Winterfield Teacher Honored with Excellence in Teaching Award

Winterfield Venture Academy recently held a surprise assembly honoring Ellis McGee, third-grade teacher at Winterfield, for winning National Heritage Academies’ Excellence in Teaching Award. The ceremony took place at the school and featured a presentation by NHA Chief Academic Officer Todd McKee and Winterfield Venture Academy Principal Nate Preston.
 
The annual award selects teachers from across the organization for recognition in 11 categories, including kindergarten- through eighth-grade, specials, specialists, and paraprofessionals. The finalists are chosen based on personal evaluations, parent satisfaction, and academic scores, to name a few.
 
“Our Excellence in Teaching awards shine a light on the unsung heroes who are every day making a difference in children’s lives,” NHA CEO Brian Britton said. “I love hearing the stories of joy and passion that our teachers bring to their work – stories that are humbling and truly demonstrate the purpose behind what we do, transform lives. These award winners are so deserving of this recognition, and I am proud to recognize their efforts.”
 
This year, 154 employees were recognized, with 11 final winners. The winners received points through an internal employee recognition program called High Five valued at $3,500, which allow the winner to choose from a variety of goods, plus a $1,000 gift card for classroom supplies, and a plaque.
 
McGee joined Winterfield Venture Academy in 2004 as a paraprofessional and began teaching in 2012. She holds a bachelor’s degree in individualized programs from the University of Toledo.