Chris C.

Cesar Chavez High School

Academically, Chris Coffey pushes kids to new levels in their reading and writing for both their AIMS testing and their Advanced Placement English testing. Our students are academically behind the students at other schools when they first come to Chavez. Their reading and writing levels are much lower than they should be; as a result, Chris works for hours on end on Saturdays for AIMS tutoring and stays after school for additional tutoring as well. She also conducts practice ACT tests and practice AP exams on weekends as well. It is her main desire to see that the students of Chavez are academically prepared to go on to college. Mrs. Chris Coffey's work goes well beyond the classroom. She writes letters of recommendation for students trying to go to a university, and she helps students craft their own personal statements so that they will be accepted. She goes out of her way to ensure that our young people have what they need for success both in and outside of the classroom. Chris is also a mentor to her fellow teachers. She conducts regular observations in new teachers' classrooms and guides them along their journey to be a better teacher. She is always happy to share her wealth of knowledge with all teachers on campus, and she routinely conducts seminars so that all teachers can learn her excellent teaching techniques. This is Chris's last year as a teacher; she will be retiring in May. It would be a wonderful tribute to her and to her dedication and devotion to students for her to win this award--she truly deserves it!

Signed,
Charlene Cunningham