By LORI SZEPELAK
Correspondent
WESTFIELD-Seven teachers in the Westfield Public Schools were recently feted by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for their excellence in teaching practices.
The Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke was the backdrop for the annual Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards Program which brought together 39 teachers representing Hampden County “West” who were honored as “outstanding for their tremendous commitment and impact on children in their schools,” according to Mary Anne Herron, program director.
Local teachers acknowledged at the May 7 event were Krista Comee, kindergarten teacher, Franklin Avenue Elementary School; Kevin Grimsley, Grades 9-12, vocational education teacher, Westfield Vocational Technical High School; Joanne Hewins, Grade 3 teacher, Southampton Road Elementary School; Pauline McClaflin, math teacher, Westfield Vocational; Thomas O’Neil, Grade 9 U.S. History and Grade 10 AP U.S. History, Westfield High School; Hava Preye, school library teacher, North Middle School, and Christy Roselli, Grade 3 teacher, Munger Hill Elementary School.
The awards program has grown from 16 school communities and 96 honored teachers in 2002-2003, to 34 school communities and 142 honored teachers this spring. Each year the educators are recognized in three banquet celebrations. The first celebration honored teachers in Hampshire-Franklin counties on April 29, the second celebration for Hampden County “West” teachers was conducted May 7, and the third celebration took place May 14 for Hampden County “East” teachers.
Nominees must be certified by the State of Massachusetts and demonstrate professionalism through excellence in teaching practices, as well as his/her own professional development, and good attendance on the job.
The foundation allows each school community to decide on the selection process to ensure fairness and one teacher is selected for every 1,000 students.
“Professionally this award means a great deal to me knowing that my administrators and peers recognize my dedication and passion for educating children,” said Hewins during an interview with the Westfield News. “Also, I am honored to be joining this respected group of recipients of such a prestigious award. I come from a family of educators, so personally the award is a tribute not only to myself, but to my family who has inspired me to be the best educator I can be.”
For McClaflin, the recognition was an “unexpected honor.”
“Both professionally and personally, it validates the hard work I put in and makes me proud to be a teacher,” said McClaflin. “I am only one of many who could have been chosen for the honor, and that makes it that much more humbling. We are fortunate to have some very talented and wonderful individuals on our team in Westfield and I am grateful to be a part of it.”
O’Neil noted he was both “shocked and honored” to be recognized with the teaching award.
“I never thought that this award, or any other, would be bestowed upon me as all of the educators here at Westfield High School are of the highest caliber,” he said. “Personally, the award validates my approach to teaching and students. I constantly evaluate my performance and approach with the most critical eye one can imagine. This award has shown me the value of such self-criticism as one can never feel that they have it figured out.”
O’Neil added that receiving the award was both a “humbling and exhilarating experience” for which he is “truly grateful.”
The Grinspoon Foundation’s belief is that teachers are important in shaping the lives of children in our society and in the communities in which they live. To encourage them to remain in the teaching field, the award provides $500 as a personal gift, an engraved plaque, two tickets to the banquet, a three-month membership to a local YMCA, a three-month membership to the Springfield Jewish Community Center, a special gift invitation by WGBY Channel 57, and $100 grants for graduate course offerings at Bay Path University, Elms College, Springfield College, Western New England University, and Westfield State University.
There were also gifts given by Country Bank, Holyoke Credit Union, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, PC, and STCU Credit Union.
For Comee, the night was two-fold.
“I take pride in the work that I do every day in the classroom,” she said, adding, “I praise my students on everything they do, because positive reinforcement is a motivator.”
Comee added that the recognition was a “pat on the back” which will motivate her to strive to be the best.
“Professionally, this award gives me recognition in my school and throughout the district,” she said. “People now know who I am, and what I do well. It also gives me an opportunity to further my education with the donations from local colleges toward graduate credits.”
Herron noted that the foundation will continue to focus on and support public and parochial school teachers who each day bring their A-game of enthusiasm to their classrooms.
For Roselli, the award is “special” on several levels.
“The award is a reflection of the dedication I have for my students each and every day,” said Roselli. “To be recognized by your colleagues is one of the greatest honors I have achieved in my career.”
