NAF Salutes Our Outstanding Educators for Teacher Appreciation Week!

As we celebrate this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week—a moment to recognize the educators shaping and guiding the next generation—NAF extends a heartfelt thank you! We proudly highlight a few exceptional teachers from across our network who consistently go the extra mile to deliver impactful, high-quality learning experiences for their students.

Mary Davidson, Academy of Finance Lead Teacher, Southwest Miami Senior High School; Miami, FL

In her teaching career, Mary has consistently gone above and beyond to inspire her students. Starting at the middle school level, she quickly became known for her innovative teaching methods and her ability to connect with students. Mary’s dedication to her students is evident in her daily interactions and her long-term impact, as she has successfully mentored numerous students, helping them achieve their academic and personal goals. Her ability to nurture young minds and foster a love for learning makes her an invaluable asset to the educational community.

Cheryll Harris, School of Culinary Arts, Emmett J. Conrad High School; Dallas, TX

Chef Harris integrates NAF principles into her curriculum, facilitating internships with companies like Whole Foods and Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant. She’s pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Nutrition, further enhancing her teaching career. Chef Harris also actively participates in various campus committees, mentors teachers, and leads initiatives like the Community Garden Committee. Her focus extends beyond culinary skills, emphasizing career readiness through ServSafe certification, resume building, and mock interviews — preparing her students for successful transitions to the workforce.

Kenneth Lesley, AOE Director, McKinley Technology High School; Washington, DC

For more than two decades, Ken has consistently gone beyond traditional teaching roles to create transformative opportunities for students. He pioneered the engineering program at McKinley, and leveraged his extensive background in engineering and manufacturing, to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. Ken also believes in fostering a collaborative environment where educators are encouraged to elevate their skills, and, in turn, elevate the educational experiences of their students. He is committed to providing every student in Washington DC the opportunity to find their passion, and to provide the tools for them to make that passion a career.

Marlon Vernon, Information Technology Academy Lead, Miami-Dade County Public Schools; Miami, FL

Marlon also continues to mentor his students after graduation and maintains his own alumni network. At every NAF Alumni event, Marlon walks in with a large number of his own former graduates. Teaching is more than a job for him, it is calling, and for Marlon, he is always a teacher and his job is never done.

Michaelknight Zayas, Academy of Health Sciences, New Britain High School; Hartford, CT

Michaelknight has a demeanor and work ethic that ensures every student in the Academy of Health Sciences (AOHS) has opportunities to become successful. His beliefs are evident in his daily routines, his drive to improve outcomes, and his ability to increase engagement and rigor in the curriculum.