TCT and Adirondack Broadcasting to Recognize Educators in our Communities
Teacher of the Week is a weekly awards program sponsored by TCT Federal Credit Union and Adirondack Broadcasting where we honor local school employees for their outstanding efforts. One Teacher of the Week recipient is selected each week and announced on-air.
All school employees are eligible to win!
If you know of a school employee who does an extraordinary job and goes above and beyond for you or your child, we want to hear about it.
Nominate a special school employee today
The Teacher of the Week award includes a plaque from Adirondack School Portraits in Glens Falls, flowers from A Lasting Impression Florist in Queensbury, a gift certificate to Adirondack Winery in Lake George, gift cards from Davidson Brothers restaurant, Garcia Plastic and Hand Surgery in Glens Falls, Hair Creations Salon, and the Southern Adirondack Re-store, building homes and hope throughout our community! Plus a travel mug and coffee from Stewart’s.
Congratulations Teachers of the Week!
2020–2021 School Year
Teacher of the Year 2020-2021
Congratulations to Danielle Kinsey, 4th Grade Teacher at the Gordon Creek Elementary School in Ballston Spa!
Danielle has done exceptional things throughout the school year not only due to the pandemic being an inconvenience but she has been there for her students emotionally, as well as supporting their growth and education. Shortly before the Christmas break Danielle and the students of the Gordon Creek Elementary School were forced to close early due to the virus. Many students still had arts and crafts projects they created as gifts for family for the holidays. Danielle not only took the time to personally hand-deliver all of the crafts that belonged to each student but also supplied additional arts and craft projects for the downtime at home for the student and siblings in the household. She is compassionate, energetic, and cares deeply. She was nominated by a child and a paragraph written by their mother. The nomination was from the heart. View Photo
Week of June 14
Congratulations to Mrs. Karen Bauer, Special Education Teacher at the Queensbury High School!
Like many students during the pandemic, several of Mrs. Bauer’s students have been struggling the past year. She has gone above and beyond to show her students unconditional love and support right when they really needed it. Mrs. Bauer has offered to visit her students at home and provide them some one-on-one instruction, above what she does during the school day. She loves teaching for all the right reasons and thanks to Mrs. Karen Bauer at the Queensbury High School for all that she does! View Photo
Week of June 7
Congratulations to Mr. Tim Kelleher, Social Studies Teacher at the Greenwich Central Schools!
Mr. Kelleher teaches 12th-grade Economics and Government as well as 8th-grade U.S. History. He uses current events to tie in history to help his students better understand the lessons. Mr. Kelleher is a master at using questioning techniques to get his students to think and is a positive influence for them. He has also coached the Greenwich Soccer and Lacrosse teams and is retiring at the end of this school year. Thanks to Mr. Tim Kelleher at the Greenwich Central Schools for all of his efforts with his students and athletes! View Photo
Week of May 31
Congratulations to Mrs. Lisa Wells, Foreign Language Teacher at the Corinth High School!
Mrs. Wells is so dedicated to her work and her students. She knows how to convey even the most confusing material, and always brings such energy to her lessons to keep students engaged. Mrs. Wells tirelessly works to bring both the Spanish language and Hispanic culture alive in the classroom. After more than 30 years as an educator, Mrs. Wells is retiring this year and her students both past and present are excited about her being named teacher of the week. Thanks to Mrs. Lisa Wells at Corinth High School for all her efforts for her students and good luck with your retirement! View Photo
Week of May 24
Congratulations to Mrs. Jerilyn Stellato, Director of Technology Integration and Information for the South Glens Falls School District!
With the Covid pandemic and the creation of virtual instruction, South Glens Falls teamed up with the Glens Falls School District to form a combined Grade K through 5th school this year. Mrs. Stellato serves as Principal and oversees 16 teachers serving over 350 students in a fully virtual program. She helps to track down students who have missed classes, troubleshooting technology, and providing families with support to access virtual learning. Thanks again to Mrs. Jerilyn Stellato at South Glens Falls School District for all of her hard work during this unusual school year. View Photo
Week of May 17
Congratulations to Mrs. Sheley Tozier, Algebra One Teacher at Shenendehowa High School West!
