Excellence in Education Award: Barbara Ernest

From the Board's December blue book:

BARBARA ERNEST

Retired MPS Teacher

Barbara Ernest has dedicated 38 years to the children of Milwaukee Public Schools as a professional educator in a variety of capacities, including her most recent position as lead teacher at I.D.E.A.L., classroom teacher, unit leader at an I.G.E. (Individually Guided Education) school, literacy coach, and reading teacher. Ms. Ernest was influenced by her mother, who taught in a one-room schoolhouse in a multi-age setting reminiscent of I.D.E.A.L., to enter the field of education.

Having a part in the creation of I.D.E.A.L. and seeing the lasting success of the program have been rewarding to Ms. Ernest. As lead teacher at I.D.E.A.L. for eight years, she fostered a professional learning community in which staff continue to value their colleagues and work together to achieve common goals. She has shared information, insight, and direction with other teachers interested in the teacher-led model or in starting a charter school. In her position as lead teacher, she hosted visitors from around the country and the world, promoting MPS and sharing the schools model of leadership and education. She believes the collaboration of the I.D.E.A.L. staff has helped to change the way that leadership is viewed in the district and also how charter schools are perceived in the district. Ms. Ernest is appreciative of the support and consideration that the Administration and Milwaukee Board of School Directors have given to I.D.E.A.L. since its creation.

Ms. Ernest was very involved in leading extra-curricular activities throughout her career. She received extensive training and coached the I.D.E.A.L. Future Problem Solving Program (F.P.S.), an international academic competition designed to teach critical and creative thinking. Teams of I.D.E.A.L. students have qualified to compete at the state level for the past seven years. She has consistently engaged in professional development activities during her career, including I.G.E. (Individually Guided Education) training, literacy initiatives, MPS Leadership Academy, and special education training/classes. Ms. Ernest has been widely recognized for her contributions to education. She recently received the 2009 Career Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Charter School Association. Under her leadership at I.D.E.A.L., the school received the New Wisconsin School of Promise Award four times and was named P.T.A. Staff of the Year, as well as P.T.A. School of the Year. The school also received the 2006 Milwaukee City Council PTA Event of the Year Award for its efforts to promote physical fitness and healthful lifestyles. I.D.E.A.L.s partnership with the Southtown YMCA encourages these efforts and provides leadership opportunities for its students. The success of the I.D.E.A.L. Teachers Cooperative has earned recognition from schools across the country thanks to Ms. Ernest's efforts.