EDUCATION HEROES If you know of any 'EDUCATION HEROES', please let us know by clicking on the Nominations Link, below.   Mission Statement Nominations Links Contact Us HomeDonate/Sponsors       Heroes       Special Articles     Inspirational/ Special Books     9/11 Heroes Thomas R. Smigel, Jr Adolescent delinquency is a major problem, nationwide. And, the 2008 Virginia Teacher of the Year, Thomas R. Smigel, Jr. has helped to put a dent in this problem. Thomas has incorporaterd a sense of community service to his classes. He runs a Teen Leadership class where students volunteer their time and efforts to improve their community. Mr. Smigel is there for his students to confide in, to share with. - He has written and received grants for his school. - Students have raised money for such organizations as Operation Smile. The Norfolk Public Schools System, his students, and residents of his community have all benefited from his leadership. We would suggest that those of you who are seeking for innovative ways to deal with teenage delinquency should contact him. Jo Ann Rothschild Artwork's value is in the eye of the beholder. And abstract art seems to make that statement even more true. But what is not abstarct is the great gift that Jo Ann Rothschild is giving to homeless women in Boston. Jo Ann is an award winning painter who has lived in various parts of the country, has spent time overseas, and has taught at Tufts University and elsewhere. The Pine Street Inn in Boston serves women and men who are in need of food, shelter, and clothing. Job training and other services are provided by this organization that began in the '60's. (Please visit their website at: http://www.pinestreetinn.org  . Jo Ann began going to this organization in 2000. She goes weekly to give the homeless women there, painting lessons.  And more than that, she gives them love, attention, caring, and inspiration. Jo Ann's art work might be abstract, but her caring and big heart are very easily recognized and appreciated.  John Sawchuk School violence is too rampant. And yet, it has become a reality that must be faced and dealt with. Luckily there are folks such as John Sawchuk, who in the face of tragedy and crisis, can be cool and act decisively. February 2004, in Columbia, NY, at the Columbia High School, allegedly, a 16 years-young male student began shooting with a 12-gauge shotgun. A wise teacher, Nicole Newman, called 911, to alert others. meanwhile, word spread quickly, and the school went into a 'lockdown' mode. John Sawchuk, then assistant principal, rushed through the hallways. He met Michael Bennett, a special education teacher. And there, in the hallway, was the shooter. As the boy was about to shoot Mr. Bennett, John, a former football player, hurled himself at the boy.  Unfortunately, the shotgun did manage to be fired, shotting Mr. Bennett, injuring him in the leg. After a struggle, Mr. Sawchuk was able to get the rifle away from the boy. With the help of teachers, the SWAT, and others, the situation was taken care of. Mr. Bennett credits Mr. Sawchuk with saving his life. John, meanwhile, did what he felt that he had to do, for the safety of all involved. In the 2004/2005 school year, John was promoted to the new position of deputy principal. We salute you, Mr. Sawchuk, and smile, knowing that you are providing an excellent role model for others. Ron Mercier A teacher's impact is often thought to last a lifetime. Sometimes that might be truer than at other times. Ron Mercier, in his 60's, a Michigan resident, was a special education teacher, class adviser, and softball coach. He gave a lot of himself, but nothing like what he did for former student, Amy McCloud. Amy, at age 15 became a diabetic. And later in life, she was spending hours 3 days a week, on dialysis. She needed a new kidney, but her blood type was such that the pool of potential donors was slim. Along came Ron, who happened to meet Amy's father and stepmother. When he learned of what his then mid-30's student was going through, Ron offered to donate one of his kidneys if it was deemed to be a suitable match. Ron's gift was not only greatly appreciated by Amy and her family, but by those who learned of it, having a new source of inspiration and a great role model. Eric Burrows We neUnless it has been in such TV shows as Boston Public, we do not usually laern of lawyers giving up their career to become a teacher. (Especially considering the cost of the education.) But Eric Burrows, not only gave up a great career as a district attorney, he did so with such fervor that he was named the Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year, in 2004. 'Officially', Eric is a high school social studies taecher at San Marcos High School. BUt he does so much more with the students. He leads the school's mock trials. The school has won the county's championship numerous times. He also coaches various sports in the San Ynez Valley. Mr. Burrows has received numerous other awards and was a nominee for the Disney Teacher of the Year. He himself hold many degrees including a B.A. in history, a M.A. in public policy analysis, a law degree, and a teaching credential. His love of learning and young people is infectious, as is his passion for whatever he does. ed more like Mr. Burrows who sees the opportunity in their life for a career change and realizes that our nation's and even the world's future depends upon an educated and motivated youth. Ian Allt Water is cold even in the summer. Ian Allt, a 26 year old, primary school teacher in Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, learned that the hard and heroic way. Mr. Allt was with his girlfriend and dog, walking by the Bolton Reservoir when he heard distress coming from a teenager in the water. Without