Educators are a unique breed.  Characteristically uncomfortable in the spotlight – not uncommon for those who are called - their focus is on the success of their kids.  HCEF’s objectives for Celebrate Excellence transcend its purpose as a fundraiser.  They are honoring these dedicated individuals who daily serve as parent, priest, friend, advisor, protector, confidant, and teacher to our children.   Their superintendent gives them the day off.  They get to hang with Anthony Munoz, and best of all, they get to hear what their nominator says about them.  
•     “She has stretched the boundaries of education, teaching us not only how to sing but to be good people.”
•    “The words ‘no’, ‘impossible’ and ‘I don’t have time’ do not exist in his vocabulary.”
•    “I plan on majoring in education, and she is the teacher that I am trying to model myself after.”

There is no greater praise for those who answer the call.

Now, let me get back to whose “excellence” is being celebrated this Friday morning.  Each Hamilton County public school district submits their own “educator of the year,” which this year includes sixteen teachers, two special education administrators, a music director and a principal.  The event, a sit-down breakfast at the Sharonville Convention Center, is unique in that it brings K-12 education, university, business and civic leaders together to pay tribute to this impressive group. For the third straight year, Anthony Munoz, president of his own education foundation, serves as Master of Ceremonies.  The keynote will be presented by the Ohio Department of Education’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Deborah S. Delisle.  She is making her first trip to SW Ohio since her appointment by the State Board of Education last October.  The Foundation – like our business, culture and arts communities – hopes that by providing scholarships and recognizing our local educators more of them will choose to live and work here. 

SoapBlog 1 - Honoring our teachers
Robyn Carey Allgeyer

It may not be mere coincidence that I follow Nancy Zimpher, president of the University of Cincinnati, as this week’s guest blogger.  One year ago, Dr. Zimpher was the keynote speaker at the 2nd annual Celebrate Excellence event presented by the Hamilton County Education Foundation (HCEF).  As the non-profit fundraising arm of the Hamilton County Educational Service Center (HCESC), the foundation is providing scholarships to teachers who are returning to school for their masters in Special Education.  The first scholarship, established with the University of Cincinnati, was presented last year to a music teacher at Roger Bacon High School who plans to work with students as a music therapist.  This Friday, May 22, at the 3rd Celebrate Excellence event, the first scholarship to Xavier University will be awarded in addition to a second scholarship to U.C.  These scholarships are directly addressing the national shortage of special education teachers – in a sense the foundation is “growing its own.”

I have to wonder if many Soapbox readers have even heard of HCESC?  If not, you may be surprised to learn that for more than ninety years, this organization has provided the public school districts in Hamilton County and vicinity with numerous services related to special education, as well as professional development for teachers and administrators.  However, in response to the challenging demands of state and federal legislation and the changing needs of today’s students and educators, HCESC is focusing on innovation by bringing together educational best practices and leading-edge knowledge to serve 150,000 students and 10,000 educators in SW Ohio.  HCESC Superintendent and CEO, Dave Distel, oversees a staff of nearly 500 professionals - experts in literacy, technology, early childhood education, gifted programs, English language learners, students with special needs, math, science and social studies coaches, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, nurses, and attendance officers.  They also staff consultants who assist districts with their school improvement plans, student performance on state tests, data-based decision making, and a host of professional development programs serving front office staff to senior level administrators.  With the critical challenges facing Ohio’s public schools, HCESC emphasizes quality processes and proven implementation experience with a constant focus on what’s best for children.  The result - better use of resources, better schools, better teaching, better learning, better students.