Lauren Bakian (M.A. ’12), a graduate of TC’s Literacy Specialist program, is one of 12 New York City teachers to receive New York City’s 2015 Big Apple Award.

The recipients, who were chosen from an initial pool of over 4,500 nominees, were honored in a ceremony at Manhattan Supreme Court.

“These remarkable teachers have all demonstrated a passion and mastery that is at the heart of what it means to be a great teacher,” said New York City School Chancellor Carmen Farina.

Bakian is a fourth-grade teacher at P.S. 110 Florence Nightingale in Manhattan. She also serves as a Lead Teacher, instructional coach and mentor and is the author of the school’s K-2 literacy curriculum.

At TC, Bakian worked closely with Marjorie Siegel, Professor of Education, whom she describes as a mentor. This past year she taught a course titled “Improving Reading Instruction: Multimodal Literacy and Technology,” and previously taught “Learning and Teaching in the Primary Reading /Writing Classroom.” She has since hosted pre-service student teachers from TC in her classroom.

According to a statement from the New York City Department of Education “What distinguishes Ms. Bakian from her peers is her ability to honor and celebrate every child’s strengths while meeting their academic and social-emotional needs… she holds classroom celebrations highlighting student work and facilitates ongoing parent meetings to make sure families are included as partners in their children’s education.”

Published Tuesday, Jun. 16, 2015