Hero

Back in July I wrote about a good day spent with my friend John and his students. These were kids in summer school, enjoying a program developed by John to expose them to various types of technology including robotics, computer sciences and aeronautics.

John emailed me today. He got a state educational award for his program! This guy is way too modest, and he's a sterling example of what teachers should aspire to. His summer staff (four other teachers) are all the same way.

Way to go John and team!!!!!

The text of his award is in the extended entry.

T.C. Williams High School Teacher John Nunn was recently honored by
the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition (VMSC) for his
Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Science program (TEMS). The
VMSC recognizes schools and individuals with a "Programs that Work"
award for initiatives that change the levels of success that Virginia
students reach in mathematics and science. The "Programs that Work"
award included a reception and buffet at Governor Mark Warner's mansion
in Richmond, Va., on October 13, and a $300 honorarium.
"We are delighted and extremely proud of Mr. Nunn and his
accomplishments with the TEMS program," said ACPS Superintendent Rebecca
L. Perry. "It is a huge tribute when the Governor commends you and
recognizes your achievements on the state level. We are very honored to
have a teacher of this caliber serving the students of ACPS."
The TEMS program was created four years ago to enhance minority
students' performance in math and science to narrow and ultimately close
the achievement gap. As the program coordinator, Nunn has seen the
summer program for 7th to 9th graders grow exponentially along with the
curriculum. Students in the TEMS program learn math and science through
hands-on projects in robotics, engineering, web page building, field
trips, and job shadowing. The TEMS program has been featured nationally
by the National Society of Black Engineers.