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2009 SESSION

096890748
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 850
Offered February 5, 2009
Commending William L. Sterrett.
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Patrons-- Bell, Tata and Toscano
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WHEREAS, William L. Sterrett, Ph.D., an outstanding principal at Woodbrook Elementary School of the Albemarle County Public Schools, has been honored as a recipient of a 2008 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sterrett is a dynamic leader, who shares with colleagues his deep understanding of instructional best practices, data analysis applications in professional learning communities, and innovative strategies to enrich learning for all students; and

WHEREAS, established in 1985, the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards recognize elementary and secondary school teachers, principals, and administrators who promote excellence and innovation in public education; and

WHEREAS, Teacher Magazine describes the coveted Milken Educator Awards as “the Oscars of Teaching,” and the Milken Family Foundation strives to attract, develop, motivate, and retain talented people to the challenge and adventure of teaching; and

WHEREAS, without their knowledge, exemplary educators throughout the United States are considered by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state’s department of education for the unrestricted financial award of $25,000; the financial awards are distributed in the spring during the Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sterrett is one of just 80 educators from across the country to receive the distinguished Milken National Educator Award in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sterrett earned a bachelor’s degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, and a doctoral degree from the University of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. Sterrett’s excellent leadership as principal, Woodbrook Elementary School earned the 2008 Board of Education Virginia Index of Performance Excellence Award for increased student achievement and expanded student opportunities, and his students achieve the highest level of performance, often exceeding 90 percent pass rates, on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sterrett reduced out-of-school suspensions through his innovative Support Center system, designed and implemented the Math Exit Slip strategy that gives teachers daily performance feedback, and worked to promote a community of respect and acceptance at Woodbrook Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sterrett leads the Woodbrook Elementary School faculty, staff, students, and parents in celebrating the school’s diversity by reaching out to the community with Reading Nights, Community Chick-fil-A, and many other events and activities; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sterrett received the 2008 Governor's Board of Education VIP Excellence Award on behalf of Woodbrook Elementary School for meeting state and federal accountability benchmarks for two consecutive years; and

WHEREAS, always willing to share his knowledge and expertise, Dr. Sterrett has published several instructional texts and leadership articles in magazines and educational journals, and he is a mentor and welcomed advisor to his fellow educators; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sterrett is a dynamic leader, who is committed to providing the best education possible for all his students at Woodbrook Elementary School; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend William L. Sterrett, Ph.D., on his well-deserved 2008 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William L. Sterrett, Ph.D., as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration and gratitude for his commitment to public education and the young people of the Commonwealth.