TCT and Adirondack Broadcasting 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, 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!
2022–2023 School Year
Week of May 8
Congratulations to Miss. Alexandra Sprague, 4th-grade Teacher at South Glens Falls’ Ballard Road Elementary School in Wilton
Miss. Sprague is truly one-of-a-kind. She goes out of her way to connect with not only every student but their parents as well. Parents and students feel like they’ve gained not only a teacher but a friend. Miss. Sprague has turned around many students who used to dread going to school, but now can’t wait to get there. She makes every day fun and educational at the same time. Thanks to Alexandra Sprague for all she does at South Glens Falls’ Ballard Road Elementary School in Wilton.
Week of May 1
Congratulations to Mrs. Susan Cunningham, Reading Teacher at Queensbury Middle School
Mrs. Cunningham is an exceptional teacher and works hard to help her students succeed. She brings years of skill and knowledge to her students and encourages them to reach goals on their own while guiding them as they learn. Mrs. Cunningham has also volunteered her time to start up a new school club, as well as leading efforts with the Kindness Closet. Thanks to Mrs. Susan Cunningham for all that she does at the Queensbury Middle School
Week of April 10
Congratulations to Mr. Craig Falkenbury, Teaching Assistant at Corinth High School
Mr. Falkenbury works primarily with special education students, and you will not find a kinder, more committed teacher. He always has a joke or an amazing card trick to grab the attention of students and staff alike. His humor is contagious, and he always has a kind word to share. Mr. Falkenbury is incredibly generous to the Corinth community, and he coaches for both the school and summer programs. Thanks to Mr. Craig Falkenbury for all he does at Corinth High School!
Week of April 3
Congratulations to Mrs. Christine Sullivan, 3rd-grade Teacher at Warrensburg Elementary School
Mrs. Sullivan is an exceptional teacher. Not only because she always goes above and beyond for her students but because she has open communication with all parents. Mrs. Sullivan is passionate and will fight for what her students may need at any point in time. For example, Mrs. Sullivan was very helpful with students who struggle with anxiety. She advocates for the environment and items needed for the student to thrive. Mrs. Sullivan has forged a special relationship with all of her students and it’s always recognized when students return to visit her and talk to her for additional advice as they grow up. Students return to visit her through all their other grades at Warrensburg elementary school. Thanks to Mrs. Christine Sullivan for all that she does for the Warrensburg families and school community.
Week of March 27
Congratulations to Mrs. Jennifer Seymour, Art Teacher at the Mechanicville High School
Mrs. Seymour uses her Master’s Degree in Fine Arts to teach techniques to her students and she always shows appreciation for each student’s unique talents. Even when she was teaching from home during the pandemic, she showed her students how therapeutic using their creativity can really be and continues to be a positive mentor in the lives of young people every day. Thanks to Mrs. Jennifer Seymour for all of her work to bring art and beauty to Mechanicville High School!
Week of March 20
Congratulations to Mr. Joseph Traina, 8th-grade Teacher at the King’s School in Hadley
Mr. Traina makes learning fun and engaging with his energetic, humorous, and magnetic personality. He deeply cares for his students and teaches them real-life lessons through his assignments. Each student has an individual relationship with Mr. Traina as he takes the time to initiate one-on-one conversations with them. He has built firm foundations for life-long connections with each student and in addition, he has phenomenal communication skills with parents. Thanks to Mr. Joseph Traina for all he does for the King’s School in Hadley!
Week of March 13
Congratulations to Mrs. Barb McCune, a Teacher's Aide in the Special Education Program at the Wood Road Elementary School in Ballston Spa
Mrs. McCune treats every student like they are her own child by caring for their individual needs. She makes each student feel important and heard. With her warm personality, Mrs. McCune brightens the day for every student that is lucky enough to be in her class. Parents love and appreciate everything that Mrs. McCune does for her students at the Wood Road Elementary School in Ballston Spa. TCT Federal Credit Union is grateful for individuals such as Mrs. Barb McCune. The school environment and program thrive because of her care, dedication, and compassion and that is why she is this week's Adirondack Broadcasting and TCT Federal Credit Union Teacher of the Week.
Week of March 6
Congratulations to Mr. Jerry Noonan, 7th & 8th Special Education Teacher at the Washington Street Teaching and Learning Center in Fort Edward
Mr. Noonan really loves to work with his students. Many of his students have special challenges in their lives and Mr. Noonan enjoys teaching them things that they can use in all aspects of their life. His experience and teaching skills are appreciated by his students and their families. Congratulations again to Mr. Jerry Noonan from the Washington Street Teaching and Learning Center in Fort Edward for being this week’s Teacher of the Week.
Week of February 27
Congratulations to Ms. Kindra Byrne, Kindergarten Teacher at the Stewart M. Townsend Elementary School in the Hadley-Luzerne School District
Ms. Byrne embodies all the traits that make a wonderful kindergarten teacher. She is compassionate, fun, high-energy, and passionate about childhood development and teaching. Ms. Byrne is currently pursuing her master’s degree and does an awesome job of balancing her full-time teaching duties while attending college in the evening. She always makes time to answer parent questions and come up with creative lessons and fun activities! Thanks again to Ms. Kindra Byrne at the Stewart M. Townsend Elementary School!
