Antonia Escobedo, a kindergarten teacher at Frankie Woods McCullough Academy for Girls, has received the Armstrong Teacher Educator Award.
The Armstrong Program recognizes highly qualified teachers as “the best educators in Indiana.” Escobedo will receive financial support to work with current IU Bloomington faculty and undergraduates in the classroom, on research projects, and in early field experiences. The program also pays for tuition for up to 12 credit of IU-Bloomington graduate coursework.
“I’m pleasantly surprised and I’m thrilled,” said Escobedo. “I look forward to working with a group of outstanding teachers and I’m excited about working with IU students studying to become teachers.”
Dr. Cheryl Pruitt, Superintendent of Schools, said upon hearing about the Armstrong she immediately thought Gary had some outstanding prospective candidates.
“It’s an honor for Mrs. Escobedo, for the McCullough Academy for Girls as well as the Gary Community School Corporation,” Pruitt said. “She’s been a part of the Gary Community School Corporation family for 14 years and I’ve heard only great things about her. A high quality teacher is essential to a student’s success in school. I’m proud to have Mrs. Escobedo on our team.”
McCullough’s principal Pearl Prince said she is not at all surprised to hear the good news. “Mrs. Escobedo is the total package when it comes to defining a highly qualified teacher,” said Prince. “She knows how to look at State Standards and tie them into the curriculum. She doesn’t rely on textbooks. To reach the students she integrates technology and hands-on experiences making learning relevant and fun.”
ABOUT ANTONIA ESCOBEDO
Elementary Education – Indiana University Northwest, MS
Employed with Gary Community School Corporation since 1992
School Improvement Team
Grade Level Chair
Professional Development Sessions
Escobedo will join her colleague Yvonne Lucas, a sixth-grade science teacher from Frankie Woods McCullough Academy for Girls. The Superintendent and Board of School Trustees will recognize both at the next School Board Meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 at Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High Ability Academy, 210 N. Grand Blvd.