Powder Mill School fifth grade teacher Shannon Naumowicz is flanked by Assistant Principal Cherie Curran and Principal Erin Carrier, as well as students, Feb. 14, 2020 when she was surprised with a Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
SOUTHWICK – Powder Mill School was bustling Feb. 14 as the Southwick Regional School marching band paraded through the school into the gymnasium to the surprise of fifth grade teacher Shannon Naumowicz.
Naumowicz was selected a 2020 Grinspoon Foundation Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award recipient.
Naumowicz teaches English language arts, science and math, but said she particularly enjoys science.
“I enjoy seeing the students explore and be curious”, she said.
Naumowicz said when the band marched into the gym, she took it in stride, thinking someone else was being feted.
“I didn’t think this was for me,” she said.
Principal Erin Carrier said Naumowicz deserves the honor.
“Her deep caring and dedication for her students is the biggest quality I see in her,” Carrier said.
Naumowicz is a devoted teacher who Carrier said evokes smiles from everyone in the building.
“She really brings joy to everything she does,” she said. “She cares more about kids than almost any teacher I’ve met in my 25 years in education.”
Carrier said Naumowicz is the kind of teacher students remember their entire lives.
“I’m willing to bet every student who has had her as a teacher remembers her and calls her their favorite teacher,” said Carrier.
Naumowicz will be honored along with other award recipients across the Pioneer Valley at The Log Cabin in May. The award includes a cash prize, opportunity to apply for a selective Classroom Innovator Prize to bring project-based learning to the classroom, an award plaque, course tuition at a participating college or university, one year membership to WGBY and membership for a limited time at a participating YMCA and the Springfield Jewish Community Center.
