The Hoosic Valley Education Foundation announced the winners of their first ever Excellence in Education Award at the Character Counts and Academic Awards ceremonies on June 7, 2018.The purpose of this award is to recognize educators in our district who exceed expectations and make the classroom an exciting place for their students. The HVEF wants to honor teachers who go above and beyond.
The HVEF encouraged students, teachers, and community members to nominate educators who use innovative and productive methods in their teaching. They particularly sought those who make use of new technology, incorporate creativity in their lesson plans, or challenge students to direct their own learning. From the many excellent nominees, they selected four educators committed to constantly improving the techniques and methods they use to educate.
We are now accepting nominees for the 2019 EEA Awards.
2018 Excellence in Education Winners
COMMUNITY-NOMINATED
Elementary
Ericka Silverman, Third Grade
Ms. Silverman was praised by parents not only because she “helped organize many programs at our school like PARP (Pick A Reading Partner), STEAM, and many more” but also because she “has a knack for showcasing each child’s strengths” to “create a successful and happy learning experience!”
High School
Bryan Zajesky, Social Studies
Students and parents noted that Mr. Zajesky “blends the subject matter with real world examples of current issues as well as a variety of mediums to teach (novels, texts, popular movies)” and “has also taught [students] writing and reading skills [they] will need for college.”
PEER-NOMINATED
Elementary
Sandra Fancher, Second Grade
Ms. Fancher’s peers nominated her because “she challenges her students to be independent, to take control of their learning, to be problem solvers, to think outside the box, and to feel good about themselves.” They also noted that “creativity overflows from Ms. Fancher’s classroom” and praised her for how she “stays up to date on the latest research and tries out new techniques that she thinks might help her students.”
High School
Colleen Kross, Eight Grade Special Education
Of Ms. Kross, peers said she “goes above and beyond to keep her students organized and ready to learn, as well as keeping parents informed about what is going on in the 8th grade” and “incorporates lessons that help students grasp new concepts as well as connect them to previous content.”
As part of the award, each educator will receive a $175 grant from the Foundation to continue the excellent work they do in the 2018-2019 school year. The HVEF is proud to recognize these award winners for their contributions to the Hoosic Valley school district and looks forward to many years of honoring innovative educators.