Latest news with #EducatoroftheYear
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Rainbow Room International brings Japanese innovation to the Ayr salon
Ayr salon director Riccardo Corvi and apprentice Ava Lester returned from the experience with a deeper appreciation for precision, calm, and purpose in hairdressing. After an inspiring educational trip to Japan, Scotland's largest salon group, the award-winning Rainbow Room International, is now implementing key insights gained from the experience into their salon environment. The trip was made possible by Laura Leigh Kerr, the Director of Howard Street Academy, and the 2024 Educator of the Year for the prestigious Fellowship for British Hairdressing. She played a crucial role in securing the successful bid that allowed the group to embark on the unique, once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Far East.. The opportunity followed a rigorous application process funded by the Turing Scheme, which ultimately approved the trip. The experience was not only an opportunity for the eight young apprentices selected to participate, but it also proved transformative for everyone involved. The meticulous techniques, respectful client rituals, and deep appreciation for the hairdressing profession in Japan left a lasting impression. For Riccardo Corvi, salon director of Rainbow Room International Ayr, and apprentice Ava Lester, the educational trip to Japan was a profound reminder that true excellence in hairdressing lies in technique, focus, and the courage to create with intention. Travelling as part of the select group representing Scotland's leading salon group, Riccardo and Ava were immersed in Japan's unique salon culture, where discipline, calm, and craft go hand in hand. Riccardo said: "What we experienced wasn't just skill, it was precision with purpose. Everything we saw, from cutting to styling, was about control, discipline and deep respect for the process. That mindset has already elevated how we're approaching our work back in Ayr." Ava, one of the eight apprentices chosen for the opportunity, was particularly struck by the serenity of the salons. She said: "It was so chilled and quiet. You felt relaxed as soon as you stepped in, like you were in a completely different world." But beyond the atmosphere, it was the technique that left a lasting impact. Ava described a hair-up demonstration that used just a single pin to create a perfectly formed French roll, no heat, barely any product, only backcombing and technique. She said: "It was so precise and so effortless. It showed me how much you can achieve when you strip it all back and focus on the craft." Riccardo agreed that this minimalist, deeply considered approach is something his team in Ayr is now embracing more than ever. He added: "Less product, less rushing, more thought, more purpose. The team has returned with a sharper eye, a steadier hand, and a real appreciation for the power of precision." Inspired by Japanese calm, clarity, and technical mastery, both Riccardo and Ava are championing a return to thoughtful creativity, where each section, snip and styling move is done with care, clarity and confidence. Riccardo said: "Japan reminded us that hairdressing is an art form, one that deserves time, focus, and a genuine love of the craft. "And that's exactly the energy we're bringing back to Ayr."
Chicago Tribune
12-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Indian Prairie District 204 Superintendent Adrian Talley named Educator of the Year by DuPage education group
Adrian Talley, the superintendent of Indian Prairie School District 204, was recently named Educator of the Year by the DuPage Regional Office of Education. Talley — along with other winners from districts in Wheaton, Hinsdale, Naperville and other areas in the county — was recognized at an event on May 1, according to a news release from the DuPage Regional Office of Education. Joining neighboring counties' offices which give out annual educator awards, this was the DuPage Regional Office of Education's first time hosting such an event, and it plans to make it an annual tradition. Talley took over as superintendent of the district in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to past reporting. Since then, he said a major focus of his leadership has been efforts focused on mental health. In recent years, the district has secured a $1.25 million grant from Endeavor Health for school-based counseling services, along with a $500,000 state grant for counseling for high school students and a $500,000 grant from Edward Elmhurst Health for mental health assistance for students in lower grades. The district also recently held its third annual mental health symposium, which now includes participation from nearby school districts. The DuPage Regional Office of Education recognized Talley for these initiatives, as well as his 'commitment to equity, innovation and student-centered learning,' the office's news release noted. The mental health efforts are also some of the accomplishments Talley told The Beacon-News he's most proud of during his time with the district. He noted that Indian Prairie has shared the district's free counseling concept with 20 other school districts, and helped them write their grant applications. Talley said he was nominated by the district's assistant superintendent of equity and innovation Nader Najjar, who coordinated the letters of recommendation submitted on Talley's behalf for the award. He said winning the award was a 'complete surprise.' 'I don't work for this,' Talley said of the award. 'I think it's important that I'm doing the work, I'm orchestrating some of this and I have the people around me who make it all possible.' Talley also noted the district's work on equity during his tenure: establishing equity ambassadors in district schools, forming an equity plan and continuing work with staff on affinity groups. And he said, aside from the awards, the day-to-day recognition of teachers and school employees is appreciated too. Talley said he has letters 'that are more than 20 years old' that parents have sent him. 'It's like, when I'm moving, I'll look at them, and I'm like, 'I'm gonna keep this letter. I will always have this letter,'' he said. Now, as Talley prepares for his last school year at Indian Prairie before stepping down, he said he plans to continue work on mental health efforts, among his other responsibilities. He said the district has another grant application in the works right now. 'One of the things I learned in education: you never complete anything,' he said. 'There's always stuff that's unfinished … it was very hard for me to say I wanted to walk away, knowing that I had all of this work that still needed to be done. And so, from construction work to work that we're doing on grading and reporting.' He said he's focused on ensuring a smooth transition for his successor — keeping track of the work he does on a monthly basis so the new superintendent understands the expectations of the job, for example. 'I don't think I'll finish anything,' Talley said, 'but have it ready for the new superintendent to pick up.'
