Lindback Award Winners

Rebecca Julien has served as principal of Eliza B. Kirkbride Elementary School since 2015. As an educator for 20 years exclusively in Philadelphia classrooms, Julien served as a high school Spanish teacher, instructional coach for Teach for America, and PhillyPLUS Principal Fellow before becoming principal at Kirkbride. Kirkbride was named a “Peer Leader” for the 2016-17 school year for the third year in a row on the District’s School Progress Report. Kirkbride has been consistently recognized for its “model” climate on the SPR; Kirkbride’s average attendance student attendance rate significantly outpaces District averages each year. Julien was selected as a Neubauer Fellow in educational leadership in 2018 and earned the Lindback Distinguished Principal’s Award in 2019.

 

Yoon Byun, Eliza B. Kirkbride Elementary: Byun, a 13-year veteran, is committed to and passionate about educating a diverse group of students utilizing teaching methods that stimulate students’ social, emotional, physical, and academic growth. Now an ESL teacher, she has also worked as a general education teacher and a special-education teacher. She is a master at accommodating different learning styles.

 

Thinh Thach
Kirkbride Elementary School

Thach, who immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam at age 9 and graduated from Philadelphia schools, demonstrates excellence as an educator and a leader. His lessons engage students in practical, exciting math concepts, and he is committed to his colleagues and to the community.