- By IPEI
- Around Town
Print 
Paula Kilts. Photo by A Renko, ICSD Communications Steven Manley, Executive Director of the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI), was joined by Liddy Coyle, Northeast Elementary School Principal, Dr. Luvelle Brown, ICSD Superintendent, and Dr. Stephen Yale-Loehr to present the Raymond C. Loehr Innovative Science Teaching Award to Paula Kilts of Northeast Elementary School.
This award identifies teachers who create innovative science learning opportunities that, according to Lily Talcott, ICSD's Deputy Superintendent, "consistently embody the principles of culturally responsive practices, work toward full inclusion, and embrace innovation within the science and transdisciplinary classroom."
Kiltswas described by Principal Coyle as a "life long learner" who "this year challenged herself to study for and pass the Praxis Middle School Math Exam as well as the NYS Master STEM Teacher Program." In terms of her job, this "gains" her nothing. She just wants to keep learning in order to be a more effective teacher."
"During the 2018-19 school year, Paula started the 4th-grade Casual Coding Club. She partnered with Educational instructor Heather Williams to provide time and space for 4th graders to explore computational thinking and computer coding. By mid-year, students from multiple grade levels were attending this club and it outgrew her room. Receiving the award, Paula simply said: "I love what I do. Thank you"
IPEI manages the Raymond C. Loehr Innovative Science Teaching Fund, established by the Loehr family to honor the life and teaching career of Ray, their father, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Nominations for this public recognition and cash award are requested from school principals at the conclusion of each year and reviewed by a committee of prior award recipients.
v15i34