Teaching That Transforms: Meet the 2025-2026 April Blount Blue Ribbon Award Recipients

Subject: Special Education – Math

Marina exemplifies what it means to serve both students and colleagues with dedication and heart. She has taken on additional teaching periods this year to address our students’ needs and support them in becoming confident, capable mathematicians. A true team player, she also supports her co-teachers both in and out of the classroom. She is constantly reflecting on how to improve systems and instruction to make them more effective and accessible for everyone.

In her seven years with TYWLS Astoria, the adventurous and growth-oriented teacher has taken on a new Intensive each year, continuously challenging herself in service of our school community. Thank you for modeling excellence and care for our community, Marina!

Subjects: English Language Arts (ELA), English as a New Language (ENL)

Peder Olson has been a cornerstone of TYWLS Bronx’s community for nearly a decade, teaching and leading its ENL department with quiet dedication and genuine care. He writes curricula that resonate with students and make each person feel seen. He also works alongside his colleagues in a way that makes everyone around him seek to become better. Peder champions ENL students, ensuring they receive the services they need, and helps the staff supporting them feel confident and prepared.

As the ENL population at the school continues to grow, his guidance and advocacy matter more than ever. Congratulations on this recognition, Peder!

Subjects: History, Algebra, Advisory

Loran is an incredible leader as well as a developer of leaders who has been teaching at TYWLS Brooklyn for seven years. She co-leads the school’s student government, giving students opportunities to use their voices to influence their school and run activities. In her classroom, she gets students thinking, talking, and making essential connections to history. Loran often has students moving around the room, doing a variety of creative activities to truly experience history.

She is also a supportive eighth-grade advisor, making sure each student gets what they need to reach the milestone of graduating middle school. Thank you for your dedication, Loran!

Subject: Science

Adele is a stellar teacher at TYWLS Manhattan. In her five years with the school, she has constantly encouraged her students to explore STEM subjects with curiosity and fearlessness. Her middle school classes tackle real-world problems while also being accessible. Adele also serves as a grade team leader, a role in which she applies her exceptional organizational skills. She also manages coverage assignments and keeps the process running smoothly, no small feat in a busy school environment.

Thank you, Adele, for your commitment and flexibility in supporting students and teachers. We are excited to honor you with the April Blount Blue Ribbon Award this year!

Subject: French

Danielle is an outstanding Student Leadership Network liaison and a deeply passionate French teacher whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. Through 16 years at TYWLS and four transformative school trips to Paris, she has opened the world to her students—cultivating global awareness, confidence, and a belief in what is possible. Her work is firmly grounded in women’s empowerment, consistently centering student voice, leadership, and agency in every space she leads. Devoted, reliable, and unwaveringly committed, she approaches her work with integrity and heart, serving as a trusted partner to colleagues and an inspiring role model to young women. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of the April Blount Blue Ribbon Award!

Subject: ELA, Social Studies, and Global

Danielle is an educator who excels at teaching each of her subjects and providing special education support. In her two years with TYWLS Staten Island, she has constantly found innovative ways to support the school’s diverse student population. Students call her a friend, aunt, and even mom. Besides serving as a teacher, Danielle revamped the school’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports, which addresses instructional, behavioral, cultural, linguistic, social-emotional, physical, and mental health support for all students. She is also the Special Education (SPED) Liaison.

Outside of teaching, she also coaches the step team, created the school newspaper, and serves as a ninth-grade advisor and testing coordinator. The entire TYWLS Staten Island community is excited to honor Danielle’s dedication with the April Blount Blue Ribbon Award. Congratulations, Danielle!