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Congratulations to
Life-Changing Teaching Award Nominee
TAMEKA SOLOMON
BARTON ELEMENTARY

STUDENT RECOGNITION STORY

What makes Ms. Solomon truly incredible is her visionary leadership as an ESE Coordinator. Managing the complexities of special education requires more than administrative skill; it requires a deep sense of humanity, which she brings to every interaction. As parents of a student with Autism and ADHD, we often face systems that feel rigid, but Ms. Solomon sees the child behind the diagnosis. Under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Ann Hembrook, the entire school has become a sanctuary of safety and excellence for our son. This culture of high human quality, fostered by Dr. Hembrook, allows professionals like Ms. Solomon to truly listen to Carlos’s unique needs and validate our concerns as a family, ensuring his educational plan is built on respect and true inclusion. Ms. Solomon makes Carlos excited to come to school by creating a coordinated environment where he feels safe and understood. By ensuring his passions—like science and dinosaurs—are integrated into his academic goals and shared across his team, she turns what could be frustrating tasks into motivating milestones. Knowing that the person leading his program "gets" him, within a school that values every student’s well-being, has completely removed the fear Carlos used to feel toward the school environment. She lets him know she cares through her consistent actions; she treats him not as a file or a number, but as a boy with brilliant potential. To make him a better and more confident student, Ms. Solomon has designed a personalized roadmap (IEP) that provides Carlos with the exact tools and visual supports he needs to shine. This builds a sense of self-worth that is life-changing. Her support extends far beyond the office; she has empowered us as parents by providing clarity and the peace of mind that comes from knowing Carlos is in a school where every staff member is dedicated to his success.
Carlos Pachon

To see more exceptional teacher nominees, visit The Honor Roll.


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