The Extra Yard, February 2023

GROWING TOGETHER

Educators Celebrated and Given Support at the Extra Yard for Teachers Summit in LA

BY SACHA TERRILL

So many of us can name a teacher who played a starring role in our lives as mentor, motivator, inspiration, or key in helping us see our potential. John Urschel, former Penn State and Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman and now an accomplished mathematician and assistant professor at MIT, smiles when he thinks about the teachers who helped shape his world.

“I had a few teachers in high school who really made a difference for me and made me realize just how much I love math, just how much I love physics, just how much I could do with that,” said Urschel, who won the William Campbell Trophy, given to the college football player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance.

“It only takes one teacher to believe in you and to support you to succeed.”

Urschel was a member of a special panel that discussed teachers and education at Playoff Fan Central at the Los Angeles Convention Center the weekend

before the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship. Just yards away in the same building, hundreds of teachers gathered to celebrate each other — and be celebrated — at the Extra Yard for Teachers Summit. The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation hosted the free professional development summit for local teachers (as well as virtually nationwide), complete with speakers, interactive panels, mini workshops, and celebrity hosts — all focused on supporting teachers and education.

“We appreciate the College Football Playoff Foundation and everyone involved that make summits like this happen. Being recognized and supported is important. Teachers often do not get the recognition we deserve, and the recognition does matter as it supports, validates, and encourages us to continue doing what we do best: engaging and enriching students’ lives,” said Alma Ricarte, a K-2 teacher in Los Angeles for nearly 30 years.

It only takes one teacher to believe in you and to support you to succeed.

JOHN URSCHEL

“We are not only educators, but also do the jobs of a social worker, psychologist, counselor, nurse and many more. As a primary school teacher, it is our job to get our students ready for a successful educational career. We prepare them for the next 10-15 years of their education where they learn to sit and listen critically, they learn to follow rules and directions. They learn how to form healthy connections with friends and adults. They learn to build resiliency and persevere.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona, the U.S. National Teacher of the Year, and select state Teachers of the Year were on hand at the summit to recognize the dedication and hard work of teachers like Ricarte. Cardona, who began his career as a fourth-grade teacher, quickly connected with the crowd of educators.

“Today we’re here to celebrate you,” said Cardona. “I appreciate you not only as a U.S. Secretary but as a lifelong educator and a father. I know the pressure and

I know every day is harder, every year is harder. You grind and you always put so much effort into the world. Thank you, I appreciate you! We’re working hard in D.C. to have your back.”

Cardona’s admiration for teachers was apparent as he greeted them and took time to listen to their challenges and answer their questions during the session.

“Teachers are all about the relationships and helping our students reach their potential,” he said. “But across the nation there is an attack on educators. There is a lack of respect for the profession. When we talk about teacher shortages, those are symptoms of that lack of respect. If we don’t change that now, we’ll suffer and the next generation of students will suffer.”

The CFP Foundation’s primary platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four core areas: resources, recognition, professional

KINDRED SPIRITS: Teachers in LA gathered for the 2023 Extra Yard for Teachers Summit.

ESPN’s Elle Duncan and actor William Stanford Davis from ABC’s Abbott Elementary cast discussed the important role educators have in teaching kindness within school environments.

development, recruitment and retention. It’s all tied to the College Football Playoff, and its philanthropic effort through the CFP Foundation.

As always, the 2023 Extra Yard for Teacher Summit was completely about teachers and giving them words of wisdom, motivation, and real information to help them grow in their profession. LA Unified School District (LAUSD) put on four ancillary roundtable sessions at the Summit, each created as focus groups on specific topics. (Read more about these roundtables in subsequent pages).

In eight years, the CFP Foundation has supported more than 450,000 teachers nationwide, leading to more positive student outcomes for more than 9.2 million students. Its Extra Yard for Teachers recognition and resources initiative has collectively invested more than $57 million in support of education.

“Our teachers will set up the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers in this country,” Urschel said.

“We’ll only be as successful as our teachers are, so we need to show them our support [through programs like Extra Yard for Teachers]. A way to do that is by using the resources and power of college football to make a positive difference in the lives of teachers everywhere in the hope that every student has a great teacher to support their learning.”

