Taylor Exemplar Teacher Receives Excellence in Teaching Award

Taylor Exemplar Academy fifth-grade teacher Lee Jakubik was honored with an Excellence in Teaching Award from National Heritage Academies (NHA).

The award was announced by National Heritage Academies Chief Academic Officer Todd McKee during a school assembly on Wednesday, Jan. 24.  

“I truly believe that teaching is one of the hardest professions and, certainly, one of the noblest,” Britton said. “Teachers don’t just perform a task; they give of themselves daily for the advancement of others. The Excellence in Teaching Award allows us to recognize our hard-working teachers and to thank them for their tireless efforts and investment into helping our students excel."

“It is my hope that all our students know how blessed they are to have such top-notch and dedicated teachers,” Britton added. “Participating in this assembly is a privilege. It is an honor to meet and thank these individuals for their dedication to their students, school community, and National Heritage Academies.”

Every year, NHA celebrates the finest educators in its system of 84 schools by highlighting outstanding teachers. There are 13 categories with most having seven finalists in each. This year NHA celebrates and recognizes 102 finalists and 13 winners. Categories include each grade level, specials teachers, paraprofessionals, special education, and interventionists. The finalists were determined by a number of factors including student test scores, annual performance evaluations, and parent satisfaction data.
 
“This award is truly an honor,” said Jakubik. “I love what I do and the students I get to teach every day. It is humbling to be recognized by National Heritage Academies for a job that I truly consider my passion.”

“Lee is an extraordinary educator and an invaluable asset to the team at Taylor Exemplar,” said Melissa Nickel, principal. “Her dedication to student achievement is admirable. She strives to not only ensure students are learning, but gaining the confidence to be life-long, successful learners. I am so proud of her and thrilled she received the Excellence in Teacher Award.”

Taylor Exemplar Academy is a free public charter school serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. NHA operates 84 schools in nine states serving more than 57,000 students.