They teach math, theatre, language, government – and more. They are teachers, mentors, principals and administrators.
They are leaders at St. Louis Community College, North Technical High School, Loyola Academy, University of Missouri–St. Louis, Townsend Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, McKinley Classical Junior Academy and University City High School.
They are the 2009 Excellence in Education awardees, and they will be recognized at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2009 Salute to Excellence Scholarship & Awards Gala Friday, September 18 at America’s Center.
Kelly K. Ballard: Math and motivation
One important motto that Kelly K. Ballard lives – and teaches – by is, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters to what lies within us.”
It is a concept Ballard tries to pass along to her students at St. Louis Community College–Meramec, where she is associate professor of mathematics.
The power within Ballard has made her a Fulbright Scholar, studying through a government-sponsored program that allows college teachers to study abroad as a way of creating a unified understanding of education between cultures. Her many previous honors include a Governor’s Excellence in Teaching Award.
She knew the importance of hard work and studying from a young age. Ballard graduated from Normandy High School as co-valedictorian, starting a stellar academic path that would culminate in a Ph.D. in Real Analysis at the University of Missouri–Columbia.
H. Eric Clark: Inspiring young men
“All of my life I have always cheered and championed for the underdog, downtrodden, less fortunate and the marginalized,” said H. Eric Clark, president and principal of Loyola Academy.
“My mother has called me a ‘bleeding heart’ all my life.”
Loyola Academy is a Jesuit middle school for boys with high potential, but whose life situation has hurt their progress towards reaching that potential.
He came to Loyola from Saint Louis University High School, where he served as assistant principal for student welfare.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity of mentoring boys into ‘Men for Others,’ SLUH’s motto,” Clark said.
In June 2008, Clark decided to make the move from SLUH to Loyola Academy of St. Louis, where he became the new principal.
“I don’t look at it as achievements but as an opportunity to serve and bless others,” Clark said.
Niyi Coker: Teaching through the arts
“I deal with young bright minds,” said Niyi Coker, professor of African-American studies, Theatre and Media Studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
“I teach and they reenergize the teacher. It’s a two-way road.”
He started on this road as a young child in Nigeria, where he was first drawn to theatre. Now a playwright, he wrote “Endangered Species” and the historical play “Ouray.” Working in film, he directed and produced “The Black 14” and served as a consultant for the Emmy-nominated documentary “Fields of Fire.”
Coker wrote “Black Studies USA,” which in 2005 won best short documentary at the Berlin Black Film Festival. He was honored with the Kennedy Merit Award for his directing. Coker is also the author of two books about African music and theatre.
Now he is enjoying teaching, using the experience he has gathered through his time in the theatre in the classroom.
Natasha Mosley: Adding extra to education
“6th grade chose me. I love it more and more each day,” said Natasha Mosley, who teaches 6th grade language arts at Lincoln Middle School in the East St. Louis School District.
“I don’t think I ever want to leave 6th grade.”
Mosley began teaching at the school in 2001 after graduating from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale with a bachelor’s degree in education. In 2008 she was appointed to serve as head of the Language Arts Department.
From a young age, she knew the importance of education, coming from a long line of educators. However, she did not have many influential teachers in her own school experience, so she tries to be a positive influence on her students. She adds a special motivational aspect to her teaching, stressing that college is an attainable goal.
“Every moment with students remains irreplaceable,” Mosley said.
Michelle Pendleton: Patient and passionate
“When teaching younger children I can help a child with forming their personality and can help decide if education will be important in their lives,” said Michelle Pendleton, a teacher at Townsend Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District.
She began teaching fifth and sixth grade but then moved to kindergarten. In the fall she will move to pre-kindergarten. Pendleton has been awarded the district’s Teacher of the Year Award.
She has spent 30 years in the field of education and loves working with and shaping the next generation.
After graduating from Harris-Stowe State University, Pendleton began to teach for the St. Louis Public Schools at Stix Early Childhood Center teaching pre-kindergarten. In 2001 she became the education director at Grace Hill Head Start.
“Being an educator is something I believe I was born to do. It’s a gift,” Pendleton said.
Alice F. Roach: Devoted to city schools
Alice F. Roach has been serving in the St. Louis Public School District for many years as a teacher, counselor and principal and recently was appointed the new chief of staff for the district.
Roach began working at Marquette Visual and Performing Arts Middle School as the guidance counselor. In 1987 she became the principal of the school, which later became Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle School in 1993. Under her leadership, the school became the first district school to be honored as a Missouri Gold Star school.
Roach was selected to help restructure Carnahan Middle School, a city public school that was rocked by poor attendance and vandalism. With Roach as principal, the school has embraced a learning program that uses technology in every class as it became Carnahan High School of the Future.
“The test scores continue to go up,” Roach said.
Rona Robinson-Hill: Teaching science for the future
Rona Robinson-Hill knows about hard work, a value she relays to her students at McKinley Classical Junior Academy, where she is lead science teacher with 13 years on the job.
Prior to becoming an educator, Hill was employed by Washington University and Saint Louis University as senior research assistant in pathology and pulmonary medicine. She continues her research with fellowships during the summer.
Currently she is a doctorate candidate at UMSL, where she is planning a pilot study for at-risk gifted adolescents. She has already begun her research with a home study and awaits approval to proceed.
“The primary goal of this program is to restore the academic character and status of the student and enhance the structure and support that the family and home provides,” Hill said.
She also serves on the Washington University Young Scientist Advisory Board and as a Ministry of Help counselor at Rhema Church.
Margaret Williams: Local teacher with national attention
“I teach with a drive to bring my students to a clear understanding of the world in which they live,” said Margaret Williams a 37-year veteran in education with 18 years teaching government and African-American studies at University City High School.
“I take what I do seriously and with great pleasure because I love what I do.”
This year Williams became the 2008-2009 Missouri teacher of the year. In April, the group of national awardees traveled to Washington, D.C., where they met President Obama and the first lady. Williams was thrilled to shake hands and speak with the president in the White House Rose Garden.
This year Williams retired, but she plans to continue her work with the University City High School mock trial team. Williams also plans to continue her doctoral work and wants to help mentor new teachers.
The 2009 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala will be held Friday, September 18 at America’s Center. General seating tickets are $85 or $850 per table. VIP/Corporate tables are $1,500. For information or tickets, call 314-533-8000 ext. 305 or visit www.stlamerican.com.