Dr. Katz. is a leader in education and in particular, multi-cultural and bi-lingual education. Since 1990 she has been the Director of the acclaimed University of Chicago Laboratory Schools in Hyde Park. In addition to her many responsibilities at the Lab School, she teaches a seminar at the University of Chicago on Family and Cultural Issues in School Settings. She earned her PhD in child development and education at U of I Champaign-Urbana. Prior to her work at the Lab Schools, she held faculty positions at the Erikson Institute and the Univeristy of Illinois. Along with her numerous publications, Dr. Katz has produced a video entitled, "Respecting Diversity in the Classroom."

Lucinda grew up in San Francisco, in a Chinese household. They spoke Cantonese at home and she studied in a Chinese school. She began her career in education as a bi-lingual teacher in San Francisco, back when bi-lingual education was not available. Her student, Kenny Lau, could not speak English. Kenny's mother questioned why Lucinda could not speak Chinese to Kenny in school. From there came the landmark case of Lau v Nickels which led to bi-lingual education in the school system. She also founded the first bi-lingual, bi-cultural day care center in San Francisco

Lucinda believes that the only way for her to achieve her goal of making all children feel fulfilled in the classroom, is if each child feels connected to the broader cultural community, the American community.

Lucinda Lee Katz is doing her best to ensure a bright future for all of us and its an honor for AILF to present to her the American Heritage Award.