Five teachers with decades of experience and one teacher new to the profession were awarded this year's Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award. Superintendent Czaporowski surprised our winners at their schools on Monday to share the exciting news.
In order to be selected by the district committee, teachers must be nominated by their principal because they've demonstrated exemplary teaching practices; they've had a strong impact on their students; they've inspired and motivated others; they’ve engaged their students' families; and they've gone above and beyond in the classroom and school community.
These exemplary teachers will be celebrated at a banquet held at the Log Cabin in their honor on April 30th. They will also receive $250, scholarships and tuition incentives for graduate courses, a YMCA membership, and the opportunity to apply for a grant for their classroom, among other gifts and benefits!
Congratulations! to all of our well-deserved Teaching Excellence Award winners!
Veteran Teachers
Korey Bruno, WHS Music Teacher
Mark Dargie, WHS History Teacher
Lauren Martins, Franklin Avenue Third Grade Teacher
Kelly O’Sullivan, WPS PreK-4 Literacy Coach
Kelly Paradis, Southampton Road School Third Grade Teacher
New Teacher
Catarina Marafuga, WIS Science, Technology, Engineering & Math teacher