Wrayna Fairchild Receives Teacher Innovator Award

LIS student Wrayna Fairchild was one of ten educators nationwide to be selected by The Henry Ford organization as recipients of the Teacher Innovator Award. The award recognizes educators who are inspiring innovation, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking among their students.

As a first place winner, Wrayna received a week-long “Innovation Immersion Experience” this summer and participated in a variety of activities, including time in The Henry Ford museum, behind-the-scenes tours with curators and archivists, a tour of the Ford Rogue car factory, participation in the 2015 Detroit MakerFaire, a visit to Fair Lane (Henry and Clara Ford’s estate), and involvement in a teaching innovation workshop and a special recognition ceremony.

Wrayna said, “The entire experience was incredible, from sitting in Rosa Parks’ bus, to testing out the latest in 3D printing technology. Having time to share ideas and learn from amazing educators from across the country was a true blessing. I returned from the trip inspired and motivated to continue to create outstanding learning experiences for my students.”

Winners were selected based on their examples of innovative projects at their respective schools. As an elementary school educator, Wrayna wrote about her work with elementary youngsters including having students create a living history museum based on historical figures, transforming a classroom into an Egyptian tomb to share various aspects of Ancient Egyptian life, and motivating her students to form a student-led advocacy group to tackle the improvement of our marine ecosystem. Wrayna was part-time librarian at Waikiki Elementary last year and is currently during an LIS 696 practicum at Manoa Elementary.
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From left to right: Patricia Mooridian, President of The Henry Ford, Lyn St. James, an auto racing legend, Wrayna, and Paula Gangopadhyay, The Henry Ford’s Chief Learning Officer.