Mrs. Tozier empowers her students to take personal pride in their work and she always makes the extra effort to help them succeed in her class. Mrs. Tozier has set extraordinary standards for the entire Math Department with her involvement in numerous department curriculum committees and her knowledge of the New York State common core and next-generation learning standards. Many student teachers of Mrs. Tozier have gone on to become excellent members of the Shenendehowa faculty. Thanks again to Mrs. Sheley Tozier for all that she does! View Photo
Week of May 10
Congratulations to Mrs. Lori Bouton, 2nd-grade Teacher at the Stewart M. Townsend Middle School at Hadley-Luzerne Central School!
Mrs. Bouton goes above and beyond to meet the educational, emotional, and physical needs of each of her students. She is always upbeat and cheerful coming to school with a smile on her face. Mrs. Bouton's fun and creative approach to teaching brings the joy of learning to her students. Her positive attitude not only inspires her students but her fellow teachers as well. View Photo
Week of May 3
Congratulations to Jenee Culligan, 1st-grade Teacher at the Harrison Avenue Elementary School in South Glens Falls!
When Mrs. Culligan’s students are out of school, she takes the time to bring them their chrome books and supplies so that they can keep up with their classroom. Students learn so much from Mrs. Culligan because she takes the time to address their needs and works with them. She always puts the student’s education first. Thank you to Mrs. Jenee Culligan for all that you do for the South Glens Falls community and your students.
Week of April 26
Congratulations to Mrs. Rebecca Britten, Kindergarten Teacher at the Margaret Murphy Kindergarten Center in Hudson Falls
Mrs. Britten does a great job keeping parents up to date on their child and works with parents to create Google meetings if the students are remote. Mrs. Britten even creates YouTube videos reading to her students, sends them links to educational videos, and suggests books to buy to help them over the summer months. The parents and students at the Kindergarten Center in Hudson Falls really appreciate all that Mrs. Rebecca Britten does to help them build a great educational foundation for a lifetime of learning. View Photo
Week of April 19
Congratulations to Mr. William Hardin, Math Teacher at the Granville Junior-Senior High School
Mr. Hardin teaches applied mathematics, calculus, and statistics. He is always available to students whenever they need help in math and normally stays in class after the school day so students can go to him for extra guidance. Mr. Hardin is also in charge of Granville’s Math League team and the National Honor Society. And most of all, Mr. Hardin encourages his students to be the best that they can be and provides them opportunities to succeed in anything they do. Thanks again to Mr. William Hardin at the Granville Junior-Senior High School!
Week of April 12
Professor Heidi Durkee at SUNY Adirondack
Professor Durkee works with students studying business at SUNY Adirondack. She works tirelessly to teach students Personal Finance, Accounting, QuickBooks, Math of Finance and Business Communications. Professor Durkee contributed to the development of the accounting a-s transfer degree at the college and serves as co-advisor of the SUNY Adirondack Business Club. Students flock to her due to her dedication and personality. Thanks again to professor Heidi Durkee at SUNY Adirondack for all that she does to help her students. View Photo
Week of April 5
Mr. James Delancey, Advanced Biology Teacher at the Hudson Falls High School
Both in and out of the classroom, Mr. Delancey shows compassion, patience and is constantly putting the needs of his students before his own. Once you step into his classroom, immediately he makes students feel at ease to be there...knowing it’s a safe place where they can learn and laugh every day. For Mr. Delancey’s high school seniors, he is constantly teaching them life lessons, telling funny stories about his life, and never fails to have every one of his students leaving the class with a smile on their face. Thanks again to Mr. James Delancey at the Hudson Falls High School. View Photo
Week of March 29
Mrs. Tara Cody, Special Education Teacher at the Fort Ann Central School
Mrs. Cody is a dedicated teacher who during last year’s school closure, would personally deliver and pick up work packets for her students to keep them engaged in learning. She is quick to adapt to her students’ specific needs and finds a happy medium between learning and fun. Mrs. Cody’s efforts have changed many students who initially did not want to come to school, to students who love to come to school every day and advance their academics. Mrs. Cody helps students at Fort Ann Central School from Kindergarten to 12th grade and the entire school community appreciates her efforts. View Photo
Week of March 22
Mrs. Pearl Florick, 1st-Grade Teacher at the Queensbury Elementary School
Mrs. Florick is known for her patience, kindness, compassion, and she goes above and beyond for everyone…not just her students. She is always happy to help students who may be having a rough time with classwork by being encouraging and assisting them to be as successful as they can be. Both her students and their parents are grateful for all her extra efforts. Again congratulations to Mrs. Pearl Florick at the Queensbury Elementary School. View Photo
Week of March 15
Mrs. Brooke Poole 2nd-Grade Teacher at the Jackson Heights Elementary School in Glens Falls
Mrs. Poole has been great in helping parents and grandparents of her students while they were learning virtually. She would do private sessions with them to provide pointers on how to help their students at home and that guidance helped the students tremendously. It's easy for students to fall behind while going between home and school learning and Mrs. Poole has been great in bridging the gap and keeping them moving forward.
