FA Recognizes Teachers and Staff With Growth-Focused Award
FA recently celebrated five members of our FAmily with the 2022 Growth-Focused Awards! These awards are presented to staff members who are constantly striving to improve and grow on both a personal and professional level, personifying what it means to be a lifelong learner. These FA professionals, regularly reflect and challenge themselves, their students, and their colleagues to be better every day.
Members of the FAmily, celebrated our winners at a recent professional day. Following are the winners and comments from their fellow colleagues.
Winner, FA Primary:
Olabisi Okoya, 1st Grade Teacher
“If unconditional love of teaching was a person, that person is Olabisi. She is the definition of professional, she is the definition of growth, she is the definition of a leader. She is always pushing for the growth of her students and the growth of her team.” – Alexandra Rene-Fedna, Kindergarten Teacher
Winner, FA Intermediate:
Jessica Yentema, 5th Grade Teacher
“From the beginning, you were always someone who wanted to do their best and learn from your successes; and your failures. Your positive attitude and persistent mindset have led you to grow as a teacher and an emerging leader. You’re always asking for feedback and reflecting on your teaching practice. When someone observes you, you always go out of your way to figure out what was the feedback, what you can do better. You not only care about yourself growing but your kids growing.” – Audrey Polites, Intermediate School Instructional Dean
Winner, FA Middle:
Frank Prendergast, Music Teacher
“You have grown so much since you first started working at Foundation Academies. When there are necessary changes, you step up to the plate to think of what’s best for our scholars. You push yourself to grow and at the same time you push our scholars in their musical capability to grow as well.” – Shea Lightfoot, Middle School Leader of Student Culture
Winner, FA Collegiate:
Isiah Jones, 10th Grade Teacher
“I like to think of Mr. Jones as sort of the rock of the history department at the high school. He is super consistent, professional, and truly a leader. Every day I am blown away by his energy and absolute commitment to both our school and the community!” – Matthew Triolo, History Teacher
Winner, FA Home Office:
Shanesia Davis, Director of Training and Development
“Shanesia consistently makes time to learn and grow by attending conferences, professional development opportunities and has fully embraced the power that wellness coaching has to offer. She provides hard feedback and is open to receiving it, to ensure intentional systems and experiences not only improve our organization but ensures that it can stand the test of time.” -Sheria McRae, Chief Academic Officer (and incoming CEO)
Read All the January Newsletter Articles
January Newsletter: Our Village SHOWS UP for Our Kids
Foundation Middle School Hosts Virtual Community Event Honoring Dr. King
FA Celebrates 100 Days With School-Wide Celebration
FA Recognizes Teachers and Staff With Growth-Focused Award
Friends of FA Offers $10K Scholarship Opportunity to Class of 2022: Round Table Scholarships
Destini Bell is an intern on the Advancement Team. A 2021 graduate of Monmouth University, Destini is a co-founder of Ohemaa Beauty Unlimited, a retail company that offers specialty beauty products. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and cooking.