On January 21, we held our annual "Teacher as Hero" Awards sponsored by State Farm®. Typically, this award recognizes individual heroism, but one of this year's awards went to a TEAM of educators.

Heroes never work in isolation.  All of us depend on others for support and encouragement.  It’s very rare, though, to see two heroes who complement one another so well, and who work to sustain each other through their shared efforts.  These two educators both serve communities in West Philadelphia. Ms. Breese teaches tenth through twelfth grades at Overbrook High School, and Mr. Reed teaches sixth grade at Beeber Middle School.

Although they are both busy serving the academic and emotional needs of their students, they commit their free time to professional growth, attending Teacher Institutes at places like Yale and the University of Pennsylvania.  Their hard work and perseverance does not go unnoticed.  The American Federation of Teachers selected Bonnee to discuss education reform with President Obama at a Town Hall meeting.  Samuel has raised over $50,000 in grants to teach students about their own cultural heritages, and about the cultural diversity of the world.  Improving education has been their mission, which is why they work so hard to expand the horizons of their students and to elevate the professional development of their peers.

Bonnee and Samuel have approached school reform on two fronts, working to change their institutions while also working to improve themselves.  Their dedication and selflessness are why we awarded them both the title of "Teacher as Hero."  They remind us that there is still much work to be done, and that we achieve our goals faster when we all work together.

Congratulations to this dynamic duo, and if you would like to see more of this year's "Teacher as Hero" Award winners, come visit us at the National Liberty Museum.

If you read our earlier post, you know that January 21 was the day the National Liberty Museum awarded our annual "Teacher as Hero" Awards sponsored by State Farm® to some of the area's best teachers. We'd like to introduce you to the winners one by one.

Alicia Conquest-Bulgin is a Spanish teacher at the School of the Future in West Philadelphia. Although this is her first year teaching at School of the Future, she has already made a deep impression on her students and colleagues. Her principal Rosalind Chivis told us that she is “the best kind of educator you could have,” because Alicia takes a personal interest in her classes and builds meaningful relationships throughout the whole school community. Students in her Spanish classes share her excitement and love for the language. She often spends evenings and weekends talking with parents and visiting the homes of struggling learners.

Outside of teaching, she coaches volleyball and basketball. Because of her incredible commitment to her students, the School of the Future now has a Sunshine Club, where students gather to serve members of their community. Even detention has become a way for students to extend their hands in friendship, by making cards for seniors at a local community center.

Do you have an educator you’d like to see recognized as a 2010 State Farm® "Teacher as Hero"?  Click here for more information. If you are a teacher who is doing some inspiring work with your students, or if you are a student of a "hero" teacher, we'd love to hear your stories and feedback on our blog. So check back with us daily!