Milken National Educator Recipients Connected Through School Partnership

Suzi D’Annolfo (left), 1995 Milken Award recipient, pins Tameka Knight, 2013 Milken Award Recipient.

(L-R) Christina Kishimoto, Alan Hadad, Fred Sweitzer, Tameka Knight, Suzi D’Annolfo, Ralph Mueller, Dianna Roberge-Wentzell, and Melony Brady.

The partnership between the University of Hartford and Hartford Public Schools took on a new dimension during Teacher Appreciation Week when 1995 Connecticut Milken Educator and current ENHP faculty member Suzi D'Annolfo presented Connecticut's newest Milken Educator recipient, Tameka Knight, with the prestigious Milken Educator pin on May 9.

The Milken Family Foundation annually recognizes top educators who have been nominated in each state for their effective teaching, leadership, and impact on student learning. Tameka Knight, a fifth-grade teacher at the Annie Fisher STEM School, was surprised earlier this year by Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Family Foundation, with the announcement of her selection as Connecticut's recipient and with a gift of $25,000.

Suzi D'Annolfo, who was the principal of Litchfield High School when she received the award in 1995 and is currently an assistant professor and coordinator of school partnerships in the University's College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP), coordinated the luncheon and recognition ceremony, which also showcased the partnership between the University and the Hartford Public Schools.

Through meaningful clinical and field experiences, teacher-candidates at the University of Hartford work closely with the teachers and students at the Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School, which is located on the periphery of the campus. As part of ENHP's Institute for Translational Research, professors at the University collaborate with practitioners and the leadership team at Annie Fisher STEM to inform the teaching and learning practices in preparing the next generation of teachers. This public school–higher education partnership further supports educational reform and the work of the Milken Family Foundation to improve teaching and learning through the Milken Educator Network.

Joining in the recognition of Tameka Knight were Christina Kishimoto, superintendent of the Hartford Public Schools; Melony Brady, principal, Sherri Tanner, dean of students, teaching colleagues Melissa Dillon and Erin Wilson from Annie Fisher STEM School; Dianna Roberge-Wentzell, former assistant superintendent of the Hartford Public Schools and current chief academic officer of the Connecticut State Department of Education; and from the University of Hartford, ENHP Dean Ralph O. Mueller, Fred Sweitzer, associate provost and dean of graduate studies, Alan Hadad, associate vice president and dean of University magnet schools, and D’Annolfo.