U.S. Department of Education Honors Two Rochester Teachers With “Star Teaching Awards” for Making a Difference in Student Learning

Two Rochester teachers were honored on October 6, 2004 by the U. S. Department of Education as among the nation’s outstanding educators.

Rachel Windler and Kimberly Harris-Pappin, both of whom teach at School No. 29, 88 Kirkland Road, are the only New York State teachers to receive the newly created American Star Teaching Awards. They were presented the awards at a surprise ceremony at the school by Valarie Smith, Regional Representative for U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige.

The American Star Teaching Award recognizes effective classroom teachers who are improving the academic performance of their students and are making a real difference in their students’ lives.

“Kim Harris-Pappin and Rachel Windler epitomize the true spirit of teaching,” said Secretary Paige in a statement. “They have the great gifts required for outstanding teaching: knowledge of subject, ability to communicate, displaying magic in the classroom, and inspiring students. I applaud their excellence in teaching and commitment to education.”

“We are proud that the dedication and professionalism these two teachers exemplify daily has earned them this prestigious recognition,” said Rochester Superintendent of Schools Dr. Manuel J. Rivera. “We salute them on this achievement and on the superb job they are doing on behalf of Rochester’s children.”

The U.S. Department of Education has identified American Stars of Teaching in every state and the District of Columbia. The award focuses attention on exemplary teachers who are successful in raising student academic achievement for all of their students, often through the use of innovative classroom strategies. American Star Teachers are highlighted as representatives of the thousands of teachers who, regardless of the challenges they face, are making a difference in the lives of their students.

“They are two outstanding educators who have a keen sense of what teaching is all about and an ability to impart that to others,” said School No. 29 Principal Dr. Clinton V. Strickland, Jr., who nominated the teachers for the award. “They live the phrase ‘No Child Left Behind’ every day, trying to find new ways to get all children to the next level.”

Both teachers are part of the School No. 29 Model Teachers Program, playing a strong leadership role in the school by serving as mentors and role models to other teachers. 

Harris-Pappin teaches third- and fourth-grade English language arts (ELA) and also serves as an ELA coach and academic intervention specialist in English and reading. She has been a Rochester teacher for 11 years, all of them at School No. 29.

Windler teaches third- and fourth-grade math and trains teachers districtwide in implementing the elementary math program. She is also an academic intervention specialist in math.  She has been a Rochester teacher for nine years, all of them at School No. 29.

Both were commended by the U.S. Department of Education for contributing to the classroom, to student achievement, and to the successful implementation of the federal No Child Left Behind act.