The BEF is pleased to announce a new annual award for middle-school teachers in memory of David E. Pradell, a beloved teacher at Lawrence and Driscoll Schools for over 30 years. This monetary award will be presented each year to one middle-school Teacher Grant recipient whose work will stimulate students’ imagination and curiosity; help students develop self-assurance and self-esteem; encourage student collaboration and/or instill an abiding sense of social responsibility. The recipient will be chosen by the BEF Teacher Grant committee of the Board of Directors.
This summer, the BEF was approached by former students of Mr. Pradell who had kept in touch with him until his death in September 2020. They were looking for a way to honor the impact he made on their lives so many years ago. During his 30-year career in Brookline, Mr. Pradell also taught 5th-grade students from all over town in the ‘Gifted and Talented’ program, as it was known then. His enthusiasm for creativity and curiosity was inspirational to his students, and he carried that love of learning throughout his life. “David took us on camping trips overnight, field trips around the city, played games with us in the playground and in the classroom, but he spent hours teaching us to think critically, write concisely, and learn the new math,” wrote former student Sarah Salter Levy. Sadly, Mr. Pradell lost his battle with cancer this fall at age 90, but we are pleased that his legacy will be remembered each year with the David E. Pradell Award.
Our “Mr. P.” is gone and most of us, his former students, are scattered to the winds, leading our own lives, making a difference. Exactly as he wanted it to be. But we can still continue his work and legacy by inspiring other teachers to carry those values forward. Let’s make the David E. Pradell Award an ongoing beacon of American education.
Am pleased that this award has come to fruition!
I’m sure he would be pleased as well…knowing that teachers need all the help they can get to carry out their mission.
Please keep me posted on any activities regarding this
I was a member of the first “Advanced Fifth” that David taught at the Driscoll School, in 1965-66. I still remember him as a gifted and empathetic teacher, especially when he talked about history. This award is a wonderful way to honor his memory.