Two teachers, pastor win MEA human rights awards
EAST LANSING, Mich., May 16, 2008 – Two public school teachers and a pastor who runs after-school programs for children are winners of human rights awards from the Michigan Education Association (MEA).
The winners are:
- Diane Bencik, a veteran teacher who works with gifted students in Troy. Bencik is honored for her work to encourage students to use problem-solving skills to help others. This school year, Bencik led elementary and high school students to develop a documentary for native Japanese students who are relocating to the United States. The film explains differences between the American and Japanese education systems.
- Tisha Pankop, a journalism teacher at Kalamazoo’s Loy Norrix High School. Pankop is an award-winning newspaper adviser whose students have collaborated with professional journalists to examine important social issues. From 2005-2007, Pankop helped students move beyond their local community to report on the international humanitarian crisis in Uganda. “The Uganda Project” sought to expose the nightmares that young people in Uganda face and to educate readers about life in Uganda.
- Sarah J. Anderson, a retired teacher-turned-pastor who is executive director of Sevenfold Coalition Addressing Neighborhood Needs (SCANN), a program of POWER Center Church in Belleville. Anderson helps provide after-school tutoring for students, a summer program for youth, backpack and gym shoe giveaways and other services to children and families in need.
“Public schools are better because of these great teachers and leaders,” said MEA President Iris K. Salters. “Recognizing their talents and dedication to students is our way of saying thanks for a job well done. Each of these winners has made a positive difference in the lives of children in their communities.”
Bencik and Pankop are recipients of the Elizabeth Siddall award, which recognizes MEA members who have developed and implemented programs that have enhanced international or intercultural awareness among educators and their students. Elizabeth Siddall was a classroom teacher whose life demonstrated a commitment to international understanding.
Anderson is the recipient of the David McMahon award, which recognizes groups or individuals outside of MEA that distinguish themselves by courageously accepting the challenge of moral and ethical leadership in the field of human and civil rights.
Individuals or groups are nominated by MEA members from across the state. The winners were chosen by MEA members serving on either the Human Rights Banquet Planning Committee or the International Understanding Committee. Winners are honored at the MEA’s Human Rights Banquet each spring.
CONTACT: Linda Keway, MEA Professional Development and Human Rights consultant,
800-292-1934