Honor Outstanding Teacher Cheeley

Senate Resolution No. 3343 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Krystal Cheeley upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award by KIPP WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Krystal Cheeley upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award by KIPP; and WHEREAS, Serving as an inspiration for the founders of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) network more than 25 years ago, this auspicious annual award is given to only 10 teachers throughout the national KIPP network of over 250 schools to honor educators committed to going above and beyond for their students; and WHEREAS, A truly exceptional woman, Krystal Cheeley is the first teacher at KIPP Albany to receive this esteemed recognition for consistently transcending expectations in the classroom and for inspiring others to develop into remarkable teachers; and WHEREAS, Krystal Cheeley has served as a founding Kindergarten teacher and instructional coach at KIPP Tech Valley Primary School of KIPP Albany Community Public Schools since its inception in 2016; and WHEREAS, Krystal Cheeley has a solid foundation in collaborating with parents and has a relentless appetite for student data to inform her instruction, Krystal Cheeley consistently drives strong results in her classroom; she gives tirelessly of her time and energies spending extra time with her students through various programs and after-school tutoring; and WHEREAS, Krystal Cheeley holds a Master's degree in Special Education and has an excellent understanding of child development; she believes all children can and will learn, and does absolutely everything in her power to set her students and families up for success; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, as a mentor and resource, Krystal Cheeley reminds her fellow teachers that student success begins with their expectations, lessons, communication, beliefs, collaboration and preparation; and WHEREAS, In addition to her role as an educator, Krystal Cheeley is the proud mother of three beautiful sons, one of which is a student at KIPP Tech Valley Primary School; and WHEREAS, A caring, competent and committed leader, Krystal Cheeley's character and integrity are the hallmarks of her life and work as an educator, a community volunteer and as a person; and WHEREAS, The Albany community is indeed fortunate and blessed to have such a dedicated and respected educational leader; her wisdom and contributions reach into every classroom, truly making a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to work with her; and WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State, Krystal Cheeley continually demonstrates an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at KIPP Albany for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the entire community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Krystal Cheeley upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award by KIPP; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Krystal Cheeley.