hesitation, Ian jumped into the cold water in an effort to save the boy. Unlike in many movies, bringing the teen to safety was not easy. The boy was treated at a hospital and released. Shih Shun-cheng Summer is a time for beach fun, not tragedy. But at Fulung Beach in Taiwan, June 2004, it was certainly the latter. Shih Shun-cheng, a National Taiwan University professor, brought over 20 faculty and students on a camping trip. During an early morning swim, students were swept away by waves. Shih went into the water to resacue them. However, the students survived, while Shih, a responsible and brave instructor lost his own life. It is true, that death takes no holiday. Orrin Hudson From state trooper to educator to motivational speaker is a long road, that has been well-traveled by Orrin Hudson. Orrin is in his 40's and spent a half-dozen years as a state trooper. He also spent time in sales.  An avid chess player, Orrin believed that chess could help children learn many skills and to develop character. Since 1986, he had been teaching chess to children. In 1999, Mr. Hudson knew that he wanted to teach more children. - That same year, he won the Birmingham City Chess Championshipbeating the highest-ranked player in the tournament. Orrin credits Tony Robbins, the motivational speaker/guru, with giving him that extra boost. He created Be Someone, Inc., a non-profit that uses chess to instill much into children. His goal is to reach as many as he can. Over the years, Orrin has taught over 15,000 children chess. He also gives motivational speeches. Not only are 'mainstream' sports important, but so is chess. Let's applaud and support. Mr Hudson's efforts! Ethel Rice 'Everyone can make a difference' is a truism. And Ethel Rice, a former librarian at Western State College, in Colorado, is such a case in point. Ms. Rice had been a student at Western State College, herself in the 1960's. She eventually became a librarian, there, for approximately three dozen years. In 2000, She donated $1 million that she saved/invested to the collge. Yet, she did so anonymously, at first. Then, in 2003, at the behest of others, she made her donation public. The reason to go public was essentially to provide a 'living example' of what folks can do for schools they had attended or believed in. Her gift establishes an Endowed Chair in the Art Department. Although her retirement might have been 'that much nicer' by keeping the money, her donation will be an ongoing gift and inspiration. Larry Gagnon Career changes happen more often than we realize, and when it happens to talented folks who decide to become educators, many benefit! Larry Gagbnon was a photographer and ad agency employee with years of experience. He also was a man who was asked by a San Diego Rancho Bernardo High School faculty member to become a teacher. Larry accepted the offer. He teaches in the Digital Media Program and the school won 8 awards in categories that they were nominated for at the San Diego Innovative Video In Education competition. Students in his class can earn a cash stipend, helpful to these students in many ways. This diverse population offers much to Larry, as well. Do you think that you should consider a career change? Mark Johnson Last year, a 50 year young teacher proved that heroes 'under fire' need not be young. Mark Johnson was a teacher at the Rocori High School in Cold Spring, Minnesota. He was getting ready for a class when he heard a gunshot. At 6'2" and 255 pounds, Mr. Johnson is a formidable sight. He went to check out the sound and saw the unimagineable: a student, Jason McLaughlin, with a gun. Mark was the target of Jason's gun, now, and he was able to command the boy to stop and put it down. Unfortunately, Jason had already shot two students, one of whom died. Mark escorted the shooter to the school office. He then tried helping the victims. Mr. Johnson refused to accept the title of 'hero', that others were bestowing upon him. But he was. And if he had not acted as he did, there would probably have been many other victims that day. Chauncey Veatch One can serve America in many ways. One way is to help protect it by serving in the armed forces. Another way, is to help prepare future generations learn. Chauncey Veatch did both. And for his efforts he was named Teacher of the Year in 2002 and officially honored by President Bush. Chauncey was born in Kansas and spent years moving frequently with his family. He spent much time in southern California. After spending 22 years in the Army, serving in various capacities, Mr. Veatch retired in 1995. He had siblings who were teachers, and the education field appealed to him. Without formal teaching experience, he was allowed to teach 8th grade math and science in Thermal, CA. He took classes nights, weekends, and summers in order to get the appropriate credentials to continue teaching. In 1999, Chauncey began to teach at Coachella Valley High School. Almost all of his students are Hispanic and from migrant families. A large number of them are also special education students. He has his students participate in the community. They have distributed pamphlets on health issues and more, to migrant workers and their families. He resurrected the California Cadet Corps. This is a program designed to instill leadership and citizenship skills to upperclass students. He has also taught English as a Second Language and other subjects to adults in evening programs. Yes, one can give to their country in many ways. And Chauncey Veatch has done that and then some. David Levin and Michael Feinberg Being disavantaged economically does not have to result in educational deprivation. Just ask David Levin and Michael Feinberg, 2 former Teach for America participants. These 2 dedicated educators believed