White House Honors Rockwell Elementary School Teacher as “Champion of Change”

August 31, 2012

A Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) teacher at Lois P. Rockwell Elementary School has been named a “Champion of Change” by the White House and the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence.

Silvia Rodriguez Macdonald, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher at Rockwell Elementary School since 2005, is one of 10 educators being honored by the White House for her efforts to improve student outcomes and close the achievement gap.

In addition to teaching, Ms. Macdonald serves as a member of Rockwell Elementary School’s Instructional Leadership Team, co-chair of the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) committee, and leads the ESOL team.

“Silvia Rodriguez Macdonald is a teacher who is innovative and collaborative and works hard to ensure that all of her students are served effectively,” said Superintendent of Schools Joshua Starr. “She is making a difference in the lives of the children she teaches and the community.”

The “Champions of Change” honorees were recognized at a special White House event today (August 31, 2012) where they had an opportunity to share best practices, models, and teaching strategies for effectively engaging and educating diverse students.

The White House Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative to honor ordinary Americans doing great work in their communities. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.

Visit the Champions of Change website for more information.

Read the Press Release

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