Thursday, December 31, 2020
Milwaukee Public Schools is proud of two district teachers who are among five Wisconsin educators named as 2021 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year. Koren Jackson of Milwaukee Transition High School and Susan Richardson of Milwaukee German Immersion School have been selected for these high honors.
The five Wisconsin Teachers of the Year were selected from among the 86 educators recognized earlier in 2020 by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation’s Teacher Fellowship Program, which honors and supports teaching excellence and innovation across Wisconsin. The honorees were selected by a diverse committee to represent voices, contexts, and perspectives as educational leaders throughout Wisconsin.
Koren Jackson is a special education teacher who has taught in MPS since 1999. She is a proud alumna of Washington High School and has called Milwaukee home since she was young. At Transition High School, Jackson works with students who have had negative experiences growing up and in school, and her efforts help students graduate through personalized instruction. Her approach is to make students feel welcome and build relationships so students feel connected and part of the school community. Building upon successes and understanding where students have been helps Jackson adapt to student needs. Jackson also volunteers for Milwaukee Hunger Task Force and Special Olympics of Wisconsin.
Susan Richardson teaches third grade and has worked at Milwaukee German Immersion since 2013. A Wisconsin native, she was attracted to the immersion experience for her own children and for her career. Her teaching philosophy centers on triggering curiosity in her students; when students get excited by discussing questions, ideas, and theories, they eagerly seek answers and successfully learn content. Richardson is recognized for promoting equity in her instruction and building relationships with students to serve their individual needs. Because the majority of the school day is taught in German, she also offers daily blocks when parents can check in with her in English to ask questions and clarify assignments.
Congratulations, Koren and Susan!