This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, a special time to express thanks for the invaluable work performed by educators. At this time, we here at Educational Partners International (EPI) would like to shine a light on our teachers by highlighting just a few recent examples of their standout work and accomplishments.
County Appoints EPI Teacher to Help Fellow International Educators
North Carolina’s Gaston County Schools district appointed 
Christelle Corpin to serve as a trainer and facilitator for first-year EPI teachers in the county’s Teacher Induction Program for Success (TIPS) program. The initiative ensures teacher success, with conferences and meetings held once a month. Corpin teaches science at Stuart W. Cramer High School in Belmont, having joined EPI’s program from the Philippines. “I am glad to serve, teach, and lead for the betterment of EPI teachers,” she shared. “Thank you, EPI, for all of your support!”
Elementary Teacher Recognized as a ‘Goal Digger’
Piney Grove Elementary School in Kernersville, North Carolina, presented EPI teacher Santana Morris with their “Goal Digger Award.” The honor recognizes the work Morris has done with her students, her ability to meet goals, and her never-ceasingly positive attitude. The elementary teacher is originally from Jamaica.
National Science Organization Awards Scholarship to Teacher
Science teacher Rosemarie Punsalan at Leland Middle School in Leland, North Carolina, won a scholarship from the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) to present “STEM@Home: Parent-Student Collaboration in Developing STEM Skills” at the organization’s National Conference in Atlanta. Punsalan originally wrote and presented the paper in different conferences in her home country of the Philippines. In the work, she explores how collaboration between students and parents forms an integral part of developing STEM skills. The presentation introduces projects for students in grades 6 through 8, to be performed alongside parents.
Language Teacher’s Performance Earns Him a Big Hand
Christian Moreno at Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston, South Carolina, received the “Patriot’s Hand” award – a trophy passed from colleague to colleague. The teacher who gave the trophy to Moreno described him as always willing to lend a helping hand, and he noted that Moreno is dedicated to providing students with authentic and engaging cultural experiences. Originally from Colombia, Moreno teaches Spanish and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Students’ Performance Earns Teacher a Bonus
Margaret Willis Elementary School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, recognized Mireille Archer for having end-of-grade (EOG) scores in the top 25 percent of the state. She and another teacher at the school accomplished the feat, earning a large bonus for having exemplary scores. “This bonus award reflects your excellent performance,” the letter to Archer announcing the accomplishment noted. “We appreciate your ongoing dedication to the continuing development and growth of the students of Cumberland County Schools.” Elementary teacher Archer is originally from the Bahamas.
Global Spotlight Shines on Art Teacher from Ghana
Johnsonville Elementary School in Cameron, North Carolina, chose art teacher Vicker Ansah for their monthly Global Spotlight. Originally from Ghana, Ansah speaks four languages and has lived in Korea, China, and Dubai. “Americans are very hospitable and accommodating,” he shared. He told the school that the transition to life in the USA has been smooth for his family, and that he has been helped by people he works with and those he has met along the way. “The people are very friendly and ever-ready to help in times of need.”
Teachers’ Students Medal at Science Fair
Science teacher Alicea Bigby-Smart at Grier Middle School in Gastonia, North Carolina, took her students to the Gaston Regional Science and Engineering Fair, where they were awarded the Junior Naval Science Award for outstanding work in science. The students received individual medals for the award along with a certificate. Bigby-Smart is from Jamaica.
That brings us back to Christelle Corpin. She mentored a junior at her high school who won first place in the fair’s chemistry category – advancing to the regional science fair in Charlotte, North Carolina. The student worked on forensic chemistry, developing a project titled “Developing Latent Fingerprint Through Ninhydrin Test.” This was the second year in a row that Corpin had a winning student at the fair.
To all of our teachers, we extend a heartfelt “thank you” for all you do – not just this week, but every day of the year. Your exceptional talent, adaptability, and endless resourcefulness are what make EPI’s cultural exchange program possible, and your students and communities benefit tremendously from the amazing work you do.