Secondary school teachers across Western New York will receive accolades for their work on April 26 at the annual recognition dinner and ceremony presented by the Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development at the University of Rochester. Sixty-eight teachers from Rochester to Elmira were nominated by their schools for exceptional work.
"Teaching is a profession where the greatest rewards can be seen in the lives of our students," says Raffaella Borasi, acting dean of the Warner School and a mathematics educator. "But at least once during the year, we must acknowledge teachers who have a commitment to inspire minds and lead the way for our children."
With the sponsorship of Charter One Bank, the Awards for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching are given to teachers who perform superior work in these categories: knowledge and enthusiasm for their subject; well-organized and imaginative lessons; clear and interesting explanations of important concepts; and a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
From among the winners, an awards committee singled out three educators for special attention. This year's distinguished teachers are: Anthony Bertino, biology teacher and science supervisor at Canandaigua Academy; (Ms.) Gale B. Harris, human services vocational teacher at Edison Technical and Occupational Education Center in Rochester; and Henry A. Spang, biology teacher and science chair at Red Creek Central High School.
The dinner and the awards presentation begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26, in Cutler Ballroom at the Memorial Art Gallery.
The Warner School (on the Web at www.rochester.edu/warner/) offers master's degree and doctoral degree programs in teaching and curriculum, counseling and human development, and educational leadership.