Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! NAF Thanks Our Teachers

For this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week, a time for us to come together to honor the leaders who educate and prepare the next generation, NAF would like to say thank you! Below are snapshots of some outstanding teachers in our network from coast to coast who go above and beyond to provide high-quality learning experiences for students:

Cliff Greer; Naples High School, AOE; Naples, FL; Collier County Public Schools

• Cliff has demonstrated an unwavering passion to provide valuable work-based learning experiences to his students, by amplifying the work of his academy throughout his school, district, and surrounding community. In his 5+ years as Academy Director, he has cultivated a plethora of community partners and tripled the size of their advisory board.

Dr. Norval Connell & Rachel Koontz; Middletown High School, AOF & AOIT; Middletown, NY; Enlarged City School District of Middletown

• Dr. Norval Connell and Rachel have built partnerships with colleges and universities to provide dual enrollment opportunities for academy students. They have also aided other academies, by partnering with Bank of America to provide cybersecurity training to Academy of Information Technology students and introduced college nursing students to Academy of Health Sciences students to learn healthy habits.

Martha Flores-Warren; Jennings High School, AOHS; Jennings, MO; Jennings School District

• Martha’s leadership for the Academy of Health Sciences starts in the classroom, as she creates a safe learning environment that fosters positive learning. She has also helped to secure prestigious internships at the Washington University SEPA Program and the Washington University Young Scientist Program, to prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Julian Hipkins, III; Roosevelt High School, Culinary Arts Academy and Academy of Global Service and Diplomacy; Washington, DC; District of Columbia Public Schools

• Julian continuously looks for opportunities to bolster student success! He has planned and helped to prepare students for an international diplomacy trip to visit Europe; along with guiding AOHT students to participate in (and win!) many culinary competitions. The AOHT also has catered events and students have interned at local restaurants.

Tonya Pennebaker; Dinuba High School, AOHS; Dinuba, CA; Dinuba Unified School District

• Tonya knows that the NAF high school students sitting in classrooms today are our nation’s future healthcare workers! In addition to preparing them for a variety of careers in the field, Tonya also advocates for making a difference in their community. Her students are now nurses, in medical school, and marking their mark in the world of work.

Erma Percival; William L. Dickinson High School, AOIT; Jersey City, NJ; Jersey City Public Schools

• Erma has helped to transform and elevate the NAF AOIT at William L. Dickinson High School through tireless hard work and dedication. They have achieved Katherine Blasik Distinguished quality level for three consecutive years, since 2021, and were one of the 2022 Weill Award Winners!

Frank Pizzo; Deerfield Beach High School, AOF; Deerfield Beach, FL; Broward County Public Schools

• Frank has been instrumental in supporting over 2,000 students obtain employment in the Deerfield Beach area. Students also give back to their community, through events like the Harvest Food Drive, Holiday Toy Drive, JDCH Book Drive, and Destination Dorm.