WESTFIELD – The Westfield School District announced the following teachers have been selected as 2018 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award Winners. Teachers were nominated by their principals and a District Selection Committee scored applications using a rigorous selection criteria.
On Thursday, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski visited all of the schools to present the awards.
“Westfield Public Schools are filled with remarkable teachers, and these seven consistently go above and beyond for their students. We are fortunate to have them in our schools. Our district is also appreciative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and other sponsors for providing this opportunity to recognize our best teachers,” said Czaporowski about all of the Excellence in Teaching Award Winners.
Deb Chouinard of Russell Elementary with WPS Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski. (Photos submitted)
Deborah Chouinard, Russell Elementary School
Russell Principal Alison Hamilton called Chouinard a “3rd grade teacher extraordinaire” and “master educator” at Russell Elementary School. “Ms. Chouinard is the teacher who I would want my own children to have! She has been teaching for 30+ years and would tell you that she is still learning! Ms. Chouinard has the gift of knowing how to create a strong community in her classroom, her students know that they are each appreciated for both their gifts and challenges. She is tuned in to her students and throughout the day somehow manages to meet with and work individually with those students that may need extra support or enrichment. She is a great mentor to new teachers and veteran teachers as well. We are so pleased that she has been recognized for this honor,” said Hamilton.
L-R Paper Mill Principal Cynthia Kennedy with Melissa VanHeynigan, Superintendent Czaporowski, and Melissa’s children who attend Paper Mill.
Melissa Van Heynigen. Abner Gibbs & Paper Mill Elementary Schools
“Paper Mill’s recipient, Melissa Van Heynigen, is an educator who exemplifies excellence in teaching. As our visual arts teacher, she weaves cross-curricular subjects, such as history, science and math, into her instruction every day. She encourages students to express themselves and to celebrate themselves as learners through their art. She goes above and beyond her regular job description in that she works with a small group of students during breakfast to help them strengthen their literacy skills, and she seeks out ways to contribute positively to the Paper Mill community. Our students are lucky to have her, and we respect her immensely as a colleague,” said Paper Mill Principal Cynthia Kennedy.
Julie Neuser of Franklin Avenue with Superintendent Czaporowski.
Julie Neuser, Franklin Avenue Elementary School
“We are so fortunate to have Julie Neuser as a teacher, who is a role model for connecting with kids, sharing with colleagues, and always going beyond expectations for Franklin Avenue. She can be found long after school is over writing personal notes of encouragement or achievement for her students; or on the sidelines, cheering on her students’ outside interests. She comes in early mornings to attend meetings or prepare engaging activities for all of her students. Ms. Neuser is an integral part of the Franklin Avenue team, demonstrating kindness, humor, and the supportive skills of a veteran teacher,” said Franklin Avenue Interim Principal Chris Tolpa.
Excellence in Teaching Honoree Eileen Lynch of North Middle School.
Eileen Lynch, North Middle School
“Eileen is one the most dedicated teachers I have had the pleasure of working with in my career. To say that she goes above and beyond would be an understatement, said North Middle School Principal Katherine Bourque, adding that she has been chosen to educate science educators throughout the state on the newly revised standards after attending several trainings and creating presentations; she participated in a two year grant through the University of Massachusetts to create argument units to be used across the nation, and she raised over $2700 for 9 Laptops and Charging Cart for students.
“Eileen is on the Staffing Transition Committee. She is the Lead Science Teacher at North Middle School and works collaboratively with other Lead Teachers from South Middle School – Eileen spear headed rewriting the middle school science curriculum aligned to the 2016 Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Frameworks. She provides Professional Development for Science Teachers in North and across the district. She serves as the NMS Yearbook Advisor, on the NMS Literacy Committee, the Faculty Advisory Board, and participates in a volunteer teacher book group offered to staff to improve their own professional practice?,” Bourque added.
Julie Orzolek of Munger Hill Elementary.
Julie Orzolek, Munger Hill Elementary School
“Mrs. Julie Orzolek is a leader when it comes to inclusion, shared practice, and family communication. Julie is an integral member of every important team we have put together at the school. Our kids, parents, and educators are all happy and lucky to work with and learn from Mrs. Orzolek!” said Salvatore Frieri, Munger Hill Principal.
Alison LeDuc, Abner Gibbs Elementary School Award Winner.
Alison LeDuc, Abner Gibbs Elementary School
“Alison Leduc is a special education teacher at Abner Gibbs. She is an extremely hardworking teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for students. Alison’s passion and dedication to students is evidenced in the work she does with all students on a day to day basis. Students describe Mrs. Leduc as loving, caring and as a teacher who encourages them to work hard and persevere through challenging tasks. She is truly dynamic and we are fortunate to have her at Abner Gibbs,” said Abner Gibbs Principal Stacy Burgess.
Sarah Corbett of Westfield High School with Superintendent Czaporowski.
Sarah Corbett, Westfield High School (New Teacher)
“Sarah is truly an exceptional educator who demonstrates professionalism, leadership, and character in all that she does. She constantly works to put students first, and is involved in numerous school activities. She is an outstanding educator who is respected by students, parents, colleagues, and administrators, said Westfield High School Principal Charles Jendrysik.
Teachers will be honored at an upcoming banquet for Excellence in Teaching Award Winners at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. The program will feature award presentations to individual winners who will receive an engraved plaque and a check for $500, along with tuition incentives towards higher education courses, membership at WGBY and the local YMCAs of the Pioneer Valley, and other gifts.
Banquet guests will hear from a successful graduate of a district in Hampden County who is making a difference in the world. A short film will be shown for the first time, featuring the classroom projects of teacher winners who received the special Classroom Innovator Prize introduced in 2017. All 2018 winners will have the opportunity to submit a creative project idea for the Classroom Innovator Prize and receive an additional $250.
Celebrating its 15th year, the Excellence in Teaching Awards Program has recognized more than 1250 outstanding teachers in our region for their impact on students, colleagues, and schools. This awards program is made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable foundation, the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, and MassMutual Life Insurance Company.
Philanthropist Harold Grinspoon said, “It’s amazing the difference a great teacher can make in a child’s life — someone who cares, motivates and inspires. How lucky we are that the schools in our Valley have so many of these incredibly wonderful human beings. Along with my partners at the Davis Foundation and MassMutual, I am thrilled that we are able to honor over a hundred talented local educators every spring.”
In addition to the program partners are a number of business and community supporters, including Arrha Credit Union, Big Y, Country Bank, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, Monson Savings Bank, the Polish National Credit Union, Staples, the Springfield Jewish Community Center, American International College, six YMCAs of the Pioneer Valley, and WGBY.
Five Higher Education Patrons offer generous tuition incentives for teachers award winners: Elms College, Bay Path University, Springfield College, Western New England University, and Westfield State University.
