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M-DCPS EDUCATOR NAMED 2013 NATIONAL TEACHER-OF-THE-YEAR Tere Pujol-Burns, lead teacher of the International Studies Magnet Program at Sunset Elementary School, was named the 2013 National Teacher-of-the-Year by Magnet Schools of America (MSA). MSA is a national organization representing magnet schools and programs that annually recognizes teachers regionally and nationally. The award recognizes an outstanding, dedicated full-time magnet teacher who exemplifies excellence in academic achievement through innovative programs that promote equity and diversity for students in magnet schools, and who has demonstrated excellence in the teaching profession, community, and parental involvement. Pujol-Burns has been a dedicated magnet school teacher for more than 25 years. She started her teaching career at Crestview Elementary School, where she taught Kindergarten from 1986 to 1990. Since 1990, she has worked at Sunset Elementary School, where she has worked as a first- and third-grade teacher and served as Lead Teacher for the International Studies Magnet Program. She has been instrumental in developing the magnet program at Sunset Elementary. Her versatile and dynamic leadership skills have helped elevate Sunset Elementary to the renowned level of recognition the school has achieved, including a 2012 national top elementary school award, the Magnet Schools of America Elementary Magnet School of Excellence. As lead teacher, Pujol-Burns has worked to promote choice, equity, diversity, and academic excellence for all students. She designed the Multicultural Student Exchange Program to allow students from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to develop friendships and understanding. Through this program, students visit each other’s schools and engage in cooperative learning and cultural activities. Other significant contributions to Sunset’s magnet program include the Change for Change initiative, a program that brings together teachers, students, and parents to identify areas of need in the local and international community and provides service-learning opportunities for the school. Pujol-Burns also chairs the school’s International Night Under the Stars, the multi-language book clubs, and Future Educators of America Club; coordinates the school’s volunteer program and room parent group; and organizes the World Fair Celebration. Editor’s Note: Photo Attached.
Tere Pujol-Burns (center), lead teacher of the International Studies Magnet Program at Sunset Elementary School, was named the 2013 National Teacher-of-the-Year by Magnet Schools of America (MSA).
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