The Episcopal Academy is honoring four teachers as part of the inaugural class of D'Ambrosio Fellows. The fellowship, created through The D'Ambrosio Fund for Extraordinary Faculty, recognizes outstanding EA educators for the transformative impact they have on students.
This year's fellowships, selected by Episcopal's academic leadership team, have been awarded to Upper School history teacher Kris Aldridge, Hon., Upper School Visual Arts Department Chair David Sigel, Hon., Middle School English teacher Mark Luff, Hon., and Middle School Math Department Chair Allison Schultz.
Established by Lou and Kim D'Ambrosio, The D'Ambrosio Fund for Extraordinary Faculty seeks to inspire teachers to achieve the highest level of work with its fellowship program and by funding professional development activities. "We all remember those special teachers in our lives; this fellowship was established to recognize those teachers," observed Lou and Kim. "We are hopeful that the fellowship continues to energize the culture of recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers at EA."
"I was incredibly surprised and honored to be chosen," said Shultz. "Receiving an award of this magnitude would always be an honor, but the fact that I was chosen among this amazing group of teachers who continually inspire me makes the recognition all the more special."
As a member of the Board of Trustees and a parent of two Upper School students, Lou is especially interested in ensuring that Episcopal recruits, retains, and supports the very best faculty members. "As parents, there is nothing more important than our kids, and it is hard to imagine many things more important in their lives than their teachers," said Lou. "Extraordinary teachers change lives."
Greville Haslam Head of School, Dr. T.J. Locke, announced the Fellows during Upper and Middle School Chapel on Tuesday, April 5 and Wednesday, April 6. "Inspiring students is at the heart of our mission, and these teachers set a standard nationally for what it means to change kids' lives. They not only inspire the children they teach, but they inspire their colleagues as well as the entire community," said Locke.
Mark Luff says he is both honored and humbled. "To be selected from such a talented group of educators is a distinct honor. I am most appreciative of the D'Ambrosio family for their generous support of Episcopal Academy's faculty."
Kris Aldridge is also grateful and honored to receive the fellowship. "I also look forward to exploring the professional development opportunities that it represents. I am excited to applaud my colleagues who are likewise honored in the future," said Aldridge.
"What a nice surprise and an honor to be recognized for something I love to do," said David Sigel.
This year's fellows will serve a one-year term in the 2016-2017 academic year and will complete an excellence project. Future D'Ambrosio Fellows will be announced in the spring of each year.
"I am so excited for what is to come in this fellowship year, I've always felt supported here at EA to grow and develop professionally, and I cannot wait to take that to the next level. I am extremely grateful. I hope that they know what a difference they've made!" said Shultz.