On June 6, the New York City Department of Education honored Nila Johnson, a Pre-Kindergarten lead teacher at the 1199SEIU Future of America Learning Center (FALC), with a 2016 Big Apple Award. The Big Apple Awards program celebrates New York City educators who inspire students, model effective teaching and improve their school communities.
The 2016 Big Apple Award recipients were chosen from a pool of more than 4,600 nominations that represent a diversity of grade levels, subject areas and each of the five New York City boroughs. In addition to continuing their work in the classroom, these educators will serve as Big Apple Fellows during the 2016-17 school year. They will also serve on the New York City Schools Chancellor’s Teacher Advisory Group, which meets monthly to discuss citywide education policy, share teaching practices and receive training in leadership development.
Presenting Johnson with the award at FALC, New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña said, “I am happy to congratulate Nila Johnson because she is making an impact at FALC, and I celebrate her with this well-deserved recognition.” 1199SEIU Child Care Funds (CCF) Executive Director Vivian Fox, CCF Chief of Staff Rossmery Dais and FALC’s Chief Operating Officer Bonnie Lou Mallonga were also on hand to celebrate Johnson’s achievement. Mallonga, who nominated Johnson for the award, said, “Nila has shown major prowess as a leader and facilitator of meaningful learning experiences. She has shown leadership and commitment to the Center, to the children and to the families served.”
For more information on FALC or any of the programs offered by the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation and the 1199SEIU Child Care Funds, visit our Child Care Fund pages or call (212) 564-2220.
Carmen Fariña, New York City Schools Chancellor; Bonnie Mallonga, FALC Chief Operating Officer; Vivian Fox, CCF Executive Director; Nila Johnson, Pre-Kindergarten lead teacher at FALC; and Rossmery Dais, CCF Chief of Staff.