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Taylorsville special education teacher named Educator of the Year by Discovery Education Awards
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah () — A teacher at Hartvigsen School has been named Educator of the Year by the Discovery Education Awards. Seyyed Sharifi is a special education teacher at Hartvigsen School in Taylorsville. He teaches post-high school students, aged 18 – 22, and educates them on life skills. He has previously been named Granite School District's 2024 Teacher of the Year. In a press release from Granite School District, they share some of the qualities that went into Sharifi being honored as Educator of the Year. 'Seyyed prioritizes trust and connection to ensure every student feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Recognizing that traditional instruction methods don't always meet the needs of students with diverse abilities, he brings creativity and technology into the classroom,' Granite School District shared in the release. Volunteers to assemble period kits for Utah students ahead of summer break Discovery Education Awards selects five teachers across the nation to be honored as their Educator of the Year. There are also awards for the District of the Year and School of the Year. Sharifi was honored this afternoon at the school. In an interview with ABC4, he shared his feelings about being the recipient of the award. He reflected on how winning this award was meaningful not only to him but to his family. 'For me, it's about my family's legacy. Both my mother and my father were teachers in Kabul, Afghanistan, and when they came here, they had to leave the profession behind,' Sharifi stated. 'It was a way to kind of heal that family lineage… It's kind of a sacred act to me, to teach.' Sharifi says his teaching method is focused on independence. He works with virtual reality equipment and hands-on projects to help educate his students on life skills. 'I try to cultivate independence — that's really the heartbeat of our classroom,' Sharifi said. 'What got me here is that, is just really empowering the students to live their lives to the fullest.' What are the different safety protocols in Utah schools? The Educator of the Year wasn't always an educator, though. Sharifi shared that his career began somewhere different, but he found his way to special education. 'I did sales for a long time, I made a lot of money doing that, but I wasn't able to sleep at night,' Sharifi said. 'This job has allowed me to provide for my family… for me, it's a noble way to earn a living.' For those considering a career like Sharifi's, he encourages whoever is interested to join him. 'We need more special educators. If you are thinking about special ed, come. It's a rewarding career. The kids are lovely,' Sharifi stated. Current Shepard Lane overpass on I-15 to close permanently for new interchange bridge McMahon says Harvard is no longer eligible for new federal research grants Taylorsville special education teacher named Educator of the Year by Discovery Education Awards 'Connection and belonging': South Salt Lake Mural Fest returning this weekend He missed the flight that killed 138 Now he's giving back in Vietnam Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pottsville teacher named educator of the year
POTTSVILLE — The Scouting America Hawk Mountain Council on Thursday named a Pottsville middle school language arts teacher Educator of the Year. Leah Zerbe accepted the 2025 Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator award at a ceremony at D.H.H. Lengel Middle School. Hudson Clews, a Pottsville freshman and Scout, speaks during the Outstanding Educator Award ceremony honoring Leah Zerbe at D.H.H. Lengel Middle School in Pottsville, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) 'Leah Zerbe is a great 21st Century educator,' former Republican Herald managing editor Andy Heintzelman said in his introduction. 'In addition to her classroom work, she leads after-school programs throughout Schuylkill County that focus on environmental literacy, sustainability and outdoor learning.' Zerbe led an effort to obtain a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Farm-To-School grant that supports a native pollinator habitat grant on the school grounds, Heintzelman said. Under her guidance, students participate in trips to farms, food tastings and cooking classes that focus on healthy locally grown food. In accepting the award, presented by Black Rock District Executive David McKeown, Zerbe said she was humbled to receive such an important honor. Her goal in teaching, Zerbe said, is to create change makers of her students. David McKeown, Black Rock District Executive for the Scouts, right, and Andy Heintzelman, left, present Leah Zerbe the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award during a ceremony at D.H.H. Lengel Middle School in Pottsville, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) 'It has been such a rewarding experience for me to see that kids are interested and want to do things,' she said. 'We just have to build the programs that allow them to do it.' Zerbe credited Pottsville Superintendent Sarah E. Yoder and other administrators for being receptive to out-of-the-box programs. 