Children’s & Women’s Hospital teacher honored with national award

Anne Vella, the elementary-school educator who co-founded the Class Act program at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital three decades ago, recently received the 2020 Apple Distinguished Member Award from the Hospital Educator and Academic Liaison Association.

“The words commitment, expertise and excellence embody everything Anne stands for,” said Stephanie Maddox, a school administrator who also works with young patients at the hospital.

Through the Class Act program, teachers provide daily instruction for hospitalized students in grades K-12. The Class Act teachers and staff assist more than 1,200 patients each year. The program is a cooperative effort between Children’s & Women’s Hospital and the Mobile County Public School System, and is a vital part of the Mapp Child and Family Life Program.

“As a founder of the program, her dedication to the instruction of more than 30,000 students with medical needs is exemplary,” Maddox said. “Her detailed, precise and engaging daily lessons for students from kindergarten through fourth grade are embedded with creativity, technology and differentiation.”

Parents and students have praised the “champion chain” program Vella created that still is used by teachers, hospital staff and medical personnel. The chains are created by looping colorful pieces of construction paper together. Each time young patients receive a shot, have a test or undergo surgery or any other procedure, they receive an additional link on their chain. They can trade the chain links for toys and other prizes that are on display in the fourth-floor classroom located within the hospital.

“Anne is the epitome of the model of a hospital schoolteacher,” Maddox said, “and she is more than worthy of national recognition.”

Vella was recognized during a virtual ceremony held in late April by the Hospital Educator and Academic Liaison Association.