Felton Institute’s Family Developmental Center’s Magali Valdez-Robles receives a First 5 Excellence in Teaching Award
San Francisco, CA (May 3, 2016) — Felton Institute extends hearty congratulations to Magali ValdezRobles, who was recently recognized by First Five San Francisco for her teaching excellence, accomplishments, dedication and outstanding ability to connect with children and their families at Felton’s Family Developmental Center (FDC).
On May 3, 2016, Ms. Valdez-Robles, who teaches at FDC, received the First Five San Francisco Excellence in Teaching Award during a warm celebratory evening at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center. The annual awards ceremony and banquet was held at Gallery 308, with beautiful views of the bay seen through the expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows.
Magali was introduced to an audience of administrators, peers, family members and friends with a laudatory summary of the critical role she plays in early childhood education at Felton’s Family Developmental Center. An endearing video highlighted her contributions to Felton’s preschool program, her excitement about teaching and her love for the children and families she serves.
“It is such an honor,” Magali beamed as she accepted her recognition. “I feel very privileged and humbled to have received this award. My work for the community, families and children always comes from the very bottom of my heart without expecting any recognition. I enjoy just seeing happy and healthy families and children cherishing each other, having the best education, lifestyle and the best that they can have. I was not expecting this award. I truly thank those who nominated me and supported my nomination.”
“We congratulate Magali on her recognition for Excellence in Teaching from First Five San Francisco and celebrate her success this evening. We are proud of the work that she does as a member of our Felton Family,” said Felton President and CEO Al Gilbert as he, Division Director Yohana Quiroz, Preschool Program Supervisor Phyllis Hogan, Administration Director Lisa Aguilar and other Felton staff applauded Magali. “She is doing a wonderful job upholding our Felton tradition of providing innovative social services that help our children begin and continue life with the best possible tools-great education in a compassionate and nurturing environment.”
A total of six local preschool teachers who were recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award were honored for their dedication to best practices in the care and education of children in the City’s Preschool for All initiative. These professionals exemplify the critical role a teacher plays in developing quality education programs that have a profound affect on the lives of young children and their families.
First Five San Francisco is dedicated to the healthy development of children birth to five years of age, helping to support children and their families to live healthy, to learn and to grow. First Five offers resources, support, educational tools, and the Preschool for All and Family Resources Center initiatives for the community of San Francisco, regardless of income.
Felton Institute was founded in 1889 by Katharine “Kitty” Felton, with the mandate that children and families in crisis must have access to social services and resources in order to help them build upon their inherent strengths and develop self-sufficiency. For more than 126 years, it has been a leader in innovative mental health and social service programs for all. Felton has now expanded to an organization of national importance and statewide scope. For more information, please contact communications@felton.org or 415-474-7310 ext. 458. felton.org.
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