Sacha Terrill is a former writer for The Daily Breeze in Los Angeles, and has covered sports and news for nearly two decades.

WATCH WHAT HAPPENS L!VE WITH ANDY COHEN

REGARDING HIS FAVORITE TEACHER / EDUCATOR

“I had a vice principal in high school named Doris Randolph, who was an incredible woman and we always had a great relationship. In my final year of high school, she got me an internship at a local CBS affiliate in St. Louis, where I’m from. I was the youngest intern they had ever had, and that internship launched my entire TV career. And it was Doris who really taught me how to reach for the stars, dream big and that anything was possible.”

“A few years after I graduated, sadly Ms. Randolph died of cancer, and I never got to thank her for all she did for me. It’s something I think about all the time because she really had a profound effect on me. So thank your educators and give them a hug! Our educators make us who we are today.”

EXTRA YARD FOR TEACHERS SUMMIT ROUNDTABLES

Made possible by LA Unified School District

LAUSD EDUCATORS OF TOMORROW LUNCHEON

A gathering of over 100 LA Unified high school junior and senior year students who are on track to enter the education profession gathered for an inspirational lunch and a workshop that included speakers (Dr. Miguel Cardona, Alberto Carvalho, Sharif El-Mekki, and State Teacher of Year Reps). The students were celebrated, reinforcing the importance of their decision to become a teacher and the influence they will have on the next generation.

“We were very pleased that we were able to bring together a group of our future teachers to share a meal and hear from inspirational educators about their experiences, and what drives them to make educating our youth their life’s work,” said Director of LA Unified Certificated Workforce Management Bryan M. Johnson, Ed.D. “It was awesome to have Secretary Cardona and our own Superintendent Carvalho in attendance as well, and for our students/future teachers to make personal connections with these dynamic leaders. LA Unified is grateful to our friends at the College Football Playoff Foundation and Get Your Teach On for providing this opportunity to our Educators of Tomorrow.”

Naomi O’Brien with Get Your Teach On gave some added motivation to LA Unified high school students who have an interest in the teaching profession at the Educators of Tomorrow luncheon.

CHOOSE KINDNESS FOCUS GROUP

The Choose Kindness Project is an alliance of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations that champion three major issue areas affecting children and teens: bullying prevention, intentional inclusion and youth mental wellness. Guided by the 20+ members of the alliance and supported by ABC, ESPN, the CFP Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation, the Choose Kindness Project is dedicated to inspiring a more inclusive world where all young people feel empowered to be themselves and feel safe to create the futures they imagine. A group of leaders was gathered together which included teachers, district administrators, counselors and principals for a focus group on what kinds of tools the choose kindness project can help provide to make a difference in school environments.

PRINCIPALS FORUM FOR RETENTION

In a CCSSO, CFPF and NASSP sponsored discussion on teacher retention, US Secretary Cardona heard from both State Teachers of the Year and State Principals of the Year. The strong message came with a sense of urgency for systemic change that disrupts education and makes teaching a sustainable career. This is a national crisis that cannot be solved with superficial solutions.

VISIT TO ROYBAL SCHOOL

CFP Foundation Executive Director Britton Banowsky joined the second gentleman of the United States Doug Emoff, Secretary Cardona and LAUSD Superintendent Carvalho for a visit to the newly-opened Roybal Film and Television Magnet School. The school mission is focused on building a more inclusive pipeline of historically underrepresented, college and career-ready students interested in film and television. It is funded through both public and private resources, and enjoys the support from numerous celebrities in the entertainment industry including George Clooney (actor producer, director), Mindy Kaling (actor, producer, director, author), and Don Cheadle (actor, producer, activist). The school provides students with a foundational understanding of the media and entertainment industry while preparing them for below-theline professions.

The Roybal Film and Television Magnet School focuses on inclusivity for students interested in film and television.

EDUCATORS HONORED

“Champions Educate Here” Legacy Program in LA

As part of the 2023 CFP National Championship, the CFP Foundation, the LA CFP National Championship Host Committee, the LA84 Foundation and the Play Equity Fund announced 20 additional educators who were selected as part of the “Champions Educate Here” legacy program. The program was established to shine the spotlight of the CFP National Championship on the impactful work of 46 local educators and provide funding and support for their programs aimed at nurturing the academic, mental health, and social-emotional needs of students through sport, play, and movement.

