Last spring, Fulcrum introduced the St. John Baptist de la Salle Educator Excellence Award. St. John, the patron saint of teachers, devoted his life to the education of young people.
Nominees were considered for their unwavering commitment to mission and Catholic identity, their leadership and inspiring presence in their school community, their dedication to academic excellence, and their efforts to go above and beyond to insure the viability and sustainability of their school. The criteria for Fulcrum’s new award are based on The National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, or more frequently referred to as the NSBECS.
After reviewing the many nominations, the selection committee was reminded once again that our schools are filled with amazingly talented and dedicated teachers. Truly, each of our 2000 educators are top notch and we are incredibly blessed by their devotion to their vocation.
The 2024 inaugural class of awardees was introduced to the community at Fulcrum’s recent Chairman’s Leadership Reception. The seven individuals have devoted their careers and their lives to ensuring the next generation thrives in our Catholic schools. Please join us in congratulating each of them for this distinct honor.
A Catholic educator for 18 years, Will is keenly aware of student strengths and the gifts they bring to the community. He continually engages students, build connections, and finds ways for each student to succeed. He models servant leadership in all his interactions, and he finds his time with students and colleagues to be life-giving and energizing.
For over 15 years, Suzanne has taught the youngest learners with joy, grace, and humility. She models a life of faith through prayer with her students and leading the school’s community ministry committee. She celebrates each child’s achievements and talents, building their confidence and inspiring them to thrive in the classroom and beyond. She shares she is “living her true vocation- guiding and loving our littlest learners”.
Nicki sets high standards for her students and for herself. She is intentional about how she builds rapport with students and works hard to maintain a positive culture of growth. She is not afraid to show her students that she is a lifelong learner and that mistakes are normal, even as an adult. She works hard to meet each student where they are and encourages students to push themselves in all that they do, both in and out the classroom. For 13 years, she has formed students as disciples and led numerous committees and professional learning groups within her school community.
For 37 years, Ellen has shown each child that they are uniquely gifted by God. She helps all learners become self-advocates, experience success, and build confidence. Ellen is a leader on numerous committees focused on the needs of diverse learners and she serves as a mentor in the wider community. She is dedicated to making Catholic education accessible and welcoming to all students.
Ellen prides herself on making sure all students feel like they belong in her room and in the school community. She goes above and beyond to celebrate every student, she embraces the struggles of any student and does whatever she can to make sure her students feel loved, accepted, and welcome. For 25 years, Ellen has led with selflessness and humility. She is willing to stop anything for a colleague, a student, or a parent that needs anything-big or small. She is model of grace and patience.
Teri is a true champion of Catholic education. For 28 years, she has invited students into a deeper relationship with Christ by helping them make personal connections to their faith through service and faith in action. She is constantly learning the latest teaching innovations, shares best practices, and incorporates exciting technology tools into her curriculum. She makes education come alive and celebrates each student’s talents and gifts.
For over 40 years, Pauline has ensured every student can successfully grow socially, faithfully, and academically in her classroom. She fosters holistic, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth in her lessons throughout the day. She helps the students strive to achieve their best. Her students know she cares deeply about each of them. Pauline is fully committed to her role as leader in forming saints for God, and by her example instills a sense of mission in each of her students.
We are humbled and grateful for each of these incredible educator’s steadfast devotion to the mission of our Catholic schools and the many sacrifices they make on behalf of their students. Please join Fulcrum in congratulating and thanking each of these exceptional and inspirational educators.