Heewon ‘Esther’ Chung, art teacher at the Sheppard Pratt School in Rockville, was named this year’s winner of Sheppard Pratt’s annual Teacher of the Year Award. Chung's achievements were celebrated during a surprise ceremony on September 24 with her colleagues and Sheppard Pratt students.
Sheppard Pratt has presented its top educators with the Teacher of the Year Award for the last six years. The award is sponsored by the family of Dr. Penelope “Penny” Cordish, a former Sheppard Pratt board member and retired educator. The purpose of the award is to honor Sheppard Pratt teachers who, like Dr. Cordish, excel in all the following areas: quality, caring, teamwork, integrity, and leadership. Recipients of the award are nominated by their colleagues or by a Sheppard Pratt School family.
Chung received recognition for her creativity, compassion, and leadership both inside and outside of the classroom. Those who nominated Chung commented on her ability to make art accessible, engaging, and meaningful for students across grade levels and ability ranges. She was praised for using clear modeling, visual supports, student choice, and culturally responsive lessons that help students build confidence and express themselves.
Chung goes above and beyond to create opportunities for students to take pride in their work and school community. Each year, she organizes a schoolwide art show that transforms the Rockville school into a gallery-like celebration of student creativity, and she supports teachers across subjects through art enrichment projects. According to one of her nominators, “She brings out the artist in everyone.”
Sheppard Pratt president and CEO, Harsh K. Trivedi, MD, MBA, presented the award to Chung at the ceremony, sharing that her “creativity, compassion, and leadership have made a lasting difference for her students, her colleagues, and the Sheppard Pratt School in Rockville.”
Chung will be awarded a stipend for her recognition, and the Sheppard Pratt School in Rockville will receive $5,000 for professional development.