Pasadena teacher Rose Walker wins Bravo Award

McKinley School first grade teacher Rose Walker has won the Music Center’s BRAVO Award, which honors educators and schools for delivering exemplary arts education in both visual and performing arts, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) announced today. Ms. Walker was honored in the Generalist Teacher category at a special celebration held at the Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall. She was joined by her family and school and district officials.

McKinley K-8 School is a visual and performing arts focus campus, where a collaborative learning environment enables all students to reach their academic and artistic potential. Qualities valued by the school for the creative arts are dedication, integrity, a desire to learn, and the commitment for excellence. Teachers work to integrate arts and academics in the curriculum. In the early grades (K-2), teachers deliver a strong academic foundation, and offer opportunities for students to engage in visual arts, music, drama, and dance on a weekly basis.

"I am greatly honored to receive such a prestigious award!” Ms. Walker enthused. “I am a founding teacher of McKinley School, I have been a first grade teacher at McKinley since 2002 and I have worked for Pasadena Unified my entire career of 24 years!"

Strong parent and community support brings professional artists, musicians and others who lend their expertise and support to the arts programs at McKinley. Contributions from parents and the community help purchase props and costumes for drama productions, orchestral instruments, fund field trips and other items. McKinley scored 819 on the 2010 Academic Performance Index, exceeding the State’s goal for academic performance.

"I nominated Mrs. Walker for this honor last July and she began working on the extensive application process right away. She is most deserving of this honor because she truly creates a collaborative learning environment that enables all students to reach their academic and artistic potential. She exemplifies the "Smarts and Arts" at McKinley!,” said Principal Marisa Sarian.

Bravo Award winners receive a cash award dedicated to supplementing their arts programs. Established in 1982, the Music Center BRAVO Awards are an integral part of the Music Center's work in the community to advocate for and deliver quality arts education for all students. The program recognizes teachers and schools for innovation and excellence in arts education, honoring educators who use the arts to revitalize teaching, enhance student achievement and foster self-esteem, teamwork and cross-cultural communication and understanding.

"From their instructional style to their passion and creativity, this year's Music Center BRAVO Award winners raise the bar for schools and educators," said Stephen D. Rountree, Music Center president and CEO. "Even as budgets have tightened, and educators struggle to deliver more with less, these talented, dedicated educators and schools continue to deliver excellence in arts education."