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November 28, 2011

As a young child, Nicole Zumpano already knew she wanted to become ateacher. Her father served as School Board President of the elementary schoolshe attended. She was taught early to value education, and early on decided to

make it her career.

After pursuing a college degree in education, she applied for a teaching positionwith Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and began teaching at May Community

Academy, and 19 years later, she is still serving students in Chicagos Austinneighborhood.

I know its unusual for a teacher to stay at the same school for so many years,but since day one, I felt like I could make a difference here and was able to do agood job in this community, said Zumpano. This is a high-poverty area, and Ivebeen able to expose the kids to a lot of things they arent exposed to outside of

school.

For 15 years, Zumpano taught the 4th grade, sharing her love of books andtechnology with her students, and building relationships that lasted long after herstudents graduated.

So many of my former students are now in college and seeking me out throughFacebook and email, said Zumpano. Its very heart-warming when they saythey remember learning and doing certain things in the classroom. Its justawesome to see that they are in college and careers and succeeding.

In 2008, May Elementary applied for a Federal grant through the VoluntaryChoice Program to become one of the first Technology Magnet Clusters withinCPS. Having always had an avid interest in technology, Zumpano jumped at thechance to chair the grant committee. Through her hard work and that of the team,May was awarded a grant in partnership with Spencer Elementary.

As part of the grant, Zumpano had the opportunity to pursue a second mastersdegree, and, as a result, became Mays Lead Technology Teacher/Tech

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Coordinator. In this role, she manages all efforts to employ technology in theclassroom. From helping teachers integrate technology into their curriculum, tomanaging the schools iPad program, to helping maintain equipment--she isknown widely as the schools technology guru. She also started a blog for theschool and encourages teachers to blog their lesson plans as a way to share

important information with their colleagues.

When it comes to the many positive benefits of technology in schools, Zumpanocant say enough. In addition to many tools being free and easily adaptable to theclassroom, she sees the important ways in which technology supports studentslearning and achievement.

There are so many creative technological tools we can use to reach kids andgive them a voice, she said. Our students are very curious and eager to learn,and through these tools, we can provide them with greater access to literature,different cultures and other exciting learning opportunities.

Last month, the Chicago Foundation for Education (CFE) surprised Zumpanowith the 2011 Teacher of the Year Award, given annually to a CPS teacher who,among other criteria, goes above and beyond to enhance the classroomexperience, provide effective instruction to students, seek out professionaldevelopment opportunities, and share effective practices with colleagues. As partof the award presented with help from her husband and 11-year-old twins atthe CFE Annual Teacher Workshop she received $1,000 for classroommaterials or continued professional development, and a two year term on CFE'sBoard of Directors.

Nicole was chosen for this honor because of her long and extensive involvementwith the Foundation, said Rupal Soni, CFE Program Director. She is truly ateacher leader as a 10-time CFE grant winner and five-time presenter at CFEs

Annual Teachers as Leaders and Learners Workshop. She is a role model foreducators everywhere and a gift to the CPS community.

Receiving this award was such an honor, said Zumpano. I love being a teacherand look forward to many more years of sharing technology and a love oflearning with students.

CPS congratulates Nicole on receiving this award, and salutes her outstandingwork at May Elementary and her dedication to CPS students!

Horatio May Elementary Community Academy offers its students a curriculuminfused with technology through the Magnet Math/Science Programs. Mayfeatures Internet access school-wide. The school partners include YMCA,Communities in Schools, Tishman Construction, Wildmann, Harrold, Allen &Dixon Firm, Terrell Group, World Vision and Hartgrove Hospital. May isenhancing learning to better serve the community.