by Melissa Cechota

2011 Excellence in Teaching recipient Keren Taccone with husband, Jim.

Keren Taccone, third- and fourth-grade teacher at West Palm Beach Junior Academy (WPBJA), is among 10 teachers in North America selected by the Alumni Awards Foundation (AAF) to receive a 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award. Since 1995, this nonprofit organization has recognized 106 exceptional teachers.

Keren also serves as Special Needs Coordinator for her school in partnership with the Florida Conference Office of Education. In this volunteer position, she assists in regional training by demonstrating effective ways to implement positive learning communities. At WPBJA, she initiated After Glow ministry services and organized the first campus drama team.

Through her dedication and effort, low-achievers and behaviorally challenged children are beginning to meet with success for the first time. “As a teacher, I can be a doctor for the hurting student, a lawyer to plead on their behalf, and a counselor to guide them as they make choices,” says Keren. “This career choice pays in great rewards, as I can impact lives for eternity!”

From left: West Palm Beach Junior Academy teachers Melva Bracero, Nieves Jenkins, Renata Teter, and 2011 Excellence in Teaching recipient Keren Taccone; Alumni Awards Foundation Board Member Byron DeFoor; and West Palm Beach Junior Academy Principal Glenn Timmons.