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L.A. educator wins national award

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Contributed by: Charles Sifuentes on 4/30/2008

A local school principal has become a national role model because of her community engagement activities in Los Angeles. Her extraordinary efforts earned a $5,000 grant for her school.

Dr. Linda Calvo, principal of Arleta High School, has won the 2008 MetLife Foundation Ambassadors In Education Award. The national award program recognizes the most collaborative public school principals in 25 cities, including Los Angeles.

All middle and high school principals in the Los Angeles Unified School District were eligible. Several of Dr. Calvo's colleagues and community members nominated her for the award last month.

"As a result of Dr. Calvo's efforts, what was an empty lot a few years ago, is now a beautiful school that the neighborhood can point to with a sense of pride," said Sandra Gephart, a fellow educator at Arleta High School and one of the many who nominated Dr. Calvo for the award.

"During the construction of the school, Dr. Calvo held several community meetings to assess the needs of the community. She worked with the community to create the academic philosophies, community connections, and the vision of safety for the students and community," Gephart added.

The Ambassadors In Education Award, a program of the National Civic League, recognizes exemplary school principals in Los Angeles Unified Schools who:

· Build partnerships with community organizations, parents, and guardians;

· Resolve conflicts and promote safety in the school and the community; or

· Promote civic engagement and community service.

"Principals play a crucial role in building family, school and community relationships to encourage successful teaching and learning," said Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "The Ambassadors In Education Award recognizes educators who are exceptional leaders in connecting school and community."

Each year, the Ambassadors In Education program alternates recognition between teachers and principals. Previous award winners in Los Angeles include:

Sadie Kimbrew, teacher, Gardena High School
Dr. Gregory Vallone, former principal, James Monroe Senior High School
Lynda Schwarz, principal, James Monroe Senior High School
Gladys Aldana, teacher, Grant High School

Dr. Calvo will receive her award at a local ceremony at her school. In addition to a $5,000 grant, she will receive a crystal apple to signify her achievement.

Her award-winning community engagement practices will be profiled as a resource for other schools and communities across the country.

"MetLife Foundation and the National Civic League started the Ambassadors In Education Award program in 2003 after the MetLife Survey of the American Teacher revealed a divide between many educators and their schools' communities," said National Civic League President Gloria Rubio-Cortes. "The program has now recognized 115 Ambassadors In Education with a total of more than $500,000 in grants."

MetLife Foundation supports programs that increase opportunities for young people to succeed, give students and teachers a voice in improving education, develop partnerships between schools and communities and strengthen relationships among parents, teachers and students.

The National Civic League, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to community building and strengthening democracy, administers the program.

For more information about the Ambassadors In Education Award, including the profiles of past winners and their community-building activities, visit www.ncl.org/metlife/index.html.

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