2002 MILKEN EDUCATOR
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Subrina Owens Parker
Kiptopeke Elementary School- Cape Charles, VA
Parental involvement is an essential component of fourth- and fifth-grade teacher Subrina Owens Parker's instructional approach at Kiptopeke Elementary School in Cape Charles. She sends letters to parents before each school year, introducing her classroom goals. During the school year, Miss Parker sends home weekly progress reports and invites parents to schoolwide events such as the "Make-It-Take-It Workshop" and "Family Fun Day." These events bring parents and children together to dine and participate in various hands-on educational activities. Having been an at-risk student herself in the rural school system where she now teaches, Miss Parker instills in her students the belief that if she succeeded, so can they. As a result of her teaching strategies, every one of her students passed the state Standards of Learning writing exam last year.
George A. Weiner
White Oaks Elementary School - Burke, VA
Described by colleagues as a true "Renaissance Man," teacher George A. Weiner combines classical music, aerospace science, ancient languages and current events in his fourth-grade classroom at White Oaks Elementary School in Burke. His "Universal Words" program teaches vocabulary words within the context of core subject areas, using hands-on demonstrations, quizzes and a competitive "game show." Years later, many former students continue to use these lessons in preparation for College Board exams. Mr. Weiner has appeared as "The Incredible Dr. Quizmo" in a series of locally televised science lessons linking physical science concepts to everyday applications. He was also selected by the Lockheed Challenger Center for Space Science Education to host several internationally broadcast science programs. A former attorney, Mr. Weiner's passion for teaching has led many of his former students to become teachers..
Dr. Doreatha P. White
Roberts Park Elementary School - Norfolk, VA
Before Dr. Doreatha White became principal of Roberts Park Elementary School in Norfolk, it had been placed on state academic warning. She aggressively reorganized the high-poverty school, implementing teams of Title I and resource teachers, boosting parental involvement through monthly "Standards of Learning Family Nights," and providing parents with remedial education strategies at regular "Chew and Chat" meetings. Within one year, the number of students meeting state standards in social studies jumped 70 percent and Roberts Park became one of the first Title I schools in Virginia to be fully accredited. Before becoming principal, Dr. White was among the first classroom teachers in the state to effectively pilot computer-based learning units. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Norfolk State University and also a frequent contributor to NASA's educational programs.