A Celebration of Excellence

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) celebrated its 2024 Educators of the Year during a fun-filled luncheon Monday afternoon at the Gem Theater. From the leadership team offering the highest level of praise to a full-on tearjerker moment that brought the audience to a crescendo of applause. The presentation of the DPSCD Detroit Federation of Teachers 2024 Teacher of the Year Award to Keris Lee by her 8-year-old son, Nasir Lee, was a truly memorable moment.

Board Members and Dr. Vitti, along with families and staff, celebrated and recognized outstanding educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and effectiveness in their classrooms, schools, and offices to support teams, families, and most importantly students.

The Educators of the Year awards are divided into several categories to recognize the diverse talents and contributions made by our dedicated staff. These categories include AFSCME Support Staff of the Year, DFP Paraprofessional of the Year, DAEOE Administrative Support of the Year, OSAS School-based Administrator of the Year, Central Office Employee of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, Principal of the Year, DFT Instructional Support Staff of the Year, DFT Rookie Teacher of the Year, and DFT Teacher of the Year. Each of these categories highlights the unique impact that educators at different educational levels have on their students and the broader school community. The finalists in these categories exemplify excellence in their respective fields, showcasing innovative teaching practices, a commitment to student success, and a passion for education that goes beyond the classroom. Their remarkable achievements and dedication serve as an inspiration to their colleagues and a testament to the transformative power of education.

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Ben Jackson, highlighted the importance of outstanding professionals in the district's mission and vision. “To succeed in educating and empowering our students, we must have outstanding professionals in our schools and central office who are committed to the district’s mission and vision. In every category, this year’s Educator of the Year nominees have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and a desire to go above and beyond to improve outcomes for our students. Thank you to all the staff nominated for your hard work, and a special congratulations to our winners—your recognition is well-deserved!”

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners in each category! These exemplary professionals are the backbone of the district, and their dedication ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed. The winner’s names are in boldface type.

 

AFSCME Support Staff of the Year Winner - Paul Dunn, ESE Paraprofessional, Essential Skills Transition Program at Diann Banks

Congratulations to Chandra Dawkins, Bus Attendant, Office of Transportation, and Lakeya James, ESE Paraprofessional from Keidan Special Education Center, for being nominated as AFSCME Support Staff of the Year.

 

DFP Paraprofessional of the Year Winner - Ana Mejia Jimenez, Noon Hour Aide, Amelia Earhart Elementary-Middle School

Congratulations to Aneyshia Minter from Edmonson Elementary School and Theresa Sturgis from Dixon Educational Learning Academy, for being nominated as DFP Paraprofessional of the Year.

 

DAEOE Administrative Support Staff of the Year Winner - Debra Croslin, Clerical IV, John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy

Congratulations to Nawal Alaaraj, Clerical II from Gardner Elementary-Middle School, and Kenya Gough, Clerical IV from Pershing High School, for being nominated as DAEOE Administrative Support Staff of the Year.

 

OSAS School-based Administrator of the Year Winner - Jacqueline Reaves, Dean of Culture, J.E. Clark Preparatory Academy 

Congratulations to Eric Gaston from Northwestern High School for being nominated as OSAS School-based Administrator of the Year.

 

Central Office Employee of the Year Winner - Jenaca Cryder, Program Associate I, Data, Assessment and Accountability

Congratulations to Georgan Redmond, Program Associate I, Human Resources, and Jake Winfield, Program Supervisor, Data, Assessment, and Accountability for being nominated as Central Office Employee of the Year.

 

Assistant Principal of the Year Winner - Christina Rouser, Assistant Principal, Keidan Special Education Center

Congratulations to Robert Davis from Burns Elementary-Middle School and Allan Washington from Southeastern High School for being nominated as Assistant Principal of the Year.

 

Principal of the Year Winner - Cynthia Clayton, Principal, Burns Elementary-Middle School

Congratulations to William Jackson from Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary-Middle School and Alean King of Detroit Lions Academy for being nominated as Principal of the Year.

 

DFT Instructional Support Staff of the Year Winner - Rakiba Mitchell, School Counselor, Southeastern High School

Congratulations to Louise Mason from Burns Elementary-Middle School and Kevin Stafford from Fisher Magnet Academy for being nominated as DFT Instructional Support Staff of the Year.

 

DFT Rookie Teacher of the Year Winner - Khadijah McCloud, Teacher, Detroit International Academy for Young Women

Congratulations to Caylee Arnold from Vernor Elementary School and Laura Mooradian from Ronald Brown Academy for being nominated as DFT Rookie Teacher of the Year.

 

DFT Teacher of the Year Winner – Keris Lee, Master Teacher, Bow Elementary-Middle School

Congratulations to Kristen Maher from Crockett Midtown High School of Science and Medicine, Tashon McDuffie-Polk from Detroit International Academy for Young Women, and Patricia Reid from Keidan Special Education Center for being nominated as Principal of the Year.

 

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners!  Your hard work, passion, and dedication are truly inspiring. View the photos from the 2024 Educators of the Year Luncheon.

 

To learn more about the DPSCD and its outstanding educators, visit our website.