KIPP Philly Teacher Wins Excellence in Teaching Award
At KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools (KPPS), our teachers are transforming public education in the city of Philadelphia and proving that zip code does not determine destiny. We take pride in supporting, growing, and honoring our teachers and staff. Over the summer, one of our teachers, Amanda Majcher, received the Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award. This award recognizes outstanding teachers from the KIPP network, and we are thrilled to see it awarded to such a devoted educator.
Every year, the Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to a handful of outstanding teachers out of thousands in the KIPP Network. Mrs. Majcher was the only special education teacher to receive the award this year. She earned the award because of her continued success as a special education teacher. Through Amanda’s teaching, above 85% of her students are on track or exceeding their individualized education plan (IEP) goals for both math and reading.
Mrs. Majcher’s success and accomplishments as a special education teacher have made an impact on two KPPS elementary schools. A native of Northeast Philadelphia, Amanda Majcher began teaching at KIPP Philadelphia Elementary Academy in 2012. She then became a founding teacher at KIPP West Philadelphia Elementary Academy (KWPEA) in 2016. Amanda says she followed her colleague, then Principal, Diana Filo to KWPEA, because she “saw my strengths and bolstered me as a professional.”
Mrs. Majcher’s favorite subject to teach is reading. She loves introducing her students to different types of books and seeing what genres kids are interested in. Mrs. Majcher says she looks forward to seeing her students build their independence and progress throughout the school year.
Mrs. Majcher also loves the community aspect of teaching. She enjoys building community in the classroom, building relationships with families, as well as with the teachers and staff. She chose KIPP because of the amount of problem solving that people do together. She says she feels supported in tackling any issues, whether it is big or small. Mrs. Majcher says her colleagues have helped her grow and discover her strengths, which is one of the many reasons why she loves teaching and being a part of the KIPP community.
