Teacher honored for work with kids
Arizona Daily Star
Jan. 8, 2008

Project gives voice to teen refugees and immigrants

Tucson, Arizona | Published: http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/219542

An English teacher at Catalina Magnet High School is a finalist for the 2008 Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Julie Kasper was selected for the honor because of her project-based work with Catalina High's English-language-learners. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, a non-profit professional development organization for educators, specifically noted a project by Kasper called "Home? Teen Refugees and Immigrants Explore Their Tucson."

The project was a student photo and writing exhibit as well as a community forum.

"It is one of the most powerful exhibits I have ever seen," said Catalina Principal Linda Patterson. "I was awe-struck the first time I saw it."

The exhibit has been displayed in public spaces around the city, including Tucson City Council Ward 6 office, Patterson said. U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva is interested in displaying it in Washington, D.C., she added.

Three other educators, from Virginia, New Jersey and California, also were selected as finalists. Each will receive a $1,000 check from the national association and an institutional membership for their schools.

The winner will be announced at the association's annual conference March 15-17 in New Orleans.