26 Teachers of Excellence honored in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - More than two dozen Springfield teachers were honored Thursday night for their professionalism, effectiveness and their impact on their students.

Two-by-two, and to the cheers and applause of their colleagues and the Springfield School Committee, twenty six teachers came forward to be recognized as a 2013 "Pioneer Valley Teacher of Excellence."

They are recognized for being exceptional teachers who support their peers, and approach their jobs with passion and creativity.

While they consider it a very nice honor, they told 22News they didn't get into this profession for  this type of recognition.

"I did grow up in Springfield, and I went through the public schools myself, and I feel like I  got a great education, Brightwood  School Teacher Joette St. George told 22News.  "And I am back in Springfield because I want to give back to the community that gave to me."

Teacher of Excellence winners each receive a cash award of $500, an engraved plaque, a three-month gym membership and grants to attend courses at several western Massachusetts colleges and universities.

The 26 recipients will also be recognized at banquet at the Log Cabin in Holyoke May first.


The 2013 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients and their schools are:
Christina O’Connor, Balliet
Joette St.George, Brightwood
Anne MarieBettencourt, Central
Travis Reed, Central
Cathy Denno, Dorman
Laurie Ellis, Dorman
Audrey Sienkiewicz, Dryden
Sheryl Hall, Ells
KelseyBishop, Gerena
Emily Huntingon, Glickman
Tim Losee, Kennedy
Nathan Orie, Kennedy
Jillian Abdow, Lincoln
Denise Greenberg, Pottenger
Sage Lteif, South End
April Wesley Springfield Public Day High
Martha Manzi, District Wide Instructional Leader for Science
Katie Bevan, Sumner Avenue
Katie Strong, Sumner
Robert Jones, Springfield Renaissance
Deidre Cuffee Gray, Springfield Renaissance
Lynn Beglane, Talmadge
Maryann Sullivan, Walsh
Nicole Howell (New Teacher Award), Washington
Mariel Vazquez, White Street
Diane Zamar, White Street