NEW: RI Public Charter Schools Welcome National Education Expert and Award-Winning Educator
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
The Rhode Island League of Charter Schools hosted a Public Charter School Consortium today at the Rhode Island Convention Center, featuring keynote speaker Salome Thomas-EL, right, a national education expert, media consultant, former teacher, and principal.
The program included the presentation of the first annual $1,000 Peter McWalters Professional Educator Award, a keynote address and follow-up question forum with Thomas-EL, and a public charter school expo to allow patrons to learn more about Rhode Island’s 15 public charter schools.
The McWalters Award
The McWalters Award was presented to Francisca Silvia Lima, a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher in the International Charter School's dual language program. Former Rhode Island Education Commissioner Peter McWalters spent 17 years improving the state of public education in Rhode Island, and by establishing an award in his name, the Rhode Island League of Charter Schools ought to honor his work and his long-term support for creating what he referred to as “choice quality education.”
“On a daily basis, Peter McWalters was a passionate advocate for the best things that happen in classrooms, and recognized the public charter school community’s success in creating highly personalized learning environments in which high standards are met and compassion is the norm,” said Nardelli. “Francisca Silvia Lima injects that same enthusiastic, hopeful spirit into her work every day, and we want to applaud that exceptional quality.”
The selection committee chose Silvia because of a number of factors, including her exceptional dedication to positively shaping children’s lives, exhibiting innovation in teaching methods, inspiring students, and serving as a respected role model to her colleagues.
Keynote speaker Salome Thomas-El
“We won’t be able to protect our students from the ups and downs of life, but we can build resilience in children,” said Salome Thomas-EL, keynote speaker. “Passionate and committed leaders help to identify the tools our students need today to respond to the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, and to navigate successfully through high-risk neighborhoods and communities.” Thomas-EL is an award-winning teacher and principal who served the Philadelphia School District for more than 20 years. Hi is currently Head of School at Thomas Edison Charter in Wilmington, Delaware, and a member of “Core Team Oz,” a group featured on The Doctor Oz Show. His keynote speech focused on the importance of leadership, parenting, mentoring, and service to others, a theme presented in his aptly-titled book, The Immortality of Influence.
He is author of the best-selling book I Choose to Stay, to which the Walt Disney Company recently purchased the movie rights. Thomas-EL’s second book, The Immortality of Influence, which features a foreward written by actor Will Smith, was released in May, 2006.
The importance of charter schools
“The Rhode Island League of Charter Schools exists to support public charter schools as leaders in expanding choice, improving success, and supporting and informing the public school reform movement across the state,” said Stephen A. Nardelli, Executive Director of the Rhode Island League of Charter Schools. “There is a growing, unmet demand for public charter schools in Rhode Island, and we hope that this event addressed the need of parents, families, and educators to access information regarding the educational options available in Rhode Island.”
Attracting many different education stakeholders—educators, parents, and community members—the Consortium aimed to draw public attention to the challenges currently faced by the education community, and highlight schools and individuals who are accomplishing extraordinary things despite these obstacles.
The 2011 Rhode Island Public Charter School Consortium was sponsored by The Rhode Island League of Charter Schools, The Rhode Island Foundation, and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.
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