Madison Reporter

Several staff members and a student from the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) have been recognized with prestigious awards from UW-Madison's School of Education and Madison365. These honors highlight their contributions to education and community leadership.

Four MMSD elementary teachers received the UW-Madison School of Education Rockwell Awards, which celebrate educators who mentor student teachers. The recipients are Michelle Blevins, a third-grade teacher at Marquette Elementary School; Ben Jaeger, a band teacher at Vel Phillips Memorial High School; Dave Ropa, a seventh-grade science teacher at Spring Harbor Middle School; and Rachel Schramm, an art teacher at Malcolm Shabazz City High School.

Michelle Blevins emphasized the importance of supporting future educators: "I want to help others feel confident and happy in their role as an educator," she said. "It's important for our community's growth to have educators who are positive, kind, reflective, dedicated, and encouraging."

Ben Jaeger expressed his enthusiasm for sharing his passion with new teachers: "I am constantly inspired by the Memorial community and I am eager to share that with young people who want to do what we do," he stated.

Dave Ropa reflected on his experiences mentoring over 50 practicum and student-teachers during his career: "These relationships made me a better teacher because each student asked questions and helped me in my reflective process," he noted.

Rachel Schramm highlighted the mutual benefits of working with student-teachers: "I believe working with student-teachers is a way to both give back to the profession and support growing the next generation of teachers," she remarked.

In addition to these awards, MMSD Associate Superintendent of Elementary Schools Chelsey Tubbs was honored with the 365 Leadership Community Choice Award for Educator of the Year. This award recognizes leaders among communities of color in Madison. Tubbs shared her gratitude: "I want to extend my deepest thanks to the students, families, principals, assistant principals, teachers, staff, community partners, board members and MMSD central office colleagues I serve."

Vel Phillips Memorial High School student Marion Moore also received recognition as High School Athlete of the Year.