The following piece was posted on the ValleyBreeze.com.
http://www.valleybreeze.com/2015-10-20/pawtucket/pawtucket-teacher-wins-milken-educator-award#.VifosdKrTIU
PAWTUCKET – In a surprise ceremony last week at Slater Junior High School, English teacher Kendra Borden was named the Rhode Island winner of a 2015 Milken Educator Award. The Johnston resident is the only winner for the state.
The prestigious award, from the Milken Family Foundation, carries an unrestricted cash award of $25,000.
“Kendra Borden is an exceptional teacher at Slater Junior High as evidenced by her outstanding classroom instruction and her deep commitment to both staff and students,” said Supt. Patti DiCenSo. “Kendra believes that every student will be successful and works with students, staff and families to make it happen.”
The Pawtucket School Department is proud of the national honor for “one of the bright stars inspiring our students each and every day,” said DiCenso.
Gov. Gina Raimondo said Borden’s win proves that Rhode Island has great educators.
“Just last week, Cumberland High School Principal Alan Tenreiro was named National Principal of the Year, and today’s selection of Kendra Borden as winner of a Milken Educator Award is further recognition of some of the great teaching and learning that takes place in our schools every day. Educators like Alan and Kendra work hard to provide our students with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in college and in challenging careers. I congratulate Kendra Borden on her receiving this significant honor.”
Barbara Cottam, chairwoman of the Board of Education, said she is pleased that the Milken Family Foundation honored “such a great teacher” who has dedicated herself to working in a middle school in an urban setting.
“Kendra Borden has been a positive influence on her students, her fellow teachers, and her community, and this award recognizes the excellence she brings to the teaching profession and to the classroom every day,” she said. “Congratulations to (her) and thank you to the Milken Family Foundation.”
Daniel McConaghy, chairman of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education, said that Borden’s colleagues describe her as an “amazing teacher of English Language Arts and writing who is invested in kids and in the teaching profession.”
Said McConaghy, “It’s great to see this national recognition of the work Mrs. Borden has accomplished in Pawtucket. Her work, and this Milken Award, will inspire others to achieve excellence.”
Education Commissioner Ken Wagner said Borden has earned respect and admiration from her colleagues and students during her seven years in teaching.
“This award she has received today, along with the Blue Ribbon recently awarded to the Francis J. Varieur School, shows that there’s good work going on in the Pawtucket schools,” he said. “Congratulations to Pawtucket educators, particularly to Kendra Borden, on your commitment to great teaching and learning.”
Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, said Milken officials were thrilled to bestow Borden with the honor.
“After a 14-year career in the business world, Borden knows the value of forming connections. Her collaborative approach to success translates seamlessly into the classroom, where she sparks lively discussions, personalizes learning and creates a culture of continuous feedback and improvement,” she said.
As a great writer, Borden has authored curriculum and presentations that have had an impact on student learning throughout the district and state, said Foley.
“We look forward to welcoming her into the Milken Educator Network and supporting her future goals in the teaching profession,” she said.
A Rhode Island College graduate, Borden has been at Slater since she started her teaching career seven years ago. In addition to her classroom teaching, she is the credit-recovery coordinator for the school, the facilitator of the positive intervention and support team, a member of the building leadership team and of the curriculum writing team, and she has worked as a writing teacher for the College Crusade Saturday Academy. She lives in Johnston.
The Milken Educator Awards program provides recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 to exceptional elementary- and secondary-school teachers, principals, and specialists who are furthering excellence in American schools. This year, the Milken Family Foundation will honor up to 40 educators.
Since 1990, 74 Rhode Island educators have received Milken Educator Awards.