McNichol ECE Lab Penny Hammrich Teacher Recognition Program 2023 Awardees

The Drexel University McNichol ECE Lab is proud to announce the 2023 recipients of the Penny Hammrich Teacher Recognition Program award for excellence in Social and Emotional (SEL) in early childhood education pedagogy.

The award program recognizes nominees on a three-tiered structure, from awardee to distinguished awardee. This year, we also acknowledged the SEL excellence of a Drexel University School of Education pre-service teacher. The recipients are recognized below. Congratulations to all.

Tier 1 Awardees

Jayme Gura

Maria Hernandez

Sarah Maldona

Sulaka Rosa

Tier 2: Outstanding Awardees

Ebelin Cardona

Nomination Quote:

"Ebelin tries her best to assist students with behaviors. She has restructured the schedule to best fit the needs of the child. She goes out of her way to purchase materials that are beneficial for learning."

Monique Reid

Nomination Quote:

"Ms. Monique has several children in her room that have challenging behavior and language barriers. I have watched Monique work with these children and build a special bond with them as well. The children have become attached to Ms. Monique, and we call them her grandchildren sometimes because that is how close they have become."

Tier Three: Distinguished Awardee

Sheena Garnett

Nomination Quote:

"Ms. Sheena is employed at one of BSA's locations within the city that is plagued with violence and drug activity. Many of the families and children she serves live through trauma daily. However, she has created a classroom environment where love, trust, and compassion are the key elements. This has resulted in many of the children developing self- regulation and the coping skills they need to function in a group setting. As a direct result of her teaching abilities/approaches many of the children who exhibited behavioral challenges when they were first enrolled in her classroom, have developed the necessary skills to form meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Many families that have transitioned to new schools, often return to share how their children have grown due to her teaching practices.

Penny Hammrich Excellence in Social-Emotional Learning Pre-Service Teacher Field Experience Award

Annette Martin-Safford

One of Annette's favorite ways she likes to integrate social-emotional learning activities in her classroom every day is by starting the day with emotion check-ins. She has found that this allows her students to set the tone for each day mindfully. Integrating a daily emotions check-in gives time and space for every learner to share their feelings, and the technique she uses is emoji cards.