The Milwaukee Community Journal November 27, 2013 Page 8
UW-Milwaukee Grads Credit Their Experiences at the School for Making Them Excellent MPS Teachers
M
arko Radmanovic, assistant principal at Escuela Vieau, looks astounded when asked if he’s ever considered leaving teaching or Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).
“The idea has never crossed my mind. It’s such an exciting environment. Every day is interesting, with new successes and challenges. I love the diversity of MPS, the students, the parents and the wonderful colleagues who inspire me and who are so dedicated.”
Marko Radmanovic, assistant principal at Escuela Vieau, looks astounded when asked if he’s ever considered leaving teaching or Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). “The idea has never crossed my mind. It’s such an
exciting environment. Every day is interesting, with new successes and challenges. I love the diversity of MPS, the students, the parents and the wonderful colleagues who inspire me and who are so dedicated.” Katerina Jones, a second grade teacher at Samuel
MCJ SPORTS
Bucks Guard O.J. Mayo goes up for two during the Bucks game against The Dallas Mavericks at the BMO Bradley Center. (Photo by Bill Tennessen)
Clemens School in Milwaukee, says she simply ignores those who criticize teachers or public schools. “I know I’m doing good work here, and I know all my colleagues come here every day and do good work so I don’t let it bother me.” Radmanovic and Jones, both University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Education (SOE) alumni, were among teachers receiving Advanced Career awards at the Oct. 17 Celebration of Teachers and Teaching event, sponsored by the Education Deans of Greater Milwaukee (EDGM). Education Deans of Greater Milwaukee is a collaboration involving the deans of nine area higher education institutions, including UWM. Proceeds of the October awards event benefit a fund to promote professional development for teachers and to advance the reputation of teaching. “This event gives us the opportunity to spotlight the work that teachers do,” says Barbara Daley, interim SOE dean. “It is a way of honoring all teachers for the energy and enthusiasm and skills they bring to their work.” An indirect path to the profession Radmanovic got into teaching in a roundabout way. He’d earned his undergraduate degrees in criminology and history from Marquette University and was working in the safety department in Milwaukee Public Schools when he became interested in the challenges special education students face. He began volunteering on his lunch hours to work with students with behavioral and emotional issues. He then entered a special education post-baccalaureate partnership program between MPS and UWM, which allowed him to work as a special education teacher while earning his certification in the field. Later, he earned his regular education and history certifications. He has taught in MPS since 1990. “I liked to focus
on a student’s strengths, as a way to help them reach their potential.” The parent of a student who made “huge gains” in math skills wrote in a nomination letter: “Children have an innate sense of when someone truly believes in them, and (our child) knew that Mr. R. did.” Partnerships, programs key to developing educators Jones, a second-grade teacher at Samuel Clemens Elementary School in MPS, has 10 years teaching experience. She was part of the 2002-03 cohort of UWM’s former Metropolitan Multicultural Teacher Education Pre-service Program, which prepared paraprofessionals to become certified teachers. “Ms. Jones demonstrates an uncommon commitment to providing quality instruction based on each student’s developmental level and learning style,” Clemens principal Jacqueline Richardson wrote in her nomination letter. Both teachers credit their experiences at UWM with helping them become excellent teachers. Both Radmanovic and Jones talk about the importance of helping students begin to see the relationships among the materials they’re encountering. Students need to not only see those relationships, but the relevance to their own lives, these teachers agree. Every success builds confidence for the next steps in learning. That, says Jones, is a key reason she is a teacher. “I really love those ‘ah-ha’ moments, and I’m getting to see quite a few of them.” Other honorees at this year’s event included educators from Milwaukee College Prep, Walker Elementary School, Carmen High School of Science & Technology, Rufus King International-Middle Years Campus, Young Leaders Academy, St. Adalbert School, and Seeds of Health-Windlake Elementary.
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Green Bay Packers have found the going tough the last few weeks.
Packer Quarterback Matt Flynn gave the team a spark in its tie with the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, while Running Back Eddie Lacy hammered the Vikes defense on the ground, gaining over 100 yards. (Kim Robinson photos)
Turkey Time: Bucks coach and players give back to those in need in Milwaukee and Racine for Thanksgiving In preparation for Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday, Bucks head coach Larry Drew and players O.J. Mayo and Larry Sanders distributed turkey dinners to 150 pre-registered Milwaukee area families at the House of Peace, a Capuchin ministry, Tuesday afternoon. Drew, Mayo and Sanders are responsible for donating all the food, as well as Bucks knit caps and scarves. The distribution is part of the House of Peace Holiday Food Basket Program, which includes com-
munity partners such as Roundy’s, area businesses and organizations, and participating parishes and schools of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. In addition to the turkey, the Thanksgiving dinners will include stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce and more. BUTLER GIVES BACK TO HOMETOWN FAMILIES – On Tuesday at the John Bryant Community Center (601 21st St.) in Racine, Bucks forward Caron Butler gave away 200 Thanksgiving
meals to pre-selected families from his hometown. Butler will provide turkeys and all the trimmings in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday. “Giving back to my hometown means a great deal to my family and me,” said Butler. “We are thankful and blessed to be in this position to help others and make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. I encourage others to do the same this holiday season.”