National PTA Applauds 2018 National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 3, 2018)—National PTA congratulates Mandy Manning on her recognition as the 2018 National Teacher of the Year. Manning teaches English to refugee and immigrant students at Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane, Wash. She has taught for 18 years and strives to create connections between her students and the community inside and outside of the school.
Manning was honored yesterday by President Donald Trump in a ceremony at the White House, along with all 2018 State Teachers of the Year. National PTA President Jim Accomando and National PTA Executive Director Nathan R. Monell, CAE, attended the ceremony. President Accomando also served on the selection committee for the National Teacher of the Year program.
“Teachers like Mandy make a profound difference in the lives and long-term success of all children,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “National PTA applauds Mandy and all 2018 State Teachers of the Year for everything they do to ensure every child reaches their full potential.”
Manning invites district leaders, campus resource officers, community members and professional writers to visit her classroom to help her students learn cultural expectations and how to express themselves effectively. In return, her students teach these leaders where they come from, who they are and the value they add to the district and community. Manning also uses experiential projects to help her students process trauma, celebrate their home countries and culture and learn about their new community. As the 2018 National Teacher of the Year, Manning will encourage educators to teach their students to overcome their fears and seek out new experiences.
Each year, the National Teacher of the Year addresses attendees during National PTA’s Annual Convention & Expo. In addition to being a part of the National Teacher of the Year Program, National PTA designates the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week.
“Teachers provide so much to their students, and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom,” added National PTA Executive Director Nathan R. Monell, CAE. “We urge everyone to join us during Teacher Appreciation Week, when we celebrate V.I.T.s (Very Important Teachers) for their commitment to our children’s well-being and academic success.”
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.
Media Contact
Heidi May Wilson, National PTA
hmay@pta.org, (703) 518-1242
