• Media Release

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   Contact: Meredith Pierce

    November 4, 2013                                                                (314) 345-2367

     

    SLPS Names Social Studies Teacher of the Year
     
    Social Studies TOY
    From left: Principal LaTasha Jones, Dianna Sumner, Roger L. Goldman, Dr. Alice Roach

     

    ST. LOUIS, MO., November 4, 2013 – St. Louis Public Schools has presented the Roger L. Goldman Middle/High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award to an enthusiastic, caring educator who sets high standards and works tirelessly to help her students achieve those goals.

     

    To earn the Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award, nominees must explain their teaching philosophy and approach to teaching; be recommended by an administrator and a professional colleague; and complete an interview process. 

     

    Mrs. Dianna Sumner, the social studies department head at Carnahan High School of the Future, has been recognized as the St. Louis Public School District’s Social Studies Teacher of the Year for her ability to inspire and connect with students.

     

    “Mrs. Sumner has been an outstanding social studies teacher from the beginning. … Her enthusiasm for teaching is so contagious to her students, they become enthusiastic about learning. They respond to her teaching style and expectations so readily that their learning is seamless,” said LaTasha Jones, principal at Carnahan High School of the Future.

     

    “As a classroom teacher, Mrs. Sumner has shown an outstanding connection to the students whom she serves,” said Valentine V. Malumbila, academic instructional coach at Carnahan High School of the Future. “In her capacity as a department chair, I have counted on her to assist me with mentoring new social studies and/or at-risk students. In each situation, she has assisted without reservation, to the best of her ability, by showing tireless energy, concern, and commitment.”  

     

    An educator at Carnahan since 2006, Mrs. Sumner was promoted to the social studies department head position starting with the 2013-14 school year. She also serves as Carnahan’s ninth grade Data Team leader and received a 2012-13 Pettus Award, which recognizes teaching excellence in the St. Louis Public School District.

    The 2013 Social Studies Teacher of the Year was honored with an awards reception and presented with a $1,000 award from the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation. In addition, she received a trophy, a plaque, and a $500 award for related education materials through the Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund. 

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