Magda Sakaan, a Treadwell Elementary English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, has been named 2016 West Region and overall TN Teachers to Speakers of Other Languages (TNTESOL) Educator of the Year.

"It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award from a great professional association like TNTESOL," Sakaan said. "There are so many dedicated, hardworking, and knowledgeable educators in the field of ESL, and it’s very humbling to be recognized among them."

The TNTEOSL award recognizes and honors ESL teachers from across the state "who have made a significant impact on students, colleagues, school and community programs in the field of ESL." 

Sakaan, who is completing her seventh year as a teacher, began her classroom career working in a dual-immersion school in Syria before returning home to Memphis and joining Treadwell Elementary three years ago.

"I thought about moving somewhere else after my time in Syria, but I saw a real need in my own community, and felt like I owed it to my city and our children to do what I could to meet that need. There's so much positive change happening here, and it's exciting to be a part of that."

Teaching in a school with one of the district’s highest ESL populations, Sakaan works to make "education accessible" to all students, regardless of their native language. Through her collaboration with other teachers in her school, she has been able to help close achievement gaps at Treadwell and have an impact that reaches beyond the classroom.

"My job provides me the opportunity to witness the emotional and academic growth of my students every single day. There is nothing better than watching a student beam and gain confidence as they experience success."