The Turnaround Management Association presented the Butler-Cooley Excellence in Teaching Award to two educators at The TMA Annual, TMA’s 25th annual conference, October 5 at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C. This year’s recipients are Ella F. Bowling, science teacher in Maysville, Ky., and Stuart Alan Albright, Jr., English and creative writing teacher in Durham, N.C.

Established in 2004 with a grant from the John Wm. Butler Foundation, Inc., the Butler-Cooley Excellence in Teaching Awards Program honors teachers who have demonstrated their capacity to change the outcome of students’ lives and the communities where they teach. The program is named in honor of Leslie Bender Butler and Cindy Butler Cooley, relatives of a past TMA chairman who collectively have spent more than 50 years as teachers, and recognizes the central role that teaching has in the life of the association.

Bowling teaches 7th grade science at Mason County Middle School in Maysville. She establishes a living environment in her classroom by engaging students in exciting, hands-on opportunities that foster success. Learning is an interactive element in Bowling’s classroom. Bowling addresses students’ needs for a sense of belonging, autonomy, self-confidence, and fairness by creating a safe learning environment where students flourish from both an academic and social standpoint.

Read more about Bowling.

Albright teaches English and creative writing as well as coaches football at C.E. Jordan High School in Durham. He works constantly to cultivate a safe, family environment for all students and strives to harness diversity in his classes. Through peer-editing, public sharing, and open discussion, Albright creates a culture of respect in his classroom. As a football coach, he teaches the importance of commitment and work ethic while emphasizing academic achievement.

Read more about Albright.

The Turnaround Management Association (turnaround.org) is the leading organization dedicated to turnaround management, corporate restructuring, and distressed investing.