KIPP teacher honored in Las Vegas

LYNN – A Lynn teacher received a $10,000 Excellence in Teaching Award at an awards ceremony in Las Vegas recently.Joel Hector is the director of special education and English language learners at KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) Academy in Lynn, a network of public charter schools.Josh Zoia, the executive director of KIPP Academy Lynn, described Hector as “calm, humble and patient beyond comprehension.””Joel is a master teacher who has pushed our school academically and culturally beyond what we thought was possible,” Zoia said. “He exemplifies ‘Do whatever it takes.’ He proves that ‘every child will learn’ is more than an idealist promise to pursue, it is real and possible.”Zoia said Hector found creative ways to work with the most challenging students and has had remarkable success with his students.More than 2,500 educators from 20 states attended the ceremony in Las Vegas, which was held to recognize KIPP educators. Hector was one of only 10 educators who received the $10,000 award.KIPP Academy opened in Lynn in August 2004 within the Holy Family Church on Bessom Street, with a class of 72 fifth graders. Since then, the school has added a grade each year to become a full middle school serving more than 350 students in grades five through eight. Plans are under way to build a $26 million, 68,000-square-foot high school on High Rock Street, slated to open in August 2012.KIPP Foundation CEO Richard Barth said Hector is a teacher who is making a difference.”Joel Hector and the other teachers who won $10,000 awards are having a real impact on the lives of their students and in their school community,” Barth said. “By doing whatever it takes to help their students succeed, these teachers are proving what is possible in public education.”