Loyola School of Ed graduate receives Beacon of Light Award
Marina Fazio, ’19, received the Beacon of Light Award from the Baltimore Teacher Network at the 10th annual Beacon of Light Teacher Awards Celebration on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. The award recognizes Baltimore City Public School System teachers and staff who have displayed extraordinary service and dedication in the classroom and the community.
Fazio, who was nominated for the award by a colleague, is an English teacher at the REACH! Partnership School. REACH! Partnership School is an innovative Baltimore City public high school operated by Civic Works that prepares students for college and careers in healthcare, construction, public security, HVAC, and the U.S. Military. Nominees must exhibit exemplary dedication to educating students, make a positive impact on the school and surrounding community, demonstrate exceptional teamwork, and have at least five years of tenure at their school.
“It was an absolute honor to receive this award in recognition of my work at REACH!,” said Fazio. “I have been so proud of my students and their progress over the last six years of my career. Teaching is not an easy job, but I am so thankful for the preparation and experience I got through Loyola classes and my time student teaching.”
Fazio earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Secondary Education from Loyola in 2019. The Secondary Education minor allows students from other disciplines to complete degree requirements for their major while taking the education courses required for licensure.
“Loyola’s School of Education has a deep and abiding commitment to Baltimore City, which makes the recognition of talented alumni like Marina—who is making a lasting impact on the lives of her students—all the more meaningful,” said Afra Ahmed Hersi, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education. “We strive to prepare aspiring educators not just for their role in the classroom, but also for a life of leadership and service.”
Baltimore Teacher Network is a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 by a group of teachers and administrators associated with the Resident Teacher Program. The organization’s mission is to “grow, sustain, and retain a vibrant group of professional teachers in Baltimore.”