Goshen school awarded as national finalist for teaching excellence

GOSHEN, Ind. – Prairie View Elementary School has been awarded $10,000 for being named a National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Founder’s Award Finalist.

Prairie View is one of four schools across the country being considered for the $50,000 grand prize for their ability to exceptionally implement NIET’s practices to help students and teachers succeed.

“Most successful people can think of a talented teacher who inspired and motivated them to move forward. At Prairie View, teachers have those mentors, too,” NIET Chairman and Founder Lowell Milken said. “Providing effective educators with the structure to coach others allows all teachers and students to maximize their potential. I commend Principal Donna Wiktorowski and her staff for making this possible every day.”

Recipients of this award are selected by NIET based on the following:

Efforts to make instructional excellence the cornerstone of school improvement

Create a culture of collaboration and reflection

Plan for regular professional learning focused on real-time needs of teachers and students

Leverage teacher leaders and administrators to drive student growth

The NIET organization partners with schools, districts, universities, and states to help teachers support their students.

Prairie View has been implementing NIET’s TAP System for Teacher and Student Advancement since 2008.

Each teacher at Prairie View is paired with a member of NIET’s instructional leadership team.

“TAP makes it possible to include practicing teachers in setting goals, managing data, and taking the lead to implement the best practices we want to see in every classroom,” said Principal Wiktorowski.

The winner of the $50,000 grand prize will be announced virtually at the NIET National Conference at 10 a.m. on March 4.