Mrs. Denise Ebisuzaki, a fourth-grade teacher at the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program at Clarendon Elementary School, was awarded our September 2005 Teacher of the Month award. Ebisuzaki (affectionately known as "Mrs. E") is beloved by students and parents alike for her innovative teaching methods and unwavering devotion to her work. The impact of her work goes far beyond the classroom. Here's what people have to say about her:

“Mrs. E has an incredible gift in the classroom. She never raises her voice and she commands respect from every child in that room. She speaks softly and authoritatively in a loving way. She has the ability to work with 20 children of different levels…and help them all grow and excel.” (Martha Ryan, parent)

“Mrs. E is also a master of innovation. She has a fabulous set of projects…having the children learn about San Francisco architecture by building Victorian houses, learning dance from the San Francisco Ballet…She works incredibly long hours; I see her [at school] at 6 at night when I pick up my kids, and she works nearly every Saturday, tutoring children…” (Susan Buchbinder, parent)

“Fourteen years ago I had one of the best teachers I’ve had in my life. This week I graduated from NYU…After so many years of being exposed to teachers and professors…I STILL remember Mrs. E, and I still consider her one of the best!” (Ange Hones, former student)

Congratulations, Denise!