Week of March 8
Mrs. Donna Phinney, Special Education Teacher at the Cambridge Elementary School
Mrs. Phinney has shown strong leadership through this tough school year and she pours her heart and soul into her fourth-grade classroom. Being a teacher for over 20 years, Mrs. Phinney is a great resource not only to her students but also to the Cambridge Community as well as Cambridge School faculty. Throughout the years she has served the Cambridge area helping with roadside cleanup and community dinners. Mrs. Finney helps to turn her students' challenges into triumphs. View Photo
Week of March 1
Ms. Shelly Moore, Special Education Teacher at the Hudson Falls Primary School
Ms. Moore’s classroom is called the soar classroom, where her students with special needs can soar to new heights. Ms. Moore teaches her students knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each individual student and brings out the best in all of them. She pushes her students out of their comfort zone and they gain many new skills because of it. Her students and their parents would like to thank Shelly Moore at the Hudson Falls Primary School for all that she does. View Photo
Week of February 22
Miss Anna Zibro, 6th-Grade Teacher at Lake George School
Miss Zibro is a new teacher for Lake George and has stepped in and done a great job with both in-class and virtual learning. She really cares, always has a smile on her face, and makes learning fun every day. Her students feel fortunate that Miss Zibro became their new teacher this year and want to thank her for all of her extra efforts.
Week of February 15
Mrs. Stacy Parker, 3rd-Grade Teacher at Salem Elementary School
Mrs. Parker is such a genuine, down-to-earth, compassionate, loving teacher. With students that are having trouble with the back and forth remote learning and in-person school, she provides them with comfort and communicates with the parents consistently. Mrs. Parker has a way of boosting students' confidence and provides them with security so they can excel. The parents and teachers in Salem appreciate what Mrs. Parker does for their school and community.
Week of February 8
Mrs. Noreen Harris, Fourth-grade Teacher at St Mary's-St Alphonsus Regional School in Glens Falls
Mrs. Harris has been teaching at St Mary's-St Alphonsus for over 35 years. Over the years, she has been well known for going above and beyond for the students. In all of her years of teaching, Mrs. Harris has made it a priority to incorporate daily lessons of morality and history to help lead her students in cultivating a promising future. Mrs. Harris wears multiple hats at St Mary's-St Alphonsus. She is also the director of Camp Kerry, the after-school daycare program at St Mary's. Thanks to Mrs. Noreen Harris at St Mary's-St Alphonsus in Glens Falls for all of the years helping her students!
Week of February 1
Mrs. Shannon Fox, Kindergarten Teacher at the Kensington Road Elementary School in Glens Falls
During these challenging times, Mrs. Fox makes the first-year school experience as normal as possible for her students. At this time, the kids can't enjoy typical kindergarten experiences, but Mrs. Fox has thought of great ways to make sure they continue learning and having fun. When they are forced to go viral, she makes sure the online learning is also engaging. Mrs. Fox also does an excellent job communicating with the parents of all of her students. View Photo
Week of January 25
Mrs. Kristine Geer, Music Teacher at the Ballard Road Elementary School in Wilton
Mrs. Geer goes above and beyond every school year, but has really stepped up her efforts this year. Sometimes, music is one of the only times students can just be “kids” and just sing songs. Mrs. Geer set up her classroom to allow social distancing so the students feel comfortable and she also volunteered to drop off lunches to the children in the school who needed them. Thanks again to Mrs. Kristine Geer at the Ballard Road Elementary School for all of her extra work this school year!
