Ignite the Spark is an award program that highlights the educators who foster supportive, engaging and inclusive learning environments that prepare Milwaukee students for success in school and beyond.  This year, MMAC is proud to recognize 10 educators:

  • Ashley Fahey, Ronald Reagan High School
  • Zac Blum, Tenor Cathedral Square High School
  • Angela Harris, Milwaukee Academy of Chinese Language
  • Abby Hodges, Golda Meir High School
  •  Alyssa Charron, UCC Acosta Middle School
  • Justin McMurtry, James Madison Academic Campus
  • Marciela Aguilar Monroy, South Division High School
  • Elizabeth Fisher, Ronald Reagan High School
  • Veronica Mancheno, Riley Dual Language Montessori
  • Dee Dee Pate, Washington High School

 

What inspired you to become an educator?

“Both of my parents have been educators for all of their lives. My mom teaches elementary and my dad teaches high school. For school projects, I often had to interview them on what they liked about their jobs. Their answers were always that they loved their students, loved what they taught and loved being able to be a positive influence in people’s lives. Seeing that as a child definitely made me interested in the field of education.”

-Alyssa Carron, UCC Acosta Middle School

What do you find most rewarding about being an educator?

“What I find most rewarding about being an educator is witnessing those moments when it clicks, not just academically, but personally for my students. It’s when a student who once said ‘I can’t’ starts to say ‘I can.’ It’s when they find their voice, take risks and begin to see themselves as capable and brilliant. I also find so much joy in the relationships. Being a consistent, safe and affirming presence in my students’ lives means everything to me. For some of them, school is where they feel most seen, and I don’t take that lightly. Honestly, it’s the growth. Watching students evolve over time, academically, socially, emotionally. Knowing you played even a small role in that journey. The most rewarding part is knowing this work goes beyond the classroom. You’re not just teaching content, you’re shaping confidence, identity and planting seeds for the future.”

-Angela Harris, Milwaukee Academy of Chinese Language

What is one of the biggest challenges you face as an educator today?

“One of the biggest challenges I face as an educator is the assumption that students already know what they’ve never been explicitly taught. Too often, when mistakes happen, the response is, ‘they should know better.’ But my question is, what if they don’t, and who was responsible for teaching them? That assumption can leave students feeling exposed, especially when they’re afraid to admit what they don’t know out of fear of judgment or embarrassment. Because of that, I have to teach on multiple levels. I work to create an environment where students feel safe being honest about their learning gaps, while also providing the direct instruction, modeling, and support they may have missed. My role is not just to hold students accountable, but to ensure they are equipped so that ‘knowing better’ becomes something they’ve actually been given the opportunity to learn.”

Justin McMurtry, James Madison Academic Campus

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in education?

“At the end of the day, if you know it’s something you want to do, go for it. We could always use more people who are excited about education in the field. It may not be something you do forever, but every educator makes a difference, no matter how long they are in the field.”

Zac Blum, Tenor Cathedral Square High School

What excites you most about the future of education?

“The future of education has so much potential! With more emphasis on project-based and collaborative learning, we can help cultivate the next generation of world changers!”

Ashley Fahey, Ronald Reagan High School