Keystone Teacher Honored with Excellence in Teaching Award

Keystone Academy recently held a surprise assembly honoring Shelia Montri, kindergarten teacher at Keystone, for winning National Heritage Academies’ Excellence in Teaching Award. The ceremony took place at the school and featured a presentation by NHA Chief Academic Officer Todd McKee, and Keystone Academy Principal Jorvonna Drain.
 
The annual award selects teachers from across the organization for recognition in 11 categories, including kindergarten- through eighth-grade, specials, specialists, and paraprofessionals. The finalists are chosen based on personal evaluations, parent satisfaction, and academic scores, to name a few.
 
“Our Excellence in Teaching awards shine a light on the unsung heroes who are every day making a difference in children’s lives,” NHA CEO Brian Britton said. “I love hearing the stories of joy and passion that our teachers bring to their work – stories that are humbling and truly demonstrate the purpose behind what we do, transform lives. These award winners are so deserving of this recognition, and I am proud to recognize their efforts.”
 
This year, 154 employees were recognized, with 11 final winners. The winners received points through an internal employee recognition program called High Five valued at $3,500, which allow the winner to choose from a variety of goods, plus a $1,000 gift card for classroom supplies, and a plaque.
 
“Shelia is a mentor to two teachers at Keystone. She is always willing to share resources and ideas that benefit Keystone as a whole,” said Jorvonna Drain, principal at Keystone. “She has been recognized as an EIT finalist previously and we are excited that she is the winner this year.”