MKA is thrilled to announce that Dr. Leonard Chang, Shanie Israel, and Derek Morf have been awarded 2024-2025 Faculty Excellence Fellowships. This prestigious program honors exceptional educators who exemplify MKA's commitment to outstanding teaching by offering substantial financial support for advanced educational degrees. It is intended to advance excellence in teaching as well as the school’s commitment to increasing the diversity of MKA’s faculty.

Recipients are carefully chosen by a selection committee that evaluates candidates based on their unwavering dedication to MKA’s mission, their academic, intellectual, and teaching excellence, and their commitment to developing social-emotional and inclusive teaching practices. Financial need, including current and past educational debt, is also a key consideration. Three fellowships are annually awarded: one for a new teacher within their first five years at MKA, and two for faculty members who have served at MKA for six or more years.

Dr. Leonard Chang is entering his third year as an Upper School Mathematics Teacher and advisor. He is actively involved with the AAPI affinity group and deeply connects his studies with the school and community. Dr. Chang’s student-centered approach encourages students to navigate their learning and world by embodying the traits of an MKA community member: purposeful, reflective, open-minded, and empathetic. Among the many degrees he holds are a master’s in Education, Culture, and Society and an Ed.D in Education. He is currently working toward a second master’s from the University of Pennsylvania in Computer and Information Technology. This grant will help Leonard to offset a career of investing in his education.

Shanie Israel, Middle School Dean of Community Life, is a lifelong learner, who is creative, curious, and innovative. She is deeply committed to inquiry, always asking thoughtful, challenging questions focused on improvement, and passionate about DEIA work within schools. Formerly the Associate Director of Curriculum, Professional Development, and Multicultural Innovations, as well as an English/Social Studies teacher, Shanie’s dedication to students and their wellbeing was a driving force to her return to the Middle School Administrative team. Now entering her 14th year, she views MKA as a place for faculty and staff to grow, crediting her time here as equivalent to earning a second master’s degree. She is using this award to offset the costs of a master’s degree in Middle Childhood Curriculum from Ohio University.

Derek Morf, an Upper School Mathematics Teacher, Advisor, Yearbook Advisor, Global Experience Chaperone, and coach is beginning his 11th year at MKA. Known for his eagerness to take on new challenges, Derek has expanded his roles, from teaching extra sections to advising the yearbook and even learning to coach fencing on the job. He requested a mixed-gender advisory group to better understand and support all his students. Derek’s deep commitment to MKA is evident in his involvement across teaching, advising, athletics, clubs, global travel, and his role as the Upper School Scheduler. Recognized for his passion for math and dedication to applying his learning across every aspect of school life, Derek is using this award to help cover the expenses associated with earning his master’s in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Faculty Excellence Fellowships are designed to make a faculty member’s commitment to both their own education and their MKA teaching career more affordable. This program is made possible through a lead gift by Linda and Brian Sterling P’12 ’14. This philanthropically funded program remains a fundraising priority, and we are actively seeking support to ensure the ongoing recognition and financial support of our faculty every year.