ST. LOUIS, MO, June 4, 2010 – Ms. Chrisena Bolden Brown, an Instrumental Music Teacher at Soldan International Studies High School, has been named the St. Louis Public School District’s 2010-2011 Teacher of the Year.

At an early age, Ms. Brown knew teaching music would be her career goal. After graduating from Sumner High School, Ms. Brown received her Bachelor of Music from Southern Illinois University before graduating from Fontbonne College with a Master of Science. In 1974, Ms. Brown returned to St. Louis Public Schools to begin her teaching career, traveling to seven elementary schools to teach instrumental music.  Later, Ms. Brown taught instrumental music at three middle schools and a high school before joining Soldan International Studies High School as the Music Department Head in 1993, where she has remained. 

“I never dreamed I would teach this long, but when you enjoy what you do, and the positive impact you have on young minds, time flies,” said Ms. Chrisena Bolden Brown.

Other district teachers who made the “Top 5” list of candidates for the honor include:

• Ms. Heather LaLuzerne, Long Middle School
• Ms. Tracy McCord, Lyon@Blow K-8 School
• Ms. Mary Saputo, Mallinckrodt ABI Elementary School
• Ms. Marissa Seuc, Stevens Middle School

As the St. Louis Public School District’s 2010-2011 Teacher of the Year Ms. Brown is now eligible to compete for the Missouri Teacher of the Year honor, which will be chosen at a later date.  For more information please contact the Office of Public Information (314) 345-2367.