AFAEE Award recognizes Corendis Hardy for bringing creativity to Douglass students

The local nonprofit Atlanta Families’ Award for Excellence in Education (AFAEE) announced Tuesday that Douglass High School teacher Corendis Hardy was one of 10 Atlanta Public Schools’ educators named 2013 AFAEE winners, an award that recognizes and honors outstanding educators in APS in a way that informs and engages the community.

Hardy began her service with APS 15 years ago, after leaving Orange County Public Schools in Orlando.  For eight years, she enjoyed teaching an exploratory world languages course and was selected to teach in the “Literacy Project,” a special program that focuses on correcting reading deficiencies for at-risk students. She currently teaches French and World Literature at Frederick Douglass High School. She holds a Master of Science degree in Education (Literacy and Learning), and a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

During her tenure with Atlanta Public Schools, Hardy was featured on an episode of APS Today, highlighting foreign language educators. She also served as a teacher/mentor for Metro-RESA during the 2010-2011 school year. She presented a professional development workshop entitled, Didactic Games in a World Language Classroom and was a member of the Student Learning Objectives and Assessments team for French I.  Hardy also organized and hosted the first APS French Spelling Bee for Middle School Students as well as an African Heritage Trivia Contest. 

AFAEE worked quietly with Douglass administrators to surprise Hardy, and on Tuesday, the shocked teacher received balloons, an over-sized check for $7,500 and t-shirts for her students.  The $7,500 monetary award includes $1,500 to fund a professional development opportunity, a $2,500 personal stipend and $3,500 to fund her Language Enrichment Program.

“I plan to use the money for a literacy program,” said Hardy. “Perhaps also books on tape and other reading materials needed to support student learning.”  Since its inception in 2005, AFAEE has recognized outstanding teachers and school leaders for their commitment to excellence, while aiming to create a platform to further award winners’ success in APS retain motivated educators and attract like-minded individuals to the district.

“I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve APS students in this way,” said Hardy.