Blair teacher wins Unsung Heroes award

Blair social studies teacher, Joann Malone, won the 2002 Education's Unsung Heroes Award.

The International Netherlandi Group (ING) gave the award to Malone for her work with Blair's diversity workshop. According to the ING web site, Diversity Workshop involves students leading their peers in reducing prejudice and stereotyping. The workshop runs exercises, discussions, and role-playing having to do with race. There are guest speakers and overall "students develop a deeper understanding of ethnic, religious, gender, and other types of conflict."

Diversity workshop was featured in the National Education Association's monthly magazine. According to the magazine, the diversity workshop idea was created seven years ago by two Los Angeles teachers. Students gather in groups and do role-playing workplace simulations. Malone thinks that these simulations are beneficial and really require students to think. "[Diversity Workshop] is so hands-on—just outstanding."

Malone won $2000 from ING for her school. ING rewards teachers for their dedication to education. "The awards are given to K-12 educators pioneering in new methods and techniques that improve student learning."