By Abigail W. Adams
Center for Teaching and Learning students proudly hold up homemade signs Monday, March 16 congratulating school founder Nancie Atwell for winning the Global Teacher Prize. (Photo courtesy Center for Teaching and Learning) |
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Nancie Atwell (LCN file photo) |
The Center for Teaching and Learning has operated quietly in Edgecomb for over 20 years as a “demonstration school” to teach both students and educators a unique, innovative,
and joyful approach to learning.
On March 15, the Center for Teaching and Learning was recognized on the world stage.
Founder Nancie Atwell was named winner of the Varkey GEMS Global Teacher Prize in Dubai, United Arab Emirates – an award that aspires to serve as the “Nobel Prize,”
for education. It carries a reward of $1 million award.
Out of 5,000 applicants, Atwell was named one of 10 finalists to attend the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai. The winner of the Global Teacher Prize was
announced in a ceremony attended by the world’s dignitaries.
The criteria to identify “an extraordinary teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession,” were rigorous, according to the Global Teacher Prize
website.
Finalists were judged by their ability to prepare students to be global citizens; their innovative educational practices; their leadership around issues of
accessibility in education; raising public debate around education; and encouraging others to become teachers.
President Bill Clinton gave the keynote speech. “We all know why we’re here and I’m just taking up time,” Clinton said. “I’m building up suspense for what you all
want to know.”
Sunny Varkey of the Varkey Foundation and Sheik Muhammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, leader of Dubai, took to the stage to announce the winner of the Global Teacher
Prize.
As Clinton looked on, Nancie Atwell’s name was called.
“I’m honored to accept this award especially in the company of these extraordinary teachers,” Atwell said applauding the nine finalists from Afghanistan, India,
Kenya, the U.K., Cambodia, Haiti, and the U.S. that stood with her on stage.
“I’ve learned and I’m still learning how to make a school a place of happiness and wisdom for my students and for myself,” Atwell said. “I love my teaching life. I
hope to convey to young people the teaching life is a privilege.”
Atwell stumbled into the teaching profession while attending Buffalo State University College. Atwell said in a previous interview she signed up for a student
teaching program because she thought it would be a good fall back job.
She found her calling. Atwell would become a pioneering English Language Arts teacher. Her innovative approach to teaching reading and writing, focused on dialogue
and choice, has reached hundreds of thousands through her book, “In the Middle: New Understandings About Reading, Writing, and Learning.”
Atwell, a Southport resident, used proceeds from her book to establish the Center for Teaching and Learning in Edgecomb in 1990. The nonprofit provides approximately
70 students grades K-8 a rich curriculum and supportive learning environment.
It also hosts educators from around the world to give them hands on training in educational practices that engage students, initiate dialogue, foster understanding,
and promote excellence in learning.
In a previous interview, Atwell said her selection as a finalist was a testament to the success of the Center for Teaching and Learning and a celebration of the
rituals, traditions, and methods that are an everyday part of the school.
“The most important thing this prize has done has been to reawaken the world’s appreciation of the importance of teachers,” Clinton said at the awards ceremony.
“This is important for the world.”
World, national, and state leaders are now lining up to congratulate Atwell and recognize the significance of the Center for Teaching and Learning’s approach to
education.
In a joint statement released Monday, March 16, Maine’s U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King congratulated Atwell on her award.
“We are thrilled for Nancie and for everyone at the Center for Teaching and Learning,” said Senators Collins and King. “Nancie has dedicated her life to enriching
the lives of others, and this international recognition is a reflection of the tremendous impact she has had in Maine and around the world.”
“It has been a euphoric week to say the least and that euphoria is rising,” Scott MacDonald, the Center for Teaching and Learning’s head of school said. “It’s clear
that we’ve had an international impact. It’s been an unbelievable experience for all of us.”
Atwell said in previous interviews she intends to donate every penny of the Global Teacher Prize to the Center for Teaching and Learning.