The “Champions Educate Here” legacy program initially identified 26 educators in September 2022 and honored the final 20 educators in the concluding round of the program. The selected educators include physical education teachers, elementary and special education teachers, coaches, and afterschool staff throughout the Los Angeles region. Each selected educator received up to $20,000 to expand their efforts at their respective schools.

The reach and impact of the “Champions Educate Here” program is significant, with the 46 educators recognized from 12 school districts across Los Angeles, as well as parochial schools. The Champion Educators serve students from TK/Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School and High School. All 46 educators in the “Champions Educate Here” legacy program were acknowledged at the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl in December and participated in championship weekend activities.

CHAMPIONS EDUCATE HERE: Recognizing fantastic educators in Los Angeles as part of the 2023 CFP National Championship.

MORNINGSIDE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SURPRISED WITH NEW ESPORTS LAB

The College Football Playoff Foundation and 2023 College Football Playoff Los Angeles Host Committee unveiled a new learning lab to support teachers with education resources investments. It came in the form of a new eSports Lab at Morningside High School in Inglewood, Calif. The new learning lab, designed by School Specialty, features new technology and resources, including new gaming stations, a judges’ station, viewing areas for spectators and a teaching area.

“Our kids are on the cutting edge of things but they don’t have access to these technologies and to these programs,” said Dr. Kiwiana Cain, principal of Morningside High School. “This is the first step towards that for this school and this community. This

is a huge moment. We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure that our students have more opportunities and this new eSPorts lab opens up so many opportunities.”

Morningside High School’s new eSports lab is one of many Los Angelesarea Extra Yard Makeovers in the works through November 2023. The project is part of the CFP Foundation’s mission to uplift teachers grades K-12 and its commitment to make a significant investment in educator resources in the host community of the 2023 national championship game.

“This room is preparing our students for degrees associated with eSports,” said Dr. Bernadette Lucas,

This room is about scholarships to college. It’s about careers that we can’t even imagine, that don’t exist now, but that our students will be engaging in the future.

DR. BERNADETTE LUCAS

Inglewood USD chief academic officer. “This room is about scholarships to college. It’s about careers that we can’t even imagine, that don’t exist now, but that our students will be engaging in the future.”

The CFP Foundation and the Los Angeles Host Committee are dedicated to supporting educators across Southern California. Providing teachers, coaches, classrooms and schools with quality resources that provide excellent learning environments is one of the many ways the CFP Foundation uplifts and empowers teachers. Research shows students participating in eSports programs learn teamwork and collaboration, while building STEM, interpersonal communications, technical and business skills. The CFP Foundation’s education partners, including School Specialty, ensure that the resources are used to provide what teachers need to prepare their students for success.

LEARNING LAB: The Morningside High School eSports Lab is the first time the CFP Foundation has implemented an eSports learning technology center as part of the Extra Yard Makeover initiative.

Morningside High School’s new eSports lab is one of many Los Angeles-area Extra Yard Makeovers in the works through November 2023.

ESPN’S MARTY SMITH AND KIRK HERBSTREIT TEAMED UP WITH ECKRICH ® TO EARN $500,000 FOR EXTRA YARD FOR TEACHERS

ESPN’s Marty Smith and Kirk Herbstreit took center stage outside SoFi Stadium at the CFP National Championship on January 9 where Smith participated in the Eckrich $1 Million Challenge in support of classroom resource projects across the nation, while Herbstreit coached and supported Smith.

Smith successfully made the winning 15-yard throw, resulting in a donation of $500,000 from Eckrich to the CFP Foundation and its Extra Yard for Teachers initiative.

For the fourth consecutive year, Eckrich — the Official Smoked Sausage and Deli Meat Sponsor of CFP — joined with the CFP Foundation to celebrate educators

across the country for their honest work and tireless commitment to ensure their students have the tools to succeed. Throughout the season, fans nominated their favorite educators to participate in the $1 Million Challenge for a chance to win a donation in support of classroom resource projects. Although there wasn’t a winning throw this season, Eckrich recognized the six selected teachers for their dedication and commitment to their communities by providing $2,500 to the CFP Foundation at each local game, as well as $500 in groceries to participating teachers.

