Congratulations to Third Grade Teacher and Team Leader Daniela Vespucci who was named the recipient of the 2025 Founders’ Cup for Teaching Excellence. The award is presented to an outstanding faculty member representative of the best qualities of teaching at MKA, inside and outside of the classroom, including coaching and mentoring. Alumni Council President Stu Harwood ’07 said, “I think this is the most important award the Council gives each year because, in my opinion, teachers have the world’s most important job.”

Daniela has spent the last 17 years making a huge impact on the lives of children at the Primary School. Prior to teaching at Brookside, she taught third and fourth grade at the Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School. Daniela shared her appreciation saying, “I get to do what I love and I’ve done it here now for 17 years with the support of all of you in this community. This is what I love to do, and to get an award for that feels really special.”

Students, parents, alumni, and colleagues sent in enthusiastic nominations for Daniella, praising her for the exemplary teacher, colleague, mentor, and friend that she is. Most notable is how many lives have been impacted by Daniela. We are so proud of Daniela for her well-deserved recognition! Here are a few of the nominations:

"There are several qualities that Daniela displays in the classroom that I’d like to underscore: she is exceptionally precise in identifying students’ specific learning styles and needs, and goes above and beyond to tailor their teaching methods to ensure that each student has the chance to flourish. Daniela gently pushes students beyond their expectations so they can see what is possible. She has a strong mastery of the material and then seamlessly translates that knowledge to students as well as to their parents, and she nurtures a space—in this case a room full of children with vibrant personalities and bold opinions—where each student is not just heard but learns to listen to each other with patience and kindness."

"Where to start? Daniela shows up for the students in so many ways. Her enthusiasm is infectious and ignites the same level of enthusiasm in our kids each and every day. They're motivated to push themselves and to be good classmates to one another. When I think of why we've chosen to send our children to MKA, Daniela is exactly the type of teacher we'd hoped to have shaped our children's education."

"Daniela embodies all the best aspects of MKA. She is an incredible teacher, mentor, and role model to students. Daniela’s passion and enthusiasm for teaching come through in all that she does. The kindness, support, and warmth she displays toward students remain prevalent. The level of engagement she displays in the classroom is consistently above and beyond expectation, and her genuine demeanor comes through in relationships with students, parents, and the rest of the MKA community. Daniela is an invaluable asset to MKA both as an educator and a leader."

"I must begin by stating that I have nominated Daniela several times, and with each passing year, I believe she is more qualified for the honor. Daniela has mentored team members and helped them fit seamlessly into the life and culture of MKA. On top of that, Daniela has created an improved curriculum at each grade level that she has worked on."

"Daniela embodies ALL the values of MKA and more. The most thoughtful, caring, energized, warm, engaging teacher."

"Daniela is the heartbeat of the campus."

The Founders’ Cup Award, established in 1993, recognizes MKA’s strong tradition of teaching excellence dating back to 1887. The Alumni Association welcomes nominations for the Founders’ Cup Award from all members of the MKA family, including current students, parents, alumni, administration, and faculty.