This year marks the fifth year of the African American Excellence in Education Awards. Now more than ever, it is important to recognize the hard work of Black educators, who sometimes might get overlooked. Black excellence is more than a hashtag; it is happening in schools across the nation including Indiana. Over the last five years over 300 Black educators, both certified and classified and from the traditional public school, charter school, private school, and higher education setting, have been recognized.
In addition to the award winners being recognized because of their achievement and impact on student learning and student well-being, they achieved this during a pandemic and when social justice issues were brought to the forefront in many schools across our state. Recognition, saying thank you, can go a long way for teacher retention, especially for Black educators.
The awards will take place during the InnoPower Minority Business Week on Tuesday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m. In addition to InnoPower, Educate ME, The Indianapolis Recorder, and Marian University Klipsch Educators College are partners of the awards. Marlon Llewellyn, Marian University Klipsch Educators College Academy for Teaching and Learning Leadership Coordinator, believes these awards will help retain talent in Indianapolis. Llewellyn stated:
This is Marian University’s second year as a partner of the African American Excellence in Education Awards. This awards program highlights the talent in our city. Although there is nothing wrong with recruiting talent outside of Indianapolis to serve in our city, it is important to recognize the amazing talent we already have here.
Award winners will receive a congressional certificate of service, a scholarship from Marian University, and receive recognition in the Indianapolis Recorder newspaper. The scholarship is an important aspect as it will help remove barriers award winners may have in continuing their learning in the field of education.
The public can attend the awards, which will be virtual, by signing up for the InnoPower Minority Business Week conference.
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