Calling it a “recognition of hard work and proof that public charter schools provide a great environment for teachers to grow and develop” Friendship Public Charter School is proud to announce Jon Rolle has been named the 2011 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
Rolle, who teaches third grade at Friendship’s Southeast Academy, is the second Friendship teacher to win the award. Last year, Stephanie Day, a teacher at Friendship’s Chamberlain campus received the honor. Friendship Public Charter School serves more than 6,500 students at six charter school campuses and four traditional public schools in D.C. and Baltimore.
“Mr. Rolle won because he believes in his students and knows what they can achieve when held to high expectations. Friendship is delighted that one of its hardworking, dedicated teachers has earned this honor for the second year in a row,” said Donald Hense, chairman of Friendship Public Charter Schools, in a prepared statement.
Rolle was selected by a panel of District education leaders from charter and traditional public schools chosen by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. The application process included a written application and essays, an interview, and a classroom observation. As the 2011 D.C. Teacher of the Year, Rolle will receive a $3,000 check and represent the District of Columbia in the National Teacher of the Year competition and program in Dallas, Texas.
Students at Friendship Public Charter School score above the District average in reading and math and growth in student proficiency is higher than the District average. The graduation rate at Friendship’s high school is 94.76 percent – 22 percent higher than the graduation rate for D.C.’s
traditional public high schools.
Rolle was born in Prince Georges County, studied Business at N.C. State and earned a master’s in urban education from the University of Pennsylvania. Like last year’s winner, Jon Rolle is a Teach for America alum.