Welcome back KIPPsters! Start the 2024-25 school year off strong—click here for important back-to-school information.
Welcome back KIPPsters! Start the 2024-25 school year off strong—click here for important back-to-school information.
Highlights from the 2024 KIPP School Summit: Elevating Education through Collaboration and Innovation
The 2024 KIPP School Summit (KSS) in Orlando brought together educators, leaders, and community members from across the KIPP network for an inspiring and collaborative event. This annual gathering provided a platform for sharing best practices and innovative strategies aimed at improving education for underserved communities. Attendees participated in a wide array of workshops and panels focused on topics such as instructional excellence, equity in education, social-emotional learning, and leveraging technology to enhance student outcomes.
A lively and heartfelt discussion took place during the panel on Dr. Hines’s book, Tomorrow’s Children. Moderated by our Executive Director, April Montgomery Goble, the panel featured Dr. Hines, School Leader Monika Patel, and teachers Evonne Bankston and Mya Clark. With genuine enthusiasm, the panelists not only shared their lesson plans for the book but also delved into its deeper themes of resilience, consciousness and community. They explained how they designed their lessons to connect these themes to students’ lives, making the content both accessible and impactful. The warmth of the conversation fostered a sense of shared purpose, inspiring educators to implement these lessons in their classrooms with the goal of empowering their students to dream big and navigate today’s challenges with confidence.
2024 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients
The Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award is one of KIPP’s most prestigious honors, named after the inspirational teacher Harriet Ball, whose innovative teaching methods played a significant role in shaping the KIPP model. This award celebrates outstanding educators within the KIPP network who exemplify excellence, dedication, and creativity in teaching.
Recipients are recognized for their profound impact on student learning, their ability to inspire and engage students, and their commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. These educators demonstrate not only a deep understanding of their subject matter but also an unwavering dedication to the growth and success of every student, making a lasting difference in their school community.
This year, KIPP Chicago is especially proud to have a record number of teachers receive the Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award in a single year. This achievement highlights the exceptional talent and commitment of our educators, who are making a significant impact on the lives of our students and setting a high standard for teaching excellence.
D’Naya Mims (KIPP Ascend Middle School): D’Naya Mims shines as a beacon of excellence at KIPP Ascend Middle School! In just three years, she has transformed her 5th-grade ELA classroom into a place where students thrive and achieve remarkable success. Her commitment to growth, both for herself and her students, has created a dynamic, inclusive environment where every child can soar. D’Naya’s positivity and passion for teaching are truly inspiring, making her a standout educator and a well-deserved recipient of the prestigious Harriett Ball Award!
Evonne Bankston (KIPP Bloom College Prep): Bankston is a true champion of education at KIPP Bloom College Prep! Their six years of dedicated service as a 7th Grade Social Studies teacher, SEL Chair, Model UN Chair, and Boys Basketball Coach have left an indelible mark on the school community. Bankston’s innovative teaching and unwavering commitment to social justice empower students to engage with history in meaningful ways and become advocates for change. Known for creating an inclusive classroom where every student feels valued, Bankston’s excellence has rightfully earned them the 2024 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award!
Camille Craven (KIPP Ascend Middle School): Camille Craven is a transformative force at KIPP Ascend Middle School! Her passion for teaching Diverse Learners has led to extraordinary improvements in reading skills, with her students showing remarkable progress in DIBELS Data and reading accuracy. Camille’s innovative use of the 95 Rap program has elevated student outcomes across KIPP Chicago, creating a classroom environment where every student feels supported and motivated to succeed. Her dedication to equity and excellence sets a high standard, making Camille a true leader and a celebrated educator.
A Book Talk with Dr. Mahalia Hines
At the 2024 KIPP School Summit, we had a fantastic book chat with Dr. Hines about her book, Tomorrow’s Children. Moderated by April Goble, Executive Director of KIPP Chicago, the session brought together a dynamic panel of KIPP leaders, including School Leader Monika Patel, and teachers Evonne Bankston and Mya Clark.
The discussion was both insightful and practical, as the panelists shared their real-life experiences and how they’ve been putting the book’s ideas into action in their classrooms. They talked about the strategies they’ve used, the challenges they’ve faced, and the positive changes they’ve seen in their students. It was inspiring to hear how these concepts are making a difference and to see our KIPP educators’ commitment to continuously improving their teaching practices.
The book chat was a great way to connect with each other, learn from each other’s successes and struggles, and get excited about the ways we can keep pushing the envelope in education. It was a reminder of the shared passion we all have for making a meaningful impact in our students’ lives.
KIPP SIX Principal Awardees
The KIPP SIX Principal Award is one of the highest honors within the KIPP network, recognizing principals whose leadership and dedication have made an extraordinary impact on their schools. These awardees go above and beyond to ensure that students, staff, and families feel connected and supported while driving impressive results in academics, school culture, and community involvement.
KIPP SIX Principal Awardees are visionary leaders who create environments where students not only succeed but thrive. Their work reflects KIPP’s core values—setting high expectations, building inclusive and caring school cultures, and embracing innovative approaches to keep their schools performing at the highest levels. They are celebrated not only for their ability to elevate student outcomes but also for how they inspire and uplift their staff, cultivating a positive, growth-oriented atmosphere.
This year, we are thrilled that three of our incredible leaders—Jarell Lee, Tessa Catlett, and Corey Washington—received this prestigious recognition. Their leadership exemplifies the best of KIPP—dedication to equity, excellence, and empowering every student to achieve their full potential—makes them truly deserving of this honor.