JACKSON – It hasn’t been easy for educators in the last two and a half years given the COVID-19 pandemic – so the inclusion of an awards presentation during a recent Board of Education meeting proved popular by teachers and the public.
Board President Michael Walsh introduced the teachers who received awards saying, “tonight we have the pleasure of celebrating this year’s Teachers of the Year and Educational Services Professionals of the Year. In honoring them, I didn’t really want to use the word ‘resilient,’ although our honorees certainly are. I also didn’t want to focus on how well they have had to adapt over the course of these past two years, although they absolutely have done so.
“We are excited to focus on showing our sincere appreciation for the learning being done in our schools every day, thanks to these amazing educators and their colleagues. Pandemic or no pandemic, there is a tremendous amount of content we are responsible for covering in 180 days – and our staff delivers. They push… they inspire… they model excellence day in and day out. They are truly spectacular,” Walsh added.
He noted that the Board and fellow educators were excited “to celebrate them for the utter and complete dedication they have to making sure our students are growing academically, socially and emotionally.” This dedication takes many forms:
● A creative lesson created by a teacher who needed to find a way to recapture her students’ attention;
● A quiet comment to a student in the hallway from a teacher, coach or counselor who noticed a kid needed a trusted adult to talk to;
● The tireless efforts of school nurses who were the tip of the spear in navigating and responding to an unprecedented crisis;
● Or paraprofessionals, interventionists and therapists whose support services who turned a student’s struggle into success.
The Board President added, “learning and growth do not happen by accident. They are the direct result of professionals like the ones we have here tonight giving their hearts and souls so our students can thrive. On behalf of the entire Board of Education, it is truly our honor to recognize you tonight.”
The teachers were escorted by their building principal in receiving their recognition.
From Crawford-Rodriguez Elementary School: Teacher Kerry Jankowski; Psychologist Nicole DiGeronimo
From Elms Elementary School: Teacher Shaina Brenner; Media Specialist Sheryl Konopack
From Holman Elementary School: Teacher Joanne Lykes; Speech Therapist Dana Sworzanski
From Johnson Elementary School: Teacher Travis Crozier; School Nurse Dana Weinstein
From Rosenauer Elementary School: Teacher Cassandra Veltrano; Paraprofessional Donna DeLorenzi
From Switlik Elementary School: Teacher Teresa Toddings; Media Specialist Lorraine Palme
From Goetz Middle School: Teacher Mary Beth Hughes; Student Assistance Coordinator Stacey Fisk
From McAuliffe Middle School: Teacher Jaime Hesnan; Math Interventionist Melissa Lambert
From Jackson Liberty High School: Teacher Katherine Gibson; School Nurse Elizabeth Smink
From Jackson Memorial High School: Teacher Jason Diaz; Paraprofessional Michelle Sheeran
Walsh also announced the district awards.
“The person chosen for this award is someone who is dedicated to both her students and her colleagues. She is a master at making connections with others and makes every person – adult or child – feel like they are the most important person in the room,” he said.
“She is involved in her school’s Sunshine Committee and is committed to creating a positive working environment at her school. She has a tremendous amount of skill and expertise in her area but she is always willing and wanting to grow and is dedicated to being the best resource for students she can be. She is always looking for ways to refine her skills and to find new and interesting ways to reach her students,” he added.
“This staff member has worn a few different hats in the district and spearheaded and manages her school’s ‘Trout in the Classroom’ experience – which provides first-hand lessons on responsibility, commitment and sustainability and just like the trout she releases into the wild through the Forestry Center, she lovingly releases the students into their next educational adventure with a strong foundation of excellence she has modeled for them,” Walsh said.
For all these reasons, Elms Elementary School Media Specialist Sheryl Konopack was named District Educational Service Professional of the Year.
In speaking about the award for the District Teacher of the Year, Walsh remarked, “this year’s recipient is someone who inspires students and colleagues to find the best within themselves. A teacher that challenges students to strive beyond their perceived limits and who works tirelessly to give them the tools necessary to get there.
“With more than 20 years’ experience, this teacher is known for having a quick wit and a mischievous sense of humor sometimes. These personality traits serve this person well in the classroom, allowing this teacher to connect deeply with students and to actively seek out ways to reach every single child in the classroom, every year, for more than 20 years,” Walsh remarked.
Walsh said the winner’s dedication to the craft goes beyond the traditional school, and into countless parent workshops given to strengthen the home-school connection.
“He embodies excellence, models dedication and seeks out opportunities to challenge himself as a teacher. For example, he introduced a journal newsletter to a school-wide audience, with great success. He is the epitome of what it means to go above and beyond for his students and his colleagues,” Walsh said.
“For these reasons and for all the ways he has mastered the art of teaching and inspiring our students, we are proud to honor as our District Teacher of the Year – from Johnson Elementary School – Travis Crozier,” Walsh added.