that they could create a program, a school wherein inner-city youth could get a dynamic college-prep education. One that would sustain these children and offer hope along with their efforts. In 1994, with only 50 fifth-grade students from Houston, Texas, they implemented KIPP, Knowledge is Power Program. Although only 1/2 had passed their fourth-grade tests, after the KIPP program, 90% passed their fifth-grade English and mathematics exams. The following year, Feinberg's KIPP Academy Houston became a charter school and Levin returned to New York and established KIPP Academy in the South Bronx. Cornerstones of KIPP were: to have lots of homework, strict behavior policies, and more. Teachers have too be exceptional. Not just bright and able to communicate well, but they have to be dedicated and yet capable of enlisting a sense of trust and fun with the students. Parents, students, and teachers sign a contract of sorts commiting to a team approach where long hours and hard work and model behavior is promised. Students typically spend from 7:30am until 5pm, Monday-Friday at KIPP. Plus alternating Saturdays. Plus 3 weeks in the summer. Imagine that their teachers are available after hours by cell-phone! AND THE RESULTS? Aside from what was alraedy mentioned, 99% of their alumni went on to college-prep high schools. And 80% of seniors from their program are colleg-bound-motivated.The New York State Senate has recognized the KIPP Academy as being the highest performing middle school in the Bronx for 6 consecutive years. No small task! KIPP has expanded to 31 schools in 13 states and D.C. Doris and Donald Fisher, the co-founders of GAP, Inc. gave a $15 million grant in 2000 for David and Michael to replicate their success elsewhere and to train outstanding teachers who will serve in these hard-to-get-teacher areas. We tip our mortarboards to these 2 fine educators. LouAnne Johnson A 'Teacher's Teacher' might best describe LouAnne Johnson. Then again, maybe a 'Student's Best Friend' might be appropriate. Or perhaps... LouAnne is a former U.S. Navy journalist, Marine Corps officer, high school teacher, college instructor and the author of The New York Times bestseller Dangerous Minds (originally titled "My Posse Don't Do Homework'). LouAnne enlisted in the U.S.Navy in 1971 and served eight years on active duty, achieving the rank of Petty Officer First Class. She earned scholastic honors at Defense Information School in Ft. Harrison, Indiana, and later was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and air Force Achievement Award for her work as a journalist and radio-tv broadcaster. She earned a B.S. in psychology while on active duty, then completed Marine Corps Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. After some serious soul-searching, LouAnne decided to leave the military. Following her honorable discharge from military service, she worked as special sections editor for Copley News Service. In 1986, she returned to college and earned a secondary teaching credential and a master’s degree in teaching English. While attending college, she worked as an editor for Baseball Card News and as an executive assistant at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. In 1989, LouAnne taught English as an intern at a high school in San Mateo County, CA. The following year, she taught English and reading to non-English speaking students, and was selected as one of four teachers for the Computer Academy -- a school within a school for at-risk teens and one of 10 pilot programs funded by a federal grant. Two years later, she was appointed department chair for the Academy. During the government evaluation of the 10 pilot programs, LouAnne's group was rated first in higher grade point averages, increased self-esteem, academic achievement and student retention. In 1993, LouAnne moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, and taught freshman composition at New Mexico State University while taking creative writing courses. In 1994-95, she taught Developmental English, Literature and Composition at Onate High School in Las Cruces. From 1999-2000, she taught Developmental Reading/Writing, Introduction to Fiction, and literature courses for secondary teacher students at Western New Mexico University in Truth or Consequences. In 2001-2002, she taught freshman English at Alamogordo High School and Technical Communications at NMSU -Alamogordo. At present, she is working as a free-lance writer and educational consultant. She has a new book being published later this year, 'Queen of Education'. Michelle Pfeiffer starred in the August 1995 box office hit “Dangerous Minds” which was based on 'My Posse Don’t Do Homework'. 'My Posse' and 'The Girls' were both condensed in Reader’s Digest magazine, and Dangerous Minds has been published in eight languages, including Italian, German, Japanese and French. LouAnne has presented keynote addresses to numerous organizations, including the ATE National Conference, the National Council on Curriculum Development, and Texas Assoc. of School Administrators. She has conducted workshops for education students at colleges across the country, including Stanford University, San Francisco State University and College of Notre Dame. LouAnne has appeared on several TV shows, including Oprah, CBS Eye to Eye, NBC Weekend Today, Maury Povich, Tom Snyder, and CNN Talkback Live. Bill DuSel Half a century is a long time to be involved in any occupation. But with the common complaints now heard of the youth of today and how difficult and thankless it can be to educate our young, someone as dedicated and special as Bill DuSel, is to be commended. Dr. DuSel graduated from Stanford with honors. His 1st job was at Los Gatos High School. His career has not only involved