2010 Milken National Educator Award Recipient

Instructional leader, technology expert, fourth-grade math and reading classroom teacher, and grade-level chair, McKinley Broome is a role model for students and teachers alike. At Woodholme Elementary in Baltimore, MD, Broome demonstrates a tireless commitment to increase achievement for the school’s students, of whom nearly 80 percent are African-American and 34 percent participate in the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARM) program. His abilities to make learning fun, explain complex concepts in understandable ways, and use data to drive and differentiate instruction have yielded tremendous dividends. His fourth-grade students received proficient or advanced math scores on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) for 2008 and 2009. In 2009, nearly 70 percent scored advanced in reading. Thanks in part to Broome’s contributions, Woodholme Elementary ranked #1 in the state for reading and math compared to similar schools.

Part of Broome’s success lies in reaching students both in and out of the classroom. He coordinates the “212 Crew,” in which students rap about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and the MSA, and created the “A” Club, which promotes good study habits by offering students the opportunity to devote lunch and recess time to hands-on chemistry projects. Broome’s leadership and enthusiasm have been put to good use in strengthening teacher effectiveness at the school and district levels. As co-chair of Woodholme’s curriculum and staff development action team and a member of the Towson University Professional Development School, Broome shares strategies with colleagues and pre-service teachers; guides teachers on how to infuse technology into their lessons; and trains them on data collection as the assessTrax testing program liaison. He is the school improvement team chair as well a coach for students and their families on Woodholme’s award-winning Black Saga team, enriching understanding of the African-American experience.