Week of February 20
Congratulations to Mrs. Amy Kuster, Lead Teacher at the Head Start Center in Hudson Falls
Mrs. Kustler is an amazing Head Start teacher and goes way above and beyond for every child in her class. She’s always very welcoming and eager to help the children and the children’s families however she can. Mrs. Kuster has touched the lives of so many people and is truly a blessing to have working at Head Start in Hudson Falls. Thanks again to Mrs. Amy Kuster for all that she does!
Week of February 6
Congratulations to Ms. Rebecca Carnevalla, Guidance Counselor at the Queensbury Middle School
Ms. Carnevalla goes out of her way to help all of the students and their parents. She not only never judges students for their mistakes but instead helps them learn and grow from them. Along with the many students she helps daily, she also does community service and is the advisor for several student clubs at the school. Her dedication to serving the school and community is impressionable. Ms. Carnevalla’s positive approachable and upbeat personality helps students and parents feel connected to Queensbury Middle School and for these reasons, she has been selected as the Adirondack Broadcasting and TCT Federal Credit Union’s Teacher of the Week!
Week of January 30
Congratulations to Mrs. Felicia Milam, Kindergarten Teacher at Queensbury Elementary School
Mrs. Milam is in her first year teaching at Queensbury, and she has jumped into her work with a lot of enthusiasm! Her students love coming to school to learn and her creative style of teaching in the classroom helps lessons stick with them! Parents cannot believe how much their kids have learned so far this school year in Mrs. Milam’s class. Thanks to Mrs. Felicia Milam at Queensbury elementary school for bringing fresh energy, excitement, and joy to the classroom, that is why you are this week’s Adirondack Broadcasting and TCT Federal Credit Union’s Teacher of the Week!
Week of January 23
Congratulations to Mrs. Mary Meliski, 3rd-grade Teacher at the St. Marys St. Alphonsus Regional Catholic School in Glens Falls
Mrs. Meliski always goes above and beyond for her students. She has purchased extra multiplication books and started a multiplication club after school to help her students learn more about math! Mrs. Meliski’s students look forward to school and she has helped to make learning exciting in her classroom. She is always available after school for students who need extra help! Thanks to Mrs. Mary Meliski for all she does at SMSA in Glens Falls!
Week of January 16
Congratulations to Ms. Nicole Matino, English Teacher at Glens Falls High School
Ms. Matino cares for and loves all her students. She makes classes fun and presents the material so that it is easy to learn. Ms. Matino does everything possible for her students to be happy and have a good learning environment. Her students appreciate all her extra efforts and how she helps them with their English classwork. Thanks again to Ms. Nicole Matino from Glens Falls High School!
Week of January 9
Congratulations to Mrs. Tiffani Murray, 3rd-grade Teacher at the Stillwater Elementary School
Mrs. Murray is the most fun-loving teacher who happens to care about her students deeply. She goes from spending extra time with each student when they need help, to buying snow boots for a student so they may go on the playground at recess. Her support goes beyond her classroom. For example, if any of her students are involved in a play, concert, or sporting event, Mrs. Murray makes it a point to show up and support them. Mrs. Murray also is a great role model for going to school as she recently completed her Master's Degree. Mrs. Tiffani Murray, thank you for all you do for the students and community of Stillwater Elementary School! She’s extraordinary and for that Adirondack Broadcasting has selected her as the Teacher of the Week sponsored by TCT Federal Credit Union.
Week of January 2
Congratulations to Mrs. Maria Payne, Guidance Counselor at the Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park
Mrs. Payne helps her students gain confidence in themselves and recognize that they can graduate and move forward in life. She helps her students stay on track during high school for whatever they choose to do afterward, whether that means college, a trade school, the military, or the working field. Often, high school students are unsure of what they’d like to do after high school, but thanks to Mrs. Payne at Shenendehowa high school, she helps to get her students ready for the transition! Her enlightened approach to students has them building goals as well as reaching their dreams. Her influence and positive assistance are what make her a true star and the Adirondack Broadcasting TCT Federal Credit Union Teacher of the Week.
Week of December 19
Congratulations to Mrs. Pamela O’Rourke, Preschool Special Education Teacher at the Helping Hands Academy and Nursery School in Clifton Park
Mrs. O’Rourke is the teacher of a special needs classroom and goes above and beyond for her students. She is especially good at communicating with parents to keep them updated on their children’s progress. Mrs. O’Rourke presents a fun classroom environment, and her students just flourish. Thanks again to Mrs. Pamela O’Rourke at the Helping Hands Academy in Clifton Park.
Week of December 5
Congratulations to Mrs. Judi Hull, a Teacher's Assistant in the 7th-grade Special Education Resource Room at the Warrensburg Junior-Senior High School
Last year, Mrs. Hull took over the classroom while the teacher was out with illness and did a great job. She thrives at helping students with their math and other classwork. She tries every way possible to connect the subject to the students. She would make sure the students would understand their classwork in a simpler and easier-to-understand way. In addition, Mrs. Hull also takes time out of her schedule to attend her student’s