Kitty Hawk Elementary School teacher recognized with Participate Learning award

Published 10:17 am Monday, July 6, 2020

Jose Rodriguez was recognized as a Participate Learning Teacher of the Year Ambassador. Rodriguez is a teacher with the Spanish Dual Language Immersion program at Kitty Hawk Elementary.

Participate Learning chooses three out of about 1500 teachers statewide to receive this momentous award of Teacher of the Year.

Rodriguez is a third-year ambassador from Colombia who is currently teaching in a dual language first grade classroom at KHES. His four main goals for his students this year were:

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– To become global learners.

– To develop an appreciation of diverse perspectives.

– To understand the connection between animals, the ecosystem and ourselves.

– To collaborate across cultures and countries.

“I have increased the focus on making a difference outside of the classroom with a specific focus on cultural awareness, the environment, sustainable resources and promoting kindness. During ‘Cultural Fridays,’ our guest speakers share information and fun facts about their cultural heritage with students. They also share information about climate change challenges their country is facing,” said Rodriguez.

Holland Page with Participate Learning wrote: “Successfully ending a school year is always a momentous occasion, but the academic achievements and student growth made this school year, in particular, are worth celebrating.

“Teachers around the world were faced with the unprecedented challenge of quickly adapting their lessons to a remote format while trying to find ways to keep students engaged in their learning from home. The culmination of this school year was no small feat, and we were inspired by the hard work and innovation of educators worldwide.

“This year, Participate Learning recognized three outstanding ambassadors as our 2020 Teacher of the Year recipients. These educators transcended expectations in the core competencies of sharing their cultures, mastering instruction, expanding their leadership impact, adopting a growth mindset, and embodying inclusivity in and out of the classroom. Their dedication to uniting our world and expanding young minds was evident in all their work, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their commitment to global education.”

John Farrelly, superintendent of Dare County Schools, recognized Rodriguez’s achievements: “We jumped on a Zoom call with him and about 30 of his colleagues . . . to surprise and congratulate him,” Farrelly shared. “We are very proud of him, he is a great teacher.”

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