Week of January 18
Mr. Tim Brunson, Principal of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School
Mr. Brunson has been an exceptional leader during the COVID-19 pandemic and can usually be seen in his office from 6 am to sometimes 9 pm. And because he believes in and loves his students, Mr. Brunson went through the graduation ceremony 8 times. Congratulations to Mr. Tim Brunson, principal of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School.
Week of January 11
Mrs. Mary Beth Moran, Kindergarten Teacher at Schuylerville Elementary
In any normal school year, parents love the fun caring nature Mary Beth Moran gives to the students in her Kindergarten class, but parents this year are seeing the caring nature overflow to their homes during the pandemic. Just before Christmas, when a student and his family needed to be quarantined Mrs. Moran was there for them. She checked in the family and personally delivered craft supplies needed by her student to finish his Christmas gift project for Mom and Dad. Mrs. Moran also included extra crafts and treats for the student's siblings. She's teaching all of us how to be caring and helpful during trying times. Thank you for all that you do for your students, school, and community.
Week of January 4
Mrs. Kari Peters, School Nurse at the Hudson Falls Middle School
Mrs. Peters has been instrumental in helping the students with care, compassion, and comfort. She has gone above and beyond to help families that have been affected by being quarantined. Mrs. Peters' has done personal errands for families and called hundreds of students to check on them daily. Mrs. Peters' caring nature is hard to find. Her school spirit is infectious and she is a positive influence and inspiration to the students and their families. Congratulations to Kari Peters for a job well done as a school nurse at the Hudson Falls Middle School! View Photo
Week of December 21
Mrs. Danielle Kinsey, 4th-grade Teacher at the Gordon Creek Elementary School in Ballston Spa
When one of her students had to quarantine earlier this year, she made sure to drive to that student’s house to deliver supplies and directions so that they could participate in an activity that the class was doing. And this week when parents found out that learning was going fully remote, Mrs. Kinsey packed each and every student’s supplies along with holiday gifts for them and hand-delivered them to the front doors of every student in her class. Her dedication to keeping her students engaged during this crazy time is incredible. Thanks to Mrs. Danielle Kinsey at the Gordon Creek Elementary School in Ballston Spa.
Week of December 14
Mr. Andrew Jennings, Kindergarten Teacher at the Schuylerville Elementary School
This year, Mr. Jennings is actually handling both a kindergarten and first-grade class, virtually. He has amazing energy and truly keeps his students engaged and excited while teaching virtually. Mr. Jennings is patient and considerate and makes it a point to include all of his students on a personal level during his lessons. As teachers and parents know, teaching virtually is a challenging task, and Mr. Jennings’ students are not only learning but thriving and having fun at the same time. Thanks to Mr. Andrew Jennings at the Schuylerville Elementary School!
Week of December 7
Mr. David Moynihan, 6th-grade Math Teacher at the Glens Falls Middle School
Mr. Moynihan’s students think he is the best because he takes students who have struggled in math and helps them to achieve 80’s, 90’s and 100’s on their tests. He is always friendly and treats his students like one big family. Mr. Moynihan’s students feel lucky to be in his class and their parents appreciate all of his extra efforts. Thanks to Mr. David Moynihan from the Glens Falls Middle School for all that he does.
Week of November 30
Mrs. Audrey McKernon, 3rd-grade Teacher at the Argyle Central Schools
Mrs. McKernon really gets to know her students and finds a fun way to teach different subjects. For Math, she came up with fun multiplication poems to help her students remember what they learned in class. To help her students properly distance themselves from one another, Mrs. McKernon taught them a superhero pose that has their arms stretched out and keeps the students safe. She really listens to her students and they are happy to see Mrs. Audrey McKernon at Argyle Central Schools as this week’s teacher of the week!
Week of November 23
Mrs. Meredyth Junco, Reading Teacher at the Salem Central Schools
Mrs. Junco makes an unbelievable connection with her students. When the school first shut down last March, she met with her students often and even over the summer months to keep them reading! Mrs. Junco selects books that interest the group of students she is working with. Her communication with parents is stellar and she becomes friends with each of her student’s families. Thanks to Mrs. Meredyth Junco for all that she does for her students at the Salem Central Schools!
