Lawrence Hall teacher wins national prize

By Jim SterneNews Editor

Tuesday, May 7, was National Teachers Day. The morning started as usual for art teacher Janice Gould. Everyone kept a secret including her husband Lee. “Her birthday was Sunday and I had to bite my tongue all weekend,” he said

The teachers at Lawrence Hall Youth Services, 4833 N. Francisco Ave., were to celebrate National Teacher Day amongst themselves at 11 a.m.

Sheri Demitrowicz, the principal, instructed the audience of students and professionals to yell “surprise” when Gould came through the door. Demitrowicz peeked through the window of the gym door and gave the signal. Gould was stunned to find that this year’s celebration was meant solely for her.

Gould started teaching at Lawrence Hall over 25 years ago. “She came as a student teacher and never left,” said Vice President David Eaton.

It is not just the time she has invested in her profession that makes her a good teacher. She has the talent for inspiring her students and this is achieved by treating each student according to his or her needs and abilities. It is here, in the gray areas that are impossible to discern through tests, that teachers become educators.

“There were times I felt the whole world was upside down—and then I’d go to Mrs. Gould’s class,” said Lakeysha Dunn. “I began to believe in myself.” Dunn will present her charcoal drawing of Martin Luther King Jr. to Coretta Scott King on May 16 during a fund-raiser for the school.

Lawrence Hall poses a special challenge because the student body is composed of emotionally disturbed and behavior-disordered children in grades from kindergarten to 12. Gould’s art class curriculum extends beyond the traditional art class by requiring students to research many of their projects. This interdisciplinary approach encourages her students to become active in the learning process. Making students responsible for their learning and guiding them through the learning process gives the student self-confidence and mastery of the subject.

Stretching to the right of the podium were examples of her student’s work that will be auctioned on May 16. Most of these students have won recognition and will be going on to study at Whitney Young Magnet School, or the Art Institute.

Eaton pointed to a picture by Melvin Kelley. “Next year 1.5 million cars registered in Chicago will display his work because he designed the city sticker,” Eaton said.

Judging from the cheers in the auditorium, Gould has favorable relationships with students. She exhibits empathy and is interested in their learning and welfare. As a special education teacher, she is aware of different learning styles and handicapping conditions. Working alongside teachers and staff, she has developed individualized programs for the students.

Gould has been recognized for her exceptional drive to discover each student’s artistic ability. In 1990, Lawrence Hall honored her as “Teacher of the Year.” In 1992, she was awarded the “Kohl International Teaching Award.” Then in 1993, she was awarded the prestigious “Golden Apple Teaching Award.” Jean Damish, Ed.D., Gould’s mentor and friend who nominated Gould for the prestigious award, took the stage after an embrace that left Gould fighting back tears of emotion.

The National Teacher’s Hall of Fame (NTHF) winners are selected for their dedication to education. Gould is a model teacher who sets a standard of excellence for her students and colleagues. Her knowledge and dedication goes beyond the requirements of her profession. By unselfishly giving her talents, she truly has created wonderful masterpieces in her students.

Along with the other four winners, all from other states, Gould will be inducted into the hall of fame at ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and in Emporia, KS, this summer. In addition to receiving the all-expenses paid trip, inductees are immortalized in the NTHF’s gallery of plaques. They also receive $1,000 cash, $1,000 in materials, and a $1,000 college scholarship for a student in their school district, signet ring and lapel pin, and other honoraria. Since the inaugural induction ceremonies in 1992, 50 educators from 25 states have been honored.

The National Education Association and the Nation Parent Teacher’s Association established the National Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week in May. The NEA and its affiliates designate National Teacher Day as a time to honor teachers and recognize the lasting contributions they make to our lives.