Julian Robertson Awards for Excellence Honor Teachers from TYWLS Bronx and East-West School of International Studies
The inaugural Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching honored several teachers from Student Leadership Network’s partner schools! Named in honor of renowned investor and philanthropist Julian Robertson, the award was established by Coleman Family Ventures, in partnership with Tiger Foundation, to celebrate excellence in teaching and recognize the extraordinary dedication of educators who shape students’ growth and development. The award recognizes up to ten teachers annually for outstanding classroom instruction and leadership within their school communities, and provides each winner with a $20,000 unrestricted cash prize.
We are incredibly inspired by the honorees who foster a love of learning in their students, including three teachers from our network:
- Alan Kadlec – Calculus and Seventh-grade Math Teacher, The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of the Bronx
- Alicia Bharat – Mathematics Department Chair, East-West School of International Studies
- Amy Matthusen – English Teacher and ELA Department Chair, East-West School of International Studies
We also commend the teachers from our network who advanced to the finalists’ round:
- Melissa Rodriguez – Geometry, AP Calculus, Physics Teacher, Central Park East High School
- Melissa Stagg – Spanish Teacher, TYWLS Bronx
The honorees were profiled in an impressive video and presented with awards in the shape of crystal books. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. delivered a profoundly moving speech to celebrate the honorees by drawing from his own personal experience of teachers changing the course of his life. He shared, “We need to not only celebrate excellent teaching, but scale it,” particularly as a means to lay the foundation for democracy through education.
Congratulations to all of the winners!
