Ellen wrote that ‘Life is a huge relay race, I am alive and carrying the baton now. The future depends on me as surely as my generation depended on our teachers and their teachers and their teachers.’ Kempler and others began MicroBusiness USA which provides small loans to people who would never qualify for commercial loans so that they may become self-sufficient and have their dignity restored. The program has provided more than $1 million in loans to more than 1,000 borrowers with a 95% repayment rate. As a sponsor of the National Honor Society this year, she and her students wrapped 67 individually wrapped Christmas presents for the Children’s Home Society for abused and neglected children.
Ellen Kempler
Miami, FL | Years Taught: 1966 – 2001
Additional Recognition
- 2002 • Florida Women of Achievement Honoree
- 2001 • Board member: UNICEF – Florida
- 1999-present • Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (Recording Secretary)
- 1997-1998 • Teacher of the Year
- 1994 • Most Significant Teacher to class valedictorian
- 1992 • Associate of Writing Institute (one of 25 master teachers in the county)
- 1990-1994 • Peace Education Foundation (Chair of the Board)
- 1978-1982 • Quality Instruction Incentive Program (Elected by peers to manage incentive program at Coral Gables Sr. High)