“Working with Extra Yard for Teachers for another year has allowed us to further expand on our goal

Working with Extra Yard for Teachers for another year has allowed us to further expand on our goal to give back and share our appreciation to those dedicated educators.

BETHANY GURECK

to give back and share our appreciation to those dedicated educators,” said Bethany Gurecki, senior brand manager for Eckrich at Smithfield Foods.

“Thank you, again, Kirk and Marty for your continuous participation in our annual $1 Million Challenge and congratulations to Marty for making the throw for a $500K donation.”

VALUED PARTNERS: Take a peek into the partnership between Smithfield Foods and the College Football Playoff Foundation to support teachers across the country!

GO TEACH IMPACTING FUTURE TEACHERS

Student-Athletes are Great Candidates for Quality Educators

Thanks to the Go Teach initiative, the CFP Foundation works with conferences, colleges and other partners to raise the profile of student-athletes who are teachers or are on the path to become teachers.

This year, in partnership with Meta, 30 female student-athletes used their personal platform to recognize great teachers that helped them get to where they are today and raised funds to further support the CFP Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers and Go Teach efforts.

University of Illinois sophomore soccer player Syd Stephens attended the Extra Yard for Teachers Summit in LA. Stephens not only raised the most money during a special NIL empower challenge earlier this year, she also is becoming a teacher. The CFP Foundation congratulated and honored Stephens on stage, as she is one of this year’s Dr Pepper Go Teach Tuition Assistance winners (among hundreds of student-athletes awarded tuition grants). Student-athletes make great teachers and we know Stephens’ future students will be very fortunate to have her.

Former Baltimore Raven and Penn State offensive lineman John Urschel spoke at a CFP Foundation panel during championship week at Playoff Fan Central in LA on the natural value that athletes can bring to the teaching profession.

“I think the team experience is huge for student-athletes,” Urschel said. “I’m a former athlete but I’m also a teacher — I’m a math professor — and when you are in the classroom and you’re responsible for educating others it’s important for you to see this group of young people as your team. You have to lead them, you have to set the right direction, you have to tell them what they need to hear at the right time. You also need to look at the team, look at their characteristics and adapt to them. Figure out to lead that team while also listening to their needs. I think there’s nothing better than sports to prepare you for being with a group of people and being able to lead a team and be successful and try to win.”

You have to lead them, you have to set the right direction, you have to tell them what they need to hear at the right time.

JOHN URSCHEL

JANUARY 2023 HONOREE Isai German

At Brawerman East, a close-knit Jewish elementary school in Los Angeles, Isai German encourages his students to follow a Shabbat teaching and share their light with the world. And while Brawerman East is on the campus of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple, the oldest Jewish congregation in Los Angeles. German himself isn’t Jewish. The son of Mexican immigrants, German was raised Christian and attended public schools in Bakersfield 100 miles north of Los Angeles.

“Not only do I think it’s important, I think it’s essential,” Rabbi Steve Leder, the senior Rabbi at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, said of German’s background. “None of us live in the world alone. We all share it. He’s a great example of bridge building, and God knows we need more of that.”

German teaches two subjects at the school: Innovation and Science. His Innovation classes combine coding, artificial intelligence, and robotics with real-world problem solving. His classroom resembles a high school shop class, with drills, levels, hammers, and pliers are stored along one wall and jars of nails and screws sit on counters. There are hand saws of all sizes and two power saws. His students use them all.

German incorporates pragmatic problem-solving by having older students canvass teachers throughout the school for needs and constructing the necessary products to help.

With German, their imaginations run wild in the physical and digital worlds.

“He allows the kids to fail safely,” said the mother of one of his students. “If you don’t fail, you’re doing something wrong.”

To read more about German, visit honored.org.

Syd Stephens is one of 30 student-athletes whogaveback to Go Teach.

THANK YOU

TO OUR PARTNERS FOR GOING THE EXTRA YARD TO MAKE EDUCATORS FEEL APPRECIATED

School Specialty provided attendees with a free gift and awarded gift cards to educators in attendance both in person and virtually.

GOOD EATS!

Good eats from Chick-fil-A all weekend made the day!

CLASSROOM RESOURCES

Recognizing Educators

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