'Leah is extremely dedicated,' Yoder said. 'The programs she designs will affect her students for a lifetime.' In the pollinator garden, students planted milkweed, which plays an integral role in the survival of Monarch butterflies. An after-school program, it was funded in part by a federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grant that underwrites before and after-school programs. In two years at D.H.H. Lengel, Zerbe has secured an Outdoor Riding For Focus grant that funded a fleet of specialized mountain bikes for student exercise programs. An environmental journalist, her weekly column appears in the Schuylkill Living section of the Republican Herald Sunday edition. Her writing has been published in Rodale Press' Prevention and Organic Gardening and other magazines. Jamie Gunoskey, Scoutmaster for Troop 615, speaks about scouting during the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award ceremony honoring Leah Zerbe at D.H.H. Lengel Middle School in Pottsville, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Zerbe is the recipient of a Women of Conservation Award and the Schuylkill Conservation District's Media Conservation Award. State Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp; the Schuylkill County commissioners and a representative of State Sen. David G. Argall presented commendations. 'You do make a difference,' said Twardzik, a member of the House Environmental Committee. 'Thanks for what you do.' County Commissioner Gary J. Hess commended Zerbe for her work with students. 'Young people are our greatest asset,' he said. 'You are molding them into citizens of the future.' Commissioner Barron L. 'Boots' Hetherington commended Zerbe and her students on their work with pollinators and farm-to-table initiatives. 'Pollinators are dear to my heart,' said Hetherington, who grows strawberries and raspberries on his Union Twp. farm. Seth Hubler, Argall's outreach director and an Eagle scout, recalled visiting the farm-to-table lunch program last fall. 'You just don't see this kind of commitment from a teacher outside the classroom,' said Hubler. 'I really appreciate what you do.' Named for Dr. Elbert K. Fretwell, a Columbia University professor and youth development pioneer, the award celebrates educators who build the next generation through integrity, responsibility and community service. Hudson Clews, a member of Troop 615 in Pottsville, talked about the advantages of Scouting. Now a freshman at Pottsville High School, he has been in Scouting for 10 years. During summer camp at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation, he earned a merit badge in life-saving skills. 'Through troop activities, volunteering in our community and building friendships,' he said, 'I am proud of my accomplishments in Scouting.' Jamie Gunoskey, Troop 615 Scoutmaster, called attention to Zerbe's teaching methods. 'It was your passion and drive that inspired them to research current scientific evidence on the impact of pollinators on the environment,' he said. 'As fine of an award as this is, there can be no doubt that this is just a small symbol of the far-reaching impact of your efforts.' Gunoskey stressed the need for adult volunteers in Troop 615, which is chartered by St. Patrick Catholic Church, Pottsville. For more information about volunteering, call Dave McKeown, District Executive for Black Rock District, at 570-789-9538.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Palestine Chamber rolls out red carpet for Membership Appreciation banquet
The Palestine Chamber of Commerce is rolling out the red carpet for its members this Friday night for its annual Member Appreciation banquet. Chamber Director Angela Howell-Fields said this year they wanted to give their members the 'star' treatment. 'We welcomed so many new members this year and want to take this opportunity to show our appreciation to all our members for the participation throughout the year, for the sponsorship throughout the year,' Howell-Fields said. For this year's banquet, Mario's Mexican Grill will be catering, serving hors d'oeuvres with cocktails starting at 5:30 p.m. Howell-Fields said an elevated meal that highlights Mario's menu will follow later in the evening. She noted that a dessert grazing table will be provided by Somethin' Sweet. Howell-Fields said this year's banquet will be a laid back evening of mingling and networking with a silent auction and photo booth by Alchemy Creative Arts. She added the program would start around 6:45 p.m. at which time she will be sharing some Chamber highlights from 2024. There will be an introduction of the Chamber Ambassadors and the board. This will be followed by community awards, including a new award, Educator of the Year. 'It's been a great year for the chamber,' Howell-Fields said. 'Our Junior Ambassador program has been good and the festivals in 2024 both went really well. We brought back our Leadership Palestine program in 2024. It went really well, we had some really good programs and we'll talk about that at the banquet and present the certificates of completion awards to those who are able to attend.' Single tickets for this year' banquet are still available for $35 per person on the chamber's website,
