"In any number of research studies, the most critical factor determining a child's successful learning is the relationship between teacher and student. This was deemed more important than class size and even curriculum."
- David Harris, Cambridge Montessori School

           
The Lori Petrick Excellence in Education Awards allows the Foundation the opportunity to recognize and reward teaching excellence and creativity in the classroom.  The Petrick Award was established in 2003 in memory of a beloved teacher, Lori Petrick, who profoundly influenced students, families, and colleagues at Palisades and Marquez Elementary Schools.  As we all recognize, a school’s success is centered in the classroom and with the individuals who bring to it a love for learning and the ingenuity to reach every student.

Any educator who has worked within the Palisades Charter Complex for five or more years can apply for the award. Teachers must submit a 2,000-word essay or a 10-minute videotape explaining why their teaching methods represent the best practices in education. Applicants are asked to describe how they communicate high expectations to their students and what makes their program exceptional.

Two independent judges (retired principals) review the applications and then visit the teachers' classrooms to select the final winners.  They observe lessons and evaluate the teachers based upon a combination of the strength of application, excellent teaching and positive classroom environment.  The judges strive to identify teachers who inspire students to learn.

Since the award was established, the recipients include:

2004  
Petrick Family

2005
Merle Price (Former Principal - Palisades High)

2006
Jeff Lantos (Marquez)
Marlene Morris (Canyon)
Charlena TerVeer and Kathie Yonemura (Canyon)
Shari Laham (Kenter)
Larry Newman (Kenter, Marquez, Palisades Elementary, Topanga Music Programs)

2007
Amy Weisberg (Topanga)
Christine Maxwell (Palisades Elementary)
Tanya Angeletopoulos (Palisades Elementary)
Ruth Mills (Pali High Spanish)
Revere PE Department (Ron Brumel, Paul Foxson, Michelle Hernandez, Justin Koretz, Marty Lafolette, Ray Marsden, Holli Omori)

2008
Akimi Sujish-Watson and Kellie Howard (Canyon)
David Schalek (Palisades High Science)
John Rauschuber (Palisades High Social Studies)
Stephen Klima (Palisades High English)

2009
Bella McGowan (Palisades High Psychologist)
Steven Engelmann (Palisades High Science)
Karyn Newbill (Palisades High Science)
Lisa Timmerman (Marquez)
Julie Paiva (Kenter)
Revere Music Department (Lara Jacques, Yosuke Miyoshi, Vanessa Ling Dokko)

2010
Inyoung Lee (Kenter)
Steven Burr (Palisades High Social Studies)
Cynthia Murphy (Revere Library)
Marta Graves and Marianne Bordier (Topanga)