IPS Names Teacher of The Year
Indianapolis Public Schools has named Tina Ahlgren its 2014 Teacher of the Year. The Shortridge Magnet High School math teacher will now be in consideration for Indiana's Teacher of the Year Award.
June 5, 2014
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Indianapolis Public Schools is proud to announce our 2014 Teacher of the Year, Tina C. Ahlgren. Mrs. Ahlgren has made a huge impact in the lives of her math students at Shortridge Magnet High School for Law and Public Policy. A group of students recently shared their best memories of Ahlgren as they nominated her for the Hubbard Life-Changing Teacher Award. She is one of four IPS teachers who received the $25,000 prize.
One of the most inspiring stories shared about Mrs. Ahlgren is that of a sophomore algebra student who became pregnant and feared she would have to quit school. Ahlgren tutored the student after school in the weeks leading up to the baby's birth, making sure she was caught up on the material. When the student went into labor without family to support her, Ahlgren rushed to the hospital after receiving the young lady's call. Ahlgren helped her student return to school, and she is now approaching graduation. Ahlgren is godmother to the student's little girl.
Another student recalls Ahlgren's dedication to helping him succeed, no matter the cost. She gave the young man lunch money and paid his cell phone bill when he could not afford it. She also helped him make up his missing assignments after a visit to juvenile detention. Ahlgren helped him apply to Vincennes University, driving him to southern Indiana for meetings with administrators, and making the down payment for his room and board.
Moreover, her impact is present in the classroom. Student scores in Ahlgren's Algebra I classes helped Shortridge raise its grade from an F to a B. Mrs. Ahlgren will now be in consideration for Indiana's Teacher of the Year Award.
Source: Indianapolis Public Schools