Ten unsuspecting teachers were going about their normal day educating students on a cloudy Tuesday when an entourage of people burst into their room.  

Many had bewildered looks on their faces until it was announced, “You are an Excellence in Teaching Award winner!”  

The teachers' reactions ranged from pure shock to tears. Toiya Washington, a science teacher at Albert Bushnell PreK-8 School, jumped up and down and even started dancing.  

At each stop, CMSD CEO Dr. Warren Morgan read a brief passage about each teacher about why they were chosen for this award.  

“Mr. Miller seeks to understand the whole child and is extremely patient,” Dr. Morgan read about Miller who is a first-grade teacher at Paul L. Dunbar Arts Enrichment Academy. “He always encourages his students to do their best.”  

Excellence in Teaching, which started in 2015, is a partnership between The George Gund Foundation, the Cleveland Foundation, the District and the Cleveland Teachers Union. The goal is to spread best practices by honoring teachers whose techniques can serve as an influence for colleagues. 

2023 Excellence in Teaching Recipients 

• Louis Durban                       Davis Aerospace & Maritime High School 
• Bruce Gregg                        Cleveland School of Science and Medicine 
• Angelina Kinney                  Douglas MacArthur Girls' Leadership Academy 
• Lori Kurek                            Buhrer Dual Language Academy
• Vivian Melendez                  Rhodes College & Career Academy 
• Mark Miller                          Paul L. Dunbar Arts Enrichment Academy 
• Aurea Orengo                     Caraballo - Luis Munoz Marin Dual Leadership Academy 
• Wendy Pugh                       Riverside PreK-8 School 
• Lashawn Thomas               East Tech High School
• Toiya Washington               Albert Bushnell Hart PreK-8 School