News
Press Release: KIPP Los Angeles Teacher Aaronthomas Green Receives $10,000 Surprise Award
August 1, 2008
SAN ANTONIO, TX—August 1, 2008— In a gala awards ceremony last night, KIPP teacher Aaronthomas Green received a $10,000 KIPP Excellence in Teaching Award. Over 1,500 educators from 19 states were in attendance for the awards ceremony to honor excellence in teaching and learning.
Green is one of ten teachers from a pool of nearly 1,000 KIPP educators across the country to win the $10,000 KIPP Excellence in Teaching Award. Green received the surprise award at the KIPP School Summit on July 31 in San Antonio. The winning teachers have a proven track record for improving student achievement, inspiring others teachers, and contributing to their school communities.
When Green began teaching seventh- and eighth-grade science at KIPP Academy of Opportunity, he had no equipment for his students to use—so he raised the money to buy it through private donors and furnished his classroom himself. In fifth grade, While 16 percent of Green’s students scored proficient or advanced on the California Standards Test (CST) as fifth graders, 77 percent of his eighth grade students scored proficient or advanced on the CST. Outside the classroom, Green provides tech support for the school, and teaches a Saturday school class on the science of food and culinary arts.
“I was blown away tonight. I’m honored to have received this award with such an amazing group of teachers,” said Aaronthomas Green. “It is a tribute to my colleagues and students.”
Founded by two young teachers, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) started as a program for 50 fifth grade students in inner-city Houston, TX in 1994. In 2000, Doris and Donald Fisher, co-founders of the Gap, Inc., partnered with Feinberg and Levin to replicate the success of its unique college-prep program across the country. With the Fishers’ support, KIPP has grown to a national network of 66 schools in nearly 20 states serving over 16,000 students.
“Aaronthomas is extremely effective because of the relationships he builds with students,” says KIPP Academy of Opportunity school leader Ian Guidera. “It’s not just about standing in front of the class. It’s the time in-between lessons when he talks to the students and finds out about their families and their lives.”
KIPP LA operates two high performing public charter middle schools – KIPP Academy of Opportunity and KIPP LA Prep – located in South and East LA respectively, serving 700 students in grades five to eight. In August, KIPP Raíces Academy, the first KIPP elementary school in California, will open its doors to 100 kindergarteners in East LA. KIPP LA plans to grow to six schools serving 2,400 students by 2014. Ninety-nine percent of KIPP LA students are African American or Hispanic/Latino, and eighty-three percent of students are low-income.
“Teachers are the heart and soul of KIPP’s success. Aaronthomas is raising the standard of excellence for the entire KIPP network of schools,” said Don Fisher, Chairman of KIPP Foundation. “His contributions are helping to show what is possible in public education.”
About KIPP
Founded by Teach For America alumni Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin in 1994, KIPP takes a rigorous, “no excuses” approach to education. KIPP schools feature an extended school day, week, and year. KIPP students attend school Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., alternating Saturdays, and for three weeks during the summer. Eighty percent of KIPP students are low-income, and 90 percent are African American or Latino. Nationally, more than 80 percent of KIPP alumni have matriculated to college in communities where less than 20 percent of low-income students go to college.
Contacts:
Katie Braude, KIPP LA, 310-713-0992, kbraude@kippla.org.
Steve Mancini, KIPP schools, 415-531-5396, smancini@kipp.org.
