NCEA Honor Recognizes Excellence in the Classroom

Arlington, Va.—Twelve outstanding Catholic elementary school teachers have earned the 2011 Distinguished Teacher Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

The national honors will be presented in an awards ceremony during the association's Annual Convention and Exposition April 26–28 in New Orleans, La.

The award winners, chosen from 12 regions throughout the country, were nominated by their diocesan superintendents. Their nominations were supported by letters from colleagues, parents and students detailing the teachers' outstanding work in the classroom.

"Our Distinguished Teacher Award winners demonstrate the quality of education available at Catholic schools, one that combines academic excellence with a strong moral foundation," said Brother Robert Bimonte, executive director of the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools. "Through their vision, talent and dedication to providing the best for every student every day, these outstanding educators have enriched the lives of countless children and families."

The following will receive the 2011 Distinguished Teacher Award:

· Andrew Brassard, St. Augustine School, Providence, R.I.

· Mary Kate Green, St. Mary's School, Waterford, N.Y.

· Jennifer Kowieski, St. Josaphat School, Chicago, Ill.

· Bernadette Langdon, Saints Simon and Jude School, West Chester, Pa.

· Diane LeBlanc, St. Elizabeth School, Paincourtville, La.

· Mary O’Connell, St. Justin Martyr School, St. Louis, Mo.

· Geri Russell, St. Mary’s School, Amarillo, Texas

· Karen Streeter, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Salt Lake City, Utah

· Jennifer Teepen, St. Dominic School, Cincinnati, Ohio

· Mary Van Ryswick, St. Michael’s School, Ridge, Md.

· Mary Wellems, St. John the Baptist School, Longmont, Colo.

· Deborah Werner, St. Catherine of Sienna Parish School, Seattle, Wash.

About the Convention

NCEA's Annual Convention and Exposition, which draws educators, administrators, pastors and parents from throughout the nation, will offer general sessions, liturgies, departmental meetings, and development and technology sessions. The event at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will also feature an exhibition of the latest in educational products.

Keynote speakers will include Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking and noted death penalty opponent, and Father Michael Himes, professor of theology at Boston College and frequent speaker on Christian theology, sacramental principles and ethics.

The 35th anniversary convocation of the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors and the annual meeting of the Catholic Library Association will take place concurrently with the NCEA convention.

NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA's members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.

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NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION 1005 N. Glebe Rd, NW, Suite 525, Arlington, VA 22201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 25, 2011		Contact Information Barbara Keebler Brian Gray Phone: (202) 337-6232 Fax: (202) 333-6706 E-mail: communications@ncea.org

Twelve Catholic Elementary School Teachers Receive National Award