One Team, One Goal: Student Success. The Cobb Schools motto can sometimes be read or heard as just that—a motto. But what makes it so much more than a motivational tagline is when it is clearly exemplified in the classroom. While Cobb teachers may not always consciously think of the motto as an inspiration for all they do, it is a succinct definition of what they do by nature. They are driven to be the best version of themselves for the success of their students.

Nowhere is this fact more evident than in Jennifer Karpenko's classroom at Tapp Middle School. After more than a decade of teaching in private schools, the veteran educator just completed her second year at Tapp. Ms. Karpenko's reading students are benefitting greatly from her use of the Read 180 program, which helps accelerate growth and proficiency with adaptive technology to personalize individual instruction.

In fact, Ms. Karpenko was recently honored with one of only two Read 180 Outstanding Educator Awards in Georgia. The Educator Award recognizes remarkable teachers who demonstrate that it's never too late to open new doors to academic success. These teachers exemplify unwavering dedication, focusing on helping students overcome personal and academic obstacles. Only a handful of teachers receive this prestigious award each year; a mere 22 were granted nationwide for the 2023-24 school year.

"I am so excited to receive this, on behalf of my students and the progress they have made in their reading class this year," Ms. Karpenko said after being presented with her award in front of her students.

Making the recognition even more special, Ms. Karpenko was nominated by fellow teachers and administrators at Tapp. Her colleagues saw her persistence and dedication and how she was making a difference in her students' lives.

The Read 180 Educator Award declares that Ms. Karpenko has excelled in her use and understanding of the program in two short years. For her, Student Success isn't just a buzzword; she actively lives it out as she teaches and continues learning in her own career.

"As a second-year public school teacher, she has really grown and understands the Read 180 program so well," said Corinne Campbell, Project Manager for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the developer of the Read 180 curriculum. "She is passionate about what she does, and more than one person has told us that. We are pleased that she is using the Read 180 program, but more importantly, that she is helping all her students make gains with it."

"The program is adaptive to them, and it grows with them to where they need to be. It gives me structure but also meets students where they are. I think we are going to do even bigger and better things next year!" Ms. Karpenko assured her students and those celebrating her accomplishment.

Congratulations to Ms. Karpenko on winning this rare honor and for being dedicated to Student Success in all she does, in and out of the classroom. Tapp students benefit greatly from her willingness to continue her professional development with Read 180. Well done, and well deserved!