The National Institute for Direct Instruction is excited to announce Kelly Shaheen of American Preparatory Academy in Salt Lake City, Utah as the recipient of the 2014 Siegfried Engelmann Excellence in Education Award.

Kelly has taught 6th grade at American Preparatory for two years, where he has shown how effective Direct Instruction is when used correctly. His students have demonstrated outstanding growth -- doubling their reading fluency rates and achieving grade level skills in math in just one year.

Mr. Shaheen's Academic Director, Debra Lloyd, nominated him for the recognition, citing his dedication to educating students enthusiastically through Direct Instruction. She noted the academic progress Kelly's students make as well as his skill in helping them develop character traits that will help them succeed in subsequent years.

Shaheen was recognized July 16th at the McGraw-Hill Celebration of Excellence Social Hour held in conjunction with the 40th Annual National DI Conference.

Congratulations, Kelly!

If you know an educator deserving of recognition, consider nominating them for the 2015 Excellence in Education Awards. Up to three awards are granted each year, and nomination forms become available each spring. Watch NIFDI News!, social media and nifdi.org for announcements and information.

Watch the Celebration of Excellence Award Ceremony below.

{videobox}c2wYEz74uQ0#0:0:01|McGraw-Hill Education Celebration of Excellence (2014) ©NIFDI||{/videobox}