Independent Schools of St. Louis (ISSL) has named Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School third-grade teacher Sue Lapp a 2013 “Teacher of Distinction.”

The honor is bestowed to five educators who teach at one of ISSL’s 44 member schools. ISSL heads of school and board members reviewed nominations from each independent school and interviewed 10 finalists.

The award comes with a $500 cash grant from ISSL to be used for a school project. Lapp will use the grant to augment the schoolyard habitat of native Missouri prairie grasses and plants.

“As part of the third-grade grasslands unit, students hike in the prairie, camp in the prairie and pray in the prairie,” Lapp said. “In our own backyard, they will serve as guardians to the Mirowitz prairie restoration project. It’s an opportunity for them to fulfill their obligation to the earth and to understand their power to make a difference.”

Lapp’s award also allows her to represent independent schools at the Emerson Teaching Awards this fall, and gives her the opportunity to compete for a $2,500 Emerson grant award.

“We are so proud of Morah Sue’s commitment to excellence and her exceptional skill at developing a sense of community in her classroom and among the faculty,” said Cheryl Maayan, Mirowitz Head of School. “She is a passionate, dedicated educator who, along with her wonderful colleagues, lifts up the educational experience for students.”