As math/science facilitator for grades 4-5 at Van E. Blanton Elementary School in Miami, Florida, LaKenya Sanders-Sharpe ignites her students' enthusiasm for math and science while helping them learn skills and reach benchmarks. From applying a popular rap song to stages of the water cycle to having students act out elements of the food chain, Sanders-Sharpe's creative, active lessons have fostered substantial growth on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and impressive scores on biweekly and district assessments. As a former fifth-grade teacher, Sanders-Sharpe worked with the science coordinator to raise student achievement on the science portion of the FCAT, designing a curriculum supplement packet that included sample extended responses and notecards with science terms and math vocabulary. Her efforts helped the school advance from only seven fifth graders achieving a level three on the FCAT to more than 50. Sanders- Sharpe founded a summer performing arts camp, initiated a Student Government program that gives students a voice in school matters, and is co-director of the Little Brothers/Little Sisters Striving for Success Club. Chair of the math/science committee, Sanders- Sharpe is a vital member of the school's Literacy Leadership Team and has mentored several fifth-grade teachers, providing professional development and helping design lessons that use student achievement data to drive instruction. She is the author of two FCAT study guides in math and science called A "Sharper" Way to the FCAT.
1999 University of Florida, B.S.
