And the award goes to…
There鈥檚 a special energy at 91吃瓜网鈥檚 The Learning Center this week鈥攁nd it鈥檚 more than just the joy of Teacher Appreciation Week. We鈥檙e thrilled to share that our very own Mr. Ricardo Henry, middle school math teacher and case manager at The Learning Center, has been named a 2025 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award Winner!
Selected from nearly 8,000 KIPP teachers nationwide, Mr. Henry is one of just 10 educators to receive this prestigious honor鈥攁nd a $10,000 award. The recognition shines a spotlight not only on his dedication to students but on the powerful impact our teachers have on our school, our families, and our entire community.
鈥淟ast year, I was blessed to win Teacher of the Year at my school, and although I made a promise to myself to be a better teacher than I was last year, not in my wildest dreams did I believe I would be selected for the Harriet Ball Award,鈥� Mr. Henry said.
When asked what this award means, he said, 鈥淩eceiving this award is deeply meaningful to me. I have dedicated myself wholeheartedly to nurturing my students, always striving to give my best without expecting anything in return. I am sincerely grateful for the recognition and support of my leadership team.鈥�
Mr. Henry brings more than 25 years of experience to his classroom鈥攂ut if you ask him, he鈥檒l tell you he鈥檚 still learning. 鈥淲hat I cherish most about teaching is the opportunity to learn鈥攅specially from my students,鈥� he shared. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e taught me the importance of being a facilitator of learning rather than a gatekeeper of knowledge.鈥�
It鈥檚 that mindset鈥攁nd the heart behind it鈥攖hat makes Mr. Henry such a beloved and impactful teacher. Whether helping students discover their love for math, supporting them through a tough day, or introducing 8th graders to financial literacy before high school, he shows up every day with care, commitment, and consistency.
His school leader, Michael Cordell, couldn鈥檛 be prouder. 鈥淚 was on cloud nine when I found out Mr. Henry won. I felt so grateful that a teacher who is such the consummate professional and passionate about being a mathematics teacher gets the recognition they deserve. He鈥檚 the kind of teacher who makes every student feel seen, understood, and capable. Watching him grow over the last five years鈥攖aking on new responsibilities, mentoring others, and showing what鈥檚 possible for students with significant needs鈥攈as been inspiring.鈥�
But Mr. Henry鈥檚 success story isn鈥檛 his alone. TLC is a community that believes in lifting each other up. Teachers learn from one another. They collaborate across roles. And they lean on one another to create the kind of school where every student, no matter their past, gets a real shot at success. As Mr. Cordell put it, 鈥淭he reason I was so energized by this accomplishment is that it validates all the hard work we do as a team to ensure our staff have what they need to be successful with our students.聽 We know that the goal of every student at TLC is to finally be successful at school and be part of a school community that accepts them.鈥�
That teamwork is evident in how Mr. Henry shows up鈥攏ot just as a teacher, but as a trusted mentor, a family liaison, and a constant support for students who need it most. He鈥檚 the first to stay late when a student鈥檚 ride falls through. The one families call during emergencies. The steady, supportive presence when plans don鈥檛 go as expected. He鈥檚 also the kind of teacher to help students journal their emotions, talk to students about their interests, do puzzles or play chess with them, or give riddles to keep the kids engaged
鈥淭he most rewarding part of my role,鈥� he says, 鈥渋s witnessing student success. From overcoming initial frustration with a new concept to confidently solving math problems in front of their peers, these moments affirm that a growth mindset is taking root. When I see that transformation, I know I am making a lasting impact.鈥�
We couldn鈥檛 be more grateful to have Mr. Henry as part of our 91吃瓜网 and TLC family. His passion, humility, and unwavering belief in his students are exactly what this award is meant to honor.
Congratulations, Mr. Henry! Thank you for being a teacher who truly walks the walk. You remind us what鈥檚 possible when love for teaching meets deep respect for the learner.
of Mr. Henry in action, and !
