2024 FINALISTS
2024 FINALISTS
We have announced the finalists for 2024 Alumni of the Year! There are six finalists in each of the two categories and one winner from each category will receive a $5,000 prize for their commitment to educational equity. Winners will be announced in late April and honored at our Annual Benefit in May.
The Frances and Elliot Lehman Alumni of the Year Award
An annual award given to an outstanding teacher in the Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana region who is an alumnus of Teach For America. This award recognizes outstanding culturally responsive teaching that empowers students in learning and in life. Below are the six finalists for The Frances and Elliot Lehman Alumni of the Year Award.
Pre-K Teacher, Sumner Math and Science Community Academy, 4 years of experience
Brittanei Kiana Cain
Brittanei Kiana Cain, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘20
Blended PreK Special Education Teacher, LaSalle II Magnet School, 9 years of experience
Haley Ford
Haley Ford, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘15
Bilingual Teacher, Acero Brighton Park Charter School, 4 years of experience
Ithzel Sandoval
Ithzel Sandoval, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘21
6th ELL English Teacher, Neal Math and Science Academy, 3 years of experience
Brendan McGovern
Brendan McGovern, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘21
English Teacher, Butler College Prep, 10 years of experience
Brittanee Cameill Rolle
Brittanee Cameill Rolle, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘14
ELL English Teacher, Kelvyn Park High School, 3 years of experience
Maria Camila Henao
Maria Camila Henao, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘21
The Zell Family Alumni of the Year Award
An annual award given to an outstanding school leader in the Chicago-Northwest Indiana region who is an alum of Teach For America. This award recognizes leaders who have built and maintained excellent schools that ensure all students can become citizens who are prepared to shape their own pathways in life.
Principal, Noble - UIC College Prep, 13 years of experience
Dalonte Burns
Dalonte Burns, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘12
Principal, Cesar Chavez Multicultural Academic Center, 25 years of experience
Barton Dassinger
Barton Dassinger, Rio Grande Valley ‘98
Principal, Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School, 17 years of experience
Elizabeth Jamison-Dunn
Elizabeth Jamison-Dunn, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘07
Principal, Carl Schurz High School, 17 years of experience
Heidy Moran
Heidy Moran, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘07
Principal, The Noble Academy, 13 years of experience
Tierionna Pinkston
Tierionna Pinkston, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘11
Assistant Principal, Roosevelt High School, 13 years of experience
natalia torres orejuela
natalia torres orejuela, Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana ‘10