D’Naya Mims
HARRIETT BALL EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING - KIPP Chicago Public Schools
D'Naya Mims, a fifth grade ELA teacher at KIPP Ascend Middle School in Chicago, IL, is honored with the 2024 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award. This award recognizes outstanding teachers from the KIPP network. The winning teachers, nominated by their school leaders, were recognized for their leadership and dedication to improving outcomes for students.
Ms. Mims is an instructional powerhouse who led KIPP Chicago with 74% of her students showing above-average growth in reading fluency on the DIBELS end-of-year assessment, a huge jump from 23% at the start of the school year. She achieved this by using data to create laddered reading partner pairs and small peer-led groups to push kids to a new level. She has fostered a classroom environment where students help each other succeed, overcome challenges, and step into their greatness.
Finally, she understands and values that her class, grade level and our school are only as strong as our collective team. As she deepens her craft, our children's achievements will continue to rise.