Who was Lou Colby?

 

Lou Colby began her career in education during the early 60’s in Chicago’s inner city schools.  It was her work with students in highpoverty areas and her personal interest in art, music and math that pushed her to find ways to help students succeed academically andgrow culturally.  Lou was stalwart in providing those inner city students with the most successful teaching strategies while finding ways forthem to visit local museums and science exhibits.  Her leadership inspired other colleagues to follow.In the early 70’s she and her family moved to Terra Linda.  Lou Colby brought that same determination with her.  In additionto her love of math, she added the outdoors.  Outdoor education became her focus at that time.  Again she looked forpartnerships with the business community to help all children experience every aspect in life.Cotati-Rohnert Park was most fortunate to have Lou as part of our educational community during the 80’s and 90’s.  LouColby worked tirelessly to help all children have access to the best teaching, and the best technology.  She worked with all of the schools in administeringthe National Science Foundation Grant, taught at Waldo Rohnert, and served as principal for La Fiesta and Mountain Shadows Middle School. Lou Colbywas a long time supporter of the Education Foundation and requested, at the time of her death, that memorial gifts be made to the foundation.

 What is the Lou Colby Memorial Award?

 

In response to Lou Colby’s request the foundation created an annual awardin Lou’s memory given to the teacher who best matches the qualities that Louexhibited as an outstanding educator.

 

The following qualities serve as criteria for the award:

• A passion for addressing the educational needs of all children

• Making learning relevant to the real world

• Mentoring others in the profession

• An active collaborative team member

• Able to see the bigger picture in education

• A sense of humor and a compassion for all

 

She was a deeply loved and respected teacher and administrator whowas part of our school district for many years and she would be honored toknow the teachers who have been recipients of the Lou Colby Award.

When are Nominations Due?

 

Letters of nomination must be submitted no later than Monday, April 27, 2009 by 4:00 p.m. to the office of the Superintendent. Please call 795-3648 if you have any questions regarding this award.

When is the  Award presented?

 

This year’s award will be presented at the Education FoundationTeacher Appreciation and Lou Colby Memorial Award Reception on May 19, 2009. The name of the teacher chosen will be added to a“perpetual plaque”, displayed in the Superintendent’s office. In addition,the teacher will receive a $500 “unencumbered” grant to be spent ashe or she desires.

 

 

Who and How Can I Nominate a Teacher?

Any one, or a combination of the following may nominate ateacher they feel exemplifies the educator’s spirit that was admiredin Lou Colby:

 

• teachers• classified personnel• administrators• parents• specialists• high school students

 

Letters of recommendation are now being accepted for this award.Recommendations should include information about the nominee;detailing their educational background, positions held in the Districtand their philosophy of education. The recommendation shouldaddress the criteria established for this award and how thesecriteria have been achieved in the nominee’s career.

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