Emily Chandler, a special education and ELA teacher at PS 371K Lillian Rashkis High School — a District 75 school serving students with special needs in Sunset Park — had no idea she’d be heading home $25,000 richer when she arrived at work on June 3.
Chandler was surprised during the school day with a visit from the FLAG Foundation for Excellence in Education, which named her one of six New York City teachers to receive this year’s FLAG Award for Excellence in Education. The honor includes a $25,000 cash prize, as well as a $10,000 grant for an arts-based initiative.
The FLAG Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to recognizing exceptional public school educators, received 1,600 nominations this year, according to Laura Twersky, co-president of the organization.
“We’re looking for those once-in-a-lifetime kind of teachers who impact their students and that the students will remember long after they graduate,” said Twersky, who described feeling like a “fairy godmother” as she handed an unsuspecting educator a large check.
“You get to go in and give somebody a big check and tell them they’re getting $25,000 for their personal use. It makes you feel so good,” Twersky said. “And to hear what the students say about the teachers and what the principals say, it’s just heartwarming, especially now with everything going on in this world and in this city, it’s a real feel-good.”
Chandler’s curriculum integrates ELA with art, math, history and science through a hands-on, project-based, cross-disciplinary approach both in and out of the classroom. That includes 37th & Fourth, a student literary magazine covering events like the Black Wall Street Massacre and the war in Sudan, as well as partnerships with institutions like MoMA and the Morgan Book Project, where students learned the thousand-year-old art of bookmaking.
Her efforts have helped students achieve academic success — including an 80% pass rate on the ELA Regents exam. Two of her students were also named winners of the Morgan Book Project.
Chandler told Brooklyn Paper she was shocked and humbled to be named one of the FLAG Foundation finalists, crediting her students and colleagues for her success.
“These kids, they inspire me,” she said. “I wouldn’t have done any of this without them.”
Chandler said she was particularly proud that two of her students were named winners of the Morgan Book Project.
“Two winners from a special needs school up against general education schools and art schools,” she said. “They’re up against every school in New York City. Being on display at the Morgan right now like all the other artists gives them legitimacy.”
Principal Heather Miller told Brooklyn Paper the grand prize couldn’t have gone to a more deserving teacher, praising Chandler’s enthusiasm and love for teaching, which she said have boosted student confidence and academic performance.
“She loves teaching Shakespeare and finding ways to bring culturally relevant topics to her students,” Miller said. “I am honored to be able to watch her teach and just to see all of the directions that she goes in.”