direct teaching, but writing educational books, winning the Terrace's 1996 Senior of Distinction Award, and being Vice-President at SJSU college. He started the second-largest Educational Opportunity Program in the country, when he was at SJSU. He spent many years, in many capacities, helping youngsters and others discover the wonders of knowledge, friendship, standing up for what is right, and more. Dr. DuSel served our nation in the Army Air Corps. He is also a musician and sculptor. And, someone married to the same woman for over 50 years! A renaissance man, Dr. DuSel is a true source of inspiration for us all. President Lawrence H. Summers You might think that with a major, prestigious educational institution such as Harvard under his leadership, President Lawrence H. Summers would be too busy to do visit local public schools and more importantly to provide 750 books! Knowing that reading and books are keys to a great life and a prosperous one, President Summers donated 187 books to the Amigos and Kennedy Schools in Cambridge, MA. Additional books went to the Fletcher-Maynard Academy, the Harrington School, and the Martin Luther King and King Open Schools. Now, we just need other 'big-shots' to take time and money to give back to the community and to recognize that even in this high tech age, books are vital to a successful imagination, financial success, writing skills, verbal skills, and just plain old 'getting along' in this world! Peggy Trainor ar. And that is plain Special teachers are a special breed within a special breed. Peggy Trainor was a child care counselor approximately 20 years ago. She has, over the years, been an early childhood/exceptional needs teacher, an elementary/middle school teacher, and even an activities-of-daily-living skills teacher. Peggy currently works with visually impaired students through all grades. She challenges her students and helps to prepare them for independent living. Peggy is a Wisconsin asset of great proportions, especially with her 'This Old Apartment' project. The visually impaired students clean-up, help furnish, and lay-out apartments for the Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped. This September, Peggy became the Special Services Teacher of the Year, for everyone to see! Maria-Isabel Hoyt Parents are truly not born knowing all of the correct things to do. Maria-Isabel Hoyt knows this. Maria was coordinator of the English as a Second Language Dept. in an Arlington, VA school. She knew that approximately 20% of her county's population was Hispanic and the number was growing. She also knew that these parents needed assistance in learning of community resources, parenting skills, language skills, and support. Together with two friends, Maria went to the County and received money in 1989 to begin Project Family. The program is growing and partnering with others. The success is great as are the lessons that all involved learn.
	Michael A. Rauer Michael A. Rauer is an exceptional example of a career change to teaching that has paid-off exceptionally well to both students and co-faculty, alike. Mr. Rauer spent over 20 years defending our nation, while in the US Army. After retiring from service, he knew life was too short on one hand and too long on the other, to not continue working and 'give back' to his country in a totally different way. He began teaching in 1994. His experiences traveling and living throughout the world, especially Europe, was great preparation for his classes in World and European History at the Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA. He has been a chaperone for students to France and Europe. He is moderator for the school's Model United Nations Club and the Economics Club. Mr. Rauer also serves on the Technology Select Subcommittee of the National Council for Social Studies. He has received numerous recognition. He received the Washington Post's 'Grants in Education' award. He had a research fellowship at the Office of Medical History, US Army Surgeon General's Office, had work published, and attended the United Nations Association's Teachers Program at Fordham University. The World Affairs Council, of Washington, DC, has chosen Mr. Rauer as a 'Teacher of the Year'. We salute this renaissance man who has chosen to give to both his nation's security and it's future, it's children. Doug Hulinsky Doug Hulinsky is an industrial arts teacher who knew that bravery cannot wait for a 'go-ahead' from someone else. In November of 1997, while teaching, one of his students spotted smoke coming from a nearby home. Doug contacted the school's office which in turn notified the fire department. With quick thinking, he found the homeowner's daughter in a classroom and went with her to the burning house. The door was hot from the fire, but Mr. Hulinsky opened it and pulled the girl's mother out to safety, with the help of another teacher Ray Clifton. Doug performed CPR on the mother, who was alive. Mr. Hulinsky does not believe that what he did was anything outstanding.   Pham Van Sim Mr. Sim is an exceptional teacher. One who has an exceptional background and view of this world. You see, he is blind. He has been since age 16, when a mine that he touched accidentally resulted in his losing his left hand and in losing his sight. At age 20, he moved to Ho Chi Minh City and began special schooling. To cover his tuition, Mr. Sim wove mats. In 1998, he completed college and offered to teach at the Disabled Children Nursing Centre. He is teaching 20 blind children who lived in poverty in the Dong Nai province. Since this is a residential program, his influence is felt 'around the clock'. Mr. Sim's wife is blind and he has a child. Students learn from him that one's mind is not disabled simply because their vision is.