ACPS English Learner (EL) Curriculum Specialist, Michael Suppa, has been named a 2017 Changemaker by the D.C. Change Leaders Collaborative. The recognition honors Suppa for his leadership in building bridges between the schools and the community.
Suppa joined ACPS in 2015 as an EL teacher at John Adams Elementary School. He currently serves as an EL coach at John Adams and as an EL Curriculum Specialist at Central Office. Suppa serves as the vice chair of the School Health Advisory Board and as the chair of the Alexandria City Council Children, Youth and Families Commission.
Suppa’s adocacy work with these groups helped to establish Bicycling in the Schools and the swim skills program, both of which engage students in activities that encourage health and wellness and through which they learn safety skills that they will use for life.
“Michael has continued to thrive professionally since coming to ACPS. He has worked with the City and the schools to bring programs to life that positively impact the community. Michael’s experience combining public service and education in a diverse setting is commendable and ACPS is thrilled by his accomplishment,” said Chief Academic Officer Terri Mozingo.
Suppa was invited to share his story as a graduate student and educator at ACPS at the first annual DC ChangemakerEd Summit on November 4. The summit brought together the builders and the shapers in education to collaborate and align with a common vision.
“I really value my time and my work with ACPS and the opportunities that have come to me as a result. During my time here I have flourished. My work experiences have helped me to develop leadership skills and take on new roles. I was never a person that was involved in all these things or spoke up—I never did any of that. Hopefully, my story encourages or inspires someone to take action towards positive change,” said Suppa.