• Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy

Teacher of the Year

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Ms. Dina Harby

Math Teacher

My decision to become a teacher came from inspiring teachers during my early education years. My elementary and middle school education was obtained in Egypt. During that time, I was influenced by great teachers who shaped my childhood. As I moved to the US during my high school years, I was inspired by teachers who not only shared their knowledge with me but also nurtured curiosity and creativity. I wanted to inspire students as I was and make a positive difference in their lives.

One of my greatest contributions has been creating a comfortable learning environment that fosters creativity and curiosity. I have developed lessons that cater to various learning styles, ensuring no child is left behind. By integrating technology into the classroom, I was able to provide students with different resources and tools to engage and expand the knowledge of every student beyond textbooks. I am also proud of my work in supporting students with difficulties in Mathematics during afterschool Tutoring sessions, to ensure that each individual student gets the support they need. Regardless of their starting point, these efforts have resulted in improved academic performance of students attending. What sets me apart as an educator is my commitment to continuous growth and my ability to adapt to the needs of the students. I regularly attend professional development workshops to obtain new ideas for my classroom from social emotional learning and engaging students to integrating technology into the classroom. My goal has been to create a comfortable, respectful, and academic environment that nurtures every student.

Educational Service Professional of the Year

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Ms. Komal Patel

School Psychologist

My decision to become a school psychologist was driven by my interest in human behavior and passion to make positive impact on children’s lives. During my undergraduate studies, I found myself drawn to both psychology and education. As a student teacher in an elementary setting, I was eager to help students navigate academic challenges. During this time, I was introduced to the field of special education. This experience helped me develop an understanding of the importance of emotional support and behavioral interventions within an academic environment. I realized that many students face barriers that can hinder their success, and I wanted to be part of a solution to help them thrive. The opportunity to work directly with students, collaborate with teachers and parents, and promote emotional resilience is what truly inspired me to follow this path. By helping students build resilience and succeed in school, my goal is to create a positive, lasting difference in their lives.

As a school psychologist, I conduct psychological assessments to identify students' cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs which help with developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and support strategies. I provide counseling and interventions to students dealing with emotional, social, and academic challenges, working closely with teachers, parents, and school staff to create a positive learning environment. I also collaborate with school administrators and implement behavior management programs to support students’ overall well-being. My ability to blend my passion for education with my understanding of psychological principles allows me to tailor interventions to each student’s unique needs. My empathetic approach and strong communication skills help me build trust with students, fostering an environment where they feel heard and supported. I am dedicated to continuous learning by being a member of the National Association of School Psychologists, which enables me to stay informed on the latest research and best practices in psychology and education. I directly impact student success by addressing the underlying psychological factors that may affect their learning and emotional growth. I aim to not only help students succeed in school but also equip them with the emotional resilience they need for life beyond the classroom.