 2009 Award Winners
“I believe in the power of education to change a child’s life and to change the world,” declares Liz Goss, second-grade teacher in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. In a community where only 26% of students graduate high school, each of Liz’s students has the chance to excel, and her own social work has a lot to do with it. “As a former community organizer, she brings that lens to her teaching,” says Lisa Kenner, Legacy Charter principal. “Children feel respected and cared for by Liz. They take flight, even those with extraordinary needs.” Though she began her career teaching adult education to women on welfare, Liz has found early childhood education to be the greatest platform for social justice. In a developing community, she encourages her second graders to grow up to transform their neighborhood and their world. Errol Stone, partner at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, LLP, and Board Chair of Legacy Charter, explains why Liz is just what they needed: “When we started Legacy, we said that we wanted to create an outstanding center for teaching and learning. Teachers like Liz enable us to fulfill this ambitious mission. We are very fortunate to have her.” |
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Elizabeth Goss