| Safini Convey Testimonial continued...Secondly, I was able to purchase a document camera. These are fairly expensive devices which allow images to be magnified and projected on to walls/screens without the use of overhead transparencies or slides. Having the document camera has widely expanded what I am able to use as a classroom resource. Any artwork, regardless of size, can be projected and discussed. I am able to show online dance performances to my students. Music and lyrics can be projected from a single sheet. I no longer need to have 20 textbooks, 20 computers, or 20 photocopies for each child before I can begin a lesson. Students have used it to demonstrate to their peers a particular technique or strategy. Further, we have been able to use the camera in different subject areas. In science, we placed a tray of silkworms under the camera's lens and all students were able to see and understand the functions of very small structures on the silkworms' bodies.
I am so grateful to those who fund the BRAVO Awards. The application process was rigorous and helped me reflect on my teaching. The generous gift which came with the award, continues to help me grow as a teacher and better serve the needs of my students. Thank you Music Center, Club 100 and Elinor Turner!
-Safini Convey, Mt. Washington Elementary School, BRAVO Generalist Winner 2008
As a principal I have always believed in the importance of the arts for the whole child and I have been proud of the arts program at my middle school. Each aspect of the Bravo Award process is dignified and meaningful. From the application to the judging to the extraordinary celebration at Disney Hall, the Bravo process, while demanding, is pitch perfect. To have gifted and talented judges objectively validate the excellence of your work is exhilarating. Of all the awards for which schools apply - from California Distinguished to National Blue Ribbon - the Bravo award is exceptional because it celebrates the arts which sadly are always at risk. Additionally, by going through the process, you strengthen your program, and if you become a finalist or a recipient of the Bravo Award, you have a wonderful vehicle for great public relations
- Ronald Kaiser, Lindero Canyon Middle School, Bravo School Winner 2009
Winning the Bravo Award has validated my skills as a music teacher with students, parents, administrators, and the community. As a result of this award, I was honored as Teacher of the Year for the Alhambra Unified School District for 2007-08; I was asked to speak to the new teachers of our school district at the end of that school year; and I was recognized as a semi-finalist in the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year process.
Because of the Bravo Award and my leadership of the Alhambra Unified School District Band in its quest to march in the 2009 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, I was awarded the 2009 "Everyday Hero" honor by The Alhambra Educational Foundation. I have been gifted with a student teacher from USC and annual visiting teaching candidates from CSULA. A high school band from Utah paid us a visit in spring 2008 on the recommendation of USC--"Go to Mark Keppel; they have an exceptional music program there!" the band director was told. The Bravo Award has caused a cascade of appreciation for my work as an outstanding music educator in our district, while strengthening my own confidence and my vision of the possibilities for music education in a public school. Thank you, Music Center!
- Carla Bartlett, Mark Keppel High School, Bravo Specialist winner 2007
The BRAVO application, classroom visit, video lesson & interview, and of course the awards, were all an important part of this year's teaching experience. Especially because I teach in a small district, being able to bring this type of recognition to the arts was very important. I am lucky because in my district and community, there is support the arts. But it never hurts to be an "award winning" teacher and program.
The process helped me organize and confirm alignment to standards of some of my lessons. I came up with some new, successful ideas for my classes as I wrote and then prepared for the judges. Recognition brought increased pride to the students and parents because it is largely through their efforts that the program excels. The Bravo Forum and materials provided by the Music Center were valuable resources and I really appreciated the opportunity to network with other arts teachers which is a real rarity for teachers who are often captive to the classroom and school!
In the face of budget cuts and threatened programs, the BRAVO process provides self and public affirmation that our teaching and the arts are of value that can be recognized and appreciated but not measured.
- Joanne Karr, Walnut High School, Bravo Specialist Winner 2009
My most vivid memory of BRAVO is the seminar I attended in September.
The seminar was very helpful, we were told to use this opportunity to reflect on our careers, what we do, and why we do it. When we wrote our apps, one of the judges said to read them, and see if they sounded 'like us.'
This is what guided me through the whole process, and I just wrote from the heart. It was a very valuable experience, because in teaching, we spend so much time doing, doing, doing! I wonder how often we as teachers take a moment to enjoy it or reflect and write about it and then to share it!
That was really good advice. It really provided a meaningful context for me. Winning was great but the process was also very meaningful.
- Leonard Krubsack, Millikan Middle School, Bravo Specialist Winner 2009
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