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East St. Louis teacher receives 2019 Emerson Excellence Award

Quintina Fisher, third-grade teacher at Gordon Bush Elementary School in the East St. Louis School District, was awarded an Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in St. Louis.

Fisher’s supporters say she embodies all characteristics of excellence in teaching.  She encourages her students to strive towards their goals and sets high expectations for learning with every student.  In 2018-2019, her students exceeded the state average on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness.

“My goal as a teacher is to cultivate life-long learners that will contribute to our society.  I truly believe all students can learn,” Fisher said.

Fisher, who has been teaching for 16 years, focuses on fostering critical thinking skills and creating a collaborative, safe, nurturing environment for her students.

Brittany Green, principal of Gordon Bush Elementary, notes that Fisher has the “… ability to develop a data-craving culture in her classroom, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data to assess, diagnose and modify her instruction to meet student needs.”

This responsiveness allows her to truly meet each student needs where they are, Green added, saying, “This also makes her a leader in and outside of the classroom.”

Emerson’s Excellence in Teaching Awards program annually recognizes more than 100 educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area who are examples of excellence in their field.  Emerson and its Charitable Trust fund the Excellence in Teaching and Gold Star Grant programs.

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