DoDEA Announces 2020 Dr. Linda L. Curtis Educator of Promise Recipient

Ms. Chanelle Reese, a fifth-grade teacher at Tarawa Terrace Elementary School on Camp Lejeune, NC, has been selected as the Department of Defense Education Activity’s 2020 Dr. Linda L. Curtis Educator of Promise.

Dr. Linda Curtis spent 35 years with DoDEA, starting as a teacher and ending her career as Principal Deputy Director and Associate Director of Academics. In every regard, she was tireless advocate for elevating student achievement. The Dr. Linda Curtis Educator of Promise award celebrates and honors teachers who, in the first three years of their DoDEA career, have made an extraordinary commitment to helping students and consistently go above and beyond in the pursuit of continuous improvement.

“I am delighted to announce Ms. Reese as the inaugural recipient of the award. We could not have hoped for a better embodiment of everything this award represents” said DoDEA Director Thomas Brady. “She has consistently demonstrated remarkable leadership as a teacher and as a champion for military-connected students and families. As a military spouse with three children, Ms. Reese brings a special appreciation for the importance of DoDEA’s mission. During this challenging time of global uncertainty, she was instrumental in helping her colleagues achieve their best work as they transitioned to digital learning while keeping student’s spirits up through online ‘QuaranTeacher’ events.”

Ms. Reese has twelve years of teaching experience, two of which have been with DoDEA. She began her career teaching elementary school in North Carolina, and has taught CTE, Math, and has participated in Administrative Internships in North Carolina as well.

Ms. Reese earned her Bachelor’s degree from Lamar University, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from East Carolina University, and a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She serves on the Continuous School Improvement team at Tarawa Terrace ES, is the 5th grade class adviser, Math Mentor site representative, before/after-school program lead, and serves in her community through the ASPIRE mentor program.

Along with the public recognition and the award, Ms. Reese will attend a summit at DoDEA Headquarters in Alexandria, Va., receive teacher leadership professional development, and participate in various leadership opportunities.

The Dr. Linda L. Curtis Educator of Promise program begins with nominations at the school-level with recommendations from a teacher’s peers or administrators. Panels in the three DoDEA regions (Europe, Pacific and Americas) review nominations and select a candidate from each of the eight districts. DoDEA Headquarters (Teaching & Learning Division) then reviews the district candidates and makes a recommendation to the DoDEA Director for approval.

Additional information about the Dr. Linda L. Curtis Educator of Promise Program, including points of contact, may be found on the DoDEA web site.

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for school-aged children of Department of Defense personnel who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, Western Asia, the Middle East, Cuba, the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Educational Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.