The Hoosic Valley Education Foundation announced the winners of their second ever Excellence in Education Award at the Academic Awards and Character Counts ceremonies on May 30th and June 14th. 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 educators 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.
2019 Excellence in Education Winners
COMMUNITY-NOMINATED
Elementary
Kerri Greco, STEAM Lab
Greco was praised by parents not only because she “helped organize many new learning methods in our school STEAM Lab” but also because she “poured pure determination into that room for our kids to walk into and be wowed” and “has modeled for all of the teachers in the building, how to engage students in creative inquiry based on their interest and what inspires their curiosity”
High School
Adam Myott, Spanish
Students and parents noted that Myott “has a way of making learning fun and never fails to make students laugh” and “is committed to helping all students of Hoosic Valley experience culture beyond what our little town of Schaghticoke offers” Mr. Myott is always ready to lend a helping hand “heading up Student Council, Photography Club, the modified cross country team, and Foreign Language Club” while also assisting with Prom, Ski Club, multiple school field trips and fundraisers, DJ’ing at the middle school dances, MORP, and semi-formal.
PEER-NOMINATED
Elementary
Teresa Beamish, Library Assistant
Beamish’s peers nominated her because she is “a positive role-model who uses enriching language, encourages children’s natural curiosity and challenges them to think for themselves” They also noted that “she is amazing to watch as she engages students during read-aloud times. Her tone, delivery and expression stimulate students to be active listeners.”” and praised her for how she works to incorporate new and exciting activities within weekly Library time including STEM activities, works with staff to incorporate new resources like “Breakout Box” and continuously works to support the needs of teaching staff and students.
High School
Richard Chadwick, Special Education
Of Chadwick, peers said he “puts forth incredible amounts of effort to prepare his students to move on to the next grade levels” and “incorporates emotional and social learning into his lessons” They also noted that he is “a patient and understanding mentor to new staff”
As part of the award, each educator will receive a $175 grant from the Foundation to continue the excellent work they do in the 2019-2020 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.
Download the press release here