Introducing ASCD's 2011 Outstanding Young Educators

Katie Test

ASCD is pleased to announce the 2011 Outstanding Young Educator Award (OYEA) winners are Luis Torres, principal of PS 55 in the Bronx, and Brad Kuntz, teacher at Gladstone High School in Gladstone, Oregon. Both educators are inspiring for their tenacity and inventive reimagining of their roles as educators.

Torres revolutionized the New York elementary school, instigating a dramatic turnaround for the 704 prekindergarten through fifth grade students who attend PS 55. “As a school leader I try to view the world through the eyes of the children,” says Torres. “If they feel safe, healthy, and reach their goals, I am doing a great job. We can no longer ignore the whole child and solely focus on academics.”

To move his school and students forward, Torres partnered with local sports teams like the New York Yankees, New Jersey Nets, and the New York Mets to promote healthy living to his school community. He secured funding for the school’s health clinic, partnered with Out2Play for a new playground, and raised more than $250,000 for a new library.

Under his leadership, the school has seen a dramatic increase in attendance and test scores. Torres’ contributions to the school are felt throughout the neighborhood. Torres was raised in New York City by his father. “He raised me to be a leader and give back,” says Torres.

In Oregon, teacher Brad Kuntz not only teaches Spanish, but also pioneers environmental education and advocacy in his school community. He has established an Environmental Leadership course, which has inspired students to start recycling programs and create an on-campus compost system that fertilizes the school garden. Students use skills across content areas and work with local agencies to design and implement the school’s green initiatives.

“My favorite part of teaching is harnessing the energy and enthusiasm students have for learning and showing them how to use it to create change,” says Kuntz. “It’s thrilling watching students embrace the knowledge that their actions have power and their voices can be heard.”

Kuntz has brought environmental sustainability to the school district level, and he led students to compete in a citywide competition sponsored by the Energy Trust of Oregon called “Change a Light Bulb, Change the City,” where students advocate for citywide use of compact florescent light bulbs.

ASCD created the OYEA Program in 2002 to recognize creative and committed teachers and administrators under the age of 40 who are making a difference in the lives of children. A panel of diverse education professionals selected Torres and Kuntz as the 2011 OYEA winners from a large pool of candidates nominated by educators across the globe. They will each receive a $10,000 cash award and an ASCD Institutional Membership for their schools. Winners and a cadre of honorees receive opportunities for leadership skill building, professional development, and networking with the ASCD community. GlobalScholar, an ASCD Premier Sponsor, is a supporter of the OYEA Program.

Nominations are currently being accepted for next year’s award. Nominate someone or learn more about the OYEA Program.