While Derrick Winn’s instructional knowledge, data-driven mindset and strategic lesson planning make him an effective educator — his bright personality, unwavering support, and kindness make him an exceptional role model. Winn currently teaches third grade math and science at Crestworth Elementary School, having previously taught the same subjects there in second grade. Winn has greatly contributed to students’ ongoing academic and personal growth. Through a partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), Winn is a valued member of a collaborative faculty that implements strong structures of teacher leadership and support. By homing in on individual learning styles and implementing strategic, engaging classroom practices, Winn was able to help grow second grade students’ math proficiency by 77% from the beginning to end of the 2022-23 school year. In second grade, Winn’s students tested their knowledge with Kahoot! games, created songs to remember math facts, and participated in Winn’s Math Fact Challenge. The challenge was so successful that it was extended throughout K-2, and he created the Math Multiplication Challenge for the upper grades. Winn also led a K-2 March Madness Math-A-Thon, or “March Mathness.” Students eagerly competed in a bracket-style tournament, reviewing and building their subtraction, addition and multiplication fluency while emphasizing important social-emotional learning (SEL) skills — making for confident problem-solvers and critical-thinkers at early ages. He has continued these same principles as a third grade teacher.
Outside the classroom, Winn is always eager to lend a helping hand. Whether he is filling in for reading interventions, organizing staff luncheons, or mentoring fellow teachers, Winn’s professionalism and team-player mentality boost the morale of those around him. Surrounding community members and organizations have also benefitted from his educational expertise through his work as a mentor to a City Year member and collaborations with Southern University and A&M College, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS), to name a few.
Winn supports students, colleagues and community members alike in their efforts to grow in all avenues of life. As a member of Crestworth’s student government association (SGA) committee, he facilitates grade-level campaigns, candidate debates and schoolwide elections. Winn serves on several committees, including the Art Committee and Black History Committee, as well as co-sponsoring the Boy Scout Club. Strengthening his positive influence on students, Winn has also written a play, musical, and book addressing bullying prevention and student empowerment. On theme days, he has walked through the halls as Dr. Seuss and The Grinch. In the community, Winn has served as a Mega Sports Camp Counselor, a commencement speaker, and is active in his church’s youth ministry.
Winn earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Louisiana State University and A&M College in 2010 and completed the alternative certification program at Southern University and A&M College in 2015 in the area of grades 1-5. He received a Master of Science in K-12 studies and education with an emphasis in standards-based math from Capella University in 2017.
Press release: High Student Achievement Growth and Exceptional Leadership Add Up to $25,000 for Baton Rouge Milken Educator