Week of November 16
Mrs. Bethany Carpenter, 4th-grade teacher at the Big Cross Elementary School in Glens Falls
Mrs. Carpenter went out of her way to make sure a student's transition to virtual learning was stress-free. She had the student’s supplies delivered to their home and made a quick pivot to virtual learning and made that student feel like they were still part of the class. Thanks to Bethany Carpenter, 4th-grade teacher at the Big Cross Elementary School in Glens Falls for making a difference in your community.
Week of November 9
Miss Kristen O’Connor, first-grade teacher at the Kensington Road Elementary School in Glens Falls
Miss O’Connor is an energetic teacher who adores who the students in her classroom. With classes split in half this year, Miss O’Connor works twice as hard to cover academics with both her morning and afternoon class. She is great with technology and helps the students, and many of their parents become more comfortable with virtual learning. Miss O’Connor is the first to donate her time, talents, money, food, and even her athleticism for any cause that is going on at school or in the community. The faculty and students at Kensington Road Elementary School are fortunate to have such a talented and caring teacher in their school.
Week of November 2
Mrs. Sarah Boice, 3rd-grade teacher at the Fort Ann Central Schools
Mrs. Boice really stepped up her skills last school year and this year when virtual learning became a reality. She met with her students every day and read them a new chapter in the book that her class was reading. Mrs. Boice also sets up special live meets with her students whenever they need extra help to catch up on their work. The parents of her students really appreciate all that she has done to make virtual and classroom learning much better to handle. Thanks to Mrs. Sarah Boice at the Fort Ann Central Schools!
Week of October 26
Mrs. Rebecca Morris, 4th-grade Teacher at the Johnsburg Central School in North Creek
Mrs. Morris has gone above and beyond during this time of remote learning. She takes extra time to check in with each student to meet their individual needs and provides a welcome and fun atmosphere for the students to learn. Mrs. Morris spends a lot of her personal time thinking of new and unique ways to connect the students during this unusual time and make sure they have their best school year yet. Thank you to Mrs. Rebecca Morris at the Johnsburg Central School for all of her efforts!
Week of October 19
Miss Amber Bement formerly of the Fort Edward Union Free School District
Miss Bement taught 9th and 10th grade English last school year and did an outstanding job with her students throughout the year. When the pandemic hit and virtual learning became a reality, Miss Bement stepped up to help her students via google meet. She provided extra help to assist students to maintain their averages and extended due date deadlines for schoolwork. Thanks to Miss Amber Bement formerly of the Fort Edward Union Free School District.
Week of October 12
Mr. Joel Gordon, Special Education Teacher at the Queensbury Middle School
Mr. Gordon has been a life-saver during the virtual learning from last school year into this year. He meets with students every day for as long as they need his support. When school is in session normally, he is always available for help and he checks in on the students to see how they are doing outside of school. Mr. Gordon knows how to make learning fun to keep his students engaged in their schoolwork. Thanks to Mr. Joel Gordon at the Queensbury Middle School for all that he does!
Week of October 5
Mrs. Alesa Wilson, Reading Teacher at the Greenwich Junior-Senior High School
Mrs. Wilson makes learning fun and meaningful for her students. Her commitment to her students became even more apparent when learning went remote. She adapted quickly and began work with her students one on one, many of whom did not have reliable internet access…so Mrs. Wilson spent a lot of time teacher over the phone. She wants her students to do their best and genuinely cares about them. Thanks for all you do…Mrs. Alesa Wilson at the Greenwich Junior-Senior High School!
Week of September 28
Ms. Jessica Curtin, Teacher at the Sunshine Nursery School in Cambridge
Ms. Curtin has a special way of working with young kids. She makes them feel comfortable and is so caring. Ms. Curtin does a great job in taking new students under her wing and make the transition into a new learning environment so easy. Ms. Jessica Curtin is a true rock star at the Sunshine Nursery School in Cambridge. Congratulations on being Teacher of the Week!
View 2019-2020 Awarded Educators
View 2018-2019 Awarded Educators
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