Markuisha Patton
HARRIETT BALL EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING - KIPP New Orleans Schools
Markuisha Patton, an eighth grade History teacher at KIPP Morial Middle School in New Orleans, has been 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.
All students, in every grade level, love Ms. Patton. She fosters a love of learning and gets students to understand why their education is important. She deeply cares for each student and will do whatever it takes to ensure they reach their full potential. She uses debate as a platform to push kids' thinking around community, state, and national issues. Thanks to her efforts, the KIPP Morial Middle School debate team is consistently ranked #1 in New Orleans, and our scholars know how to use their voices to affect change.
Ms. Patton’s students excel, with 52% at Mastery+, surpassing the next ranked 8th grade school in the entire city of New Orleans by 50%. She shows us how to become better learners, educators, leaders, and community activists.