GCS Teacher Receives Burroughs Wellcome Fund Award

$175,000 award provides technology and professional development for Murphey teachers

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 3/17/2010 12:04:53 PM

Claudia Walker, fifth grade math teacher at Murphey Traditional Academy, is one of five recipients of the Career Award for Science and Mathematics from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and N.C. Department of Public Instruction. The $175,000 award provides career support for outstanding science and math teachers in North Carolina.

Walker received the award for demonstrating exceptional skill and professionalism as a math teacher. She has been a teacher in Guilford County Schools (GCS) for 12 years, including teaching at Murphey for the past five years. She is National Board Certified, has received teacher of the year recognitions at the school and community level and is one of 25 GCS teachers participating in the Cisco Learning Initiative, which provides specialized training in cutting-edge math instruction to a core group of teachers.

The award will be disbursed over a five year period. Murphey will use the funding to enhance professional development for math and science teachers and purchase classroom technology. Part of the funding will be used for interactive whiteboards, laptops, digital projectors and document cameras. As part of the award, Walker also will receive salary support and a 12-month contract from the State Board of Education.

During the past four years, Murphey has made significant gains on its End-of-Grade math scores. Last year, 71.6 percent of students scored proficient in math, up from 49.2 percent in the 2005-06 school year. Principal Richard Thomae says the school’s math gains are the result of hard work by a dedicated staff, including Walker.

“Our improvement in math has been a team effort, and we are fortunate to have such a wonderful staff,” he said. “Claudia’s passion and commitment to educating students are second to none. We are lucky to have her as a teacher at Murphey.”

Most of Walker’s work in education has been devoted to students from low income families. Each of the three schools she has served in GCS are Title I schools where more than 60 percent of students are considered economically disadvantaged.

“Her passion and commitment is for educating students in this demographic, and it is evident in the strong relationships she develops with both her students and their families,” Thomae said.

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 121 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com.