Surprise! Three Atlanta Public Schools teachers received an unexpected visit from Superintendent Meria J. Carstarphen when she stopped by their school to congratulate them on becoming the elementary, middle and high school APS 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year.  One of the three finalists will compete for the top honor, Teacher of the Year. The 2016-2017 Districtwide Teacher of the Year finalists are:
      
APS Elementary School Teacher of the Year – Jennifer Kraften

Jennifer Kraften is a 15-year veteran gifted and talented teacher at Fred A. Toomer Elementary School. Kraften focuses on gifted education, and boosting programs for all high academic achievers in her school through grade-level collaboration, technology leadership, academic and service clubs, and engaging classroom activities.  She also pursues community outreach on social media and writing for community newsletters to highlight the strengths and growth of students and staff in her school. “I am passionate about teaching and helping my learners not only understand themselves, but their learning needs and motivations as well,” said Kraften.
 
APS Middle School Teacher of the Year – John Wingate

After 26 years in the field of transportation and distribution with C.R. Bard and UPS, John Wingate began his teaching career in May 2013 after joining Teach For America. “I saw this as an opportunity to where I could effectively utilize my skills and passion for serving, helping, giving and encouraging others,” said Wingate. Wingate’s TFA training started at APS, where he taught elementary school mathematics at APS’ summer school program. At M.L. King Middle School, Wingate is a special education teacher and case manager who teaches students of high incidence disabilities in all content areas and grade levels in consultative, collaborative co-taught classroom and resource room settings. He develops differentiated lesson plans for all students, providing additional support as needed. He also collaborates with students, parents, teachers and administrators to prepare students for high school, college and career.
 
APS High School Teacher of the Year – Gerald Kosoff

Gerald Kosoff, an algebra teacher and math department chair at K.I.P.P. Atlanta Collegiate, is in his fourth year of teaching at APS. Kosoff began his career at Carver School of Health Sciences and Research, where he taught Math IV and helped seniors prepare for the Georgia Graduation Test. When asked about teaching, Kosoff says, “I strive every day to put students in a position where they feel in control of their own learning and secure in the knowledge that they are capable of pursuing their own individual and group success.”
 
The finalists will be recognized during the APyeS! Awards ceremony at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 at Rich Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center, located at 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. Candidates for Atlanta Public Schools Districtwide Teacher of the Year are nominated by their respective schools. APS then selects an elementary, middle school and high school teacher of the year from a list of semi-finalists to compete for the top honor.