will support a partnership with New Pedagogies for Deeper Learning, providing a variety of professional learning opportunities to teachers and resources to conduct an all-faculty book study on Dive into Deep Learning: Tools for Engagement.

  Tiawana Giles, George W. Carver Elementary School (Richmond)
  To build capacity in science through the purchase of Science Foss Kits for all 4th and 5th grade teachers and science lab coats for teachers, as well as implement parent engagement nights focused on Science.