Dedication to underserved populations is a hallmark of a great teacher. Along those lines, English Language Learner teacher Brady Fossenbell has picked up a state-wide award for his efforts at the Minneapolis charter school Banaadir Academy, where he organized a successful volunteer program that links Twin Cities college students and young people as “reading buddies” to strengthen literacy. Among Banaadir’s students are some who have come to the United States from refugee camps and arrived with education gaps.
Fossenbell, who Minnesota Monthly profiled in 2014 (read the entire article here), talked about his network of college volunteers when he received his Presidents’ Community Partner Award at the Minnesota Campus Compact ceremonies at Macalester College (the MCC is a group of more than 30 Minnesota colleges and universities supporting community engagement).
“It’s been great to have that youthful energy,” Fossenbell said. “Our volunteers do really great work and it’s neat to see our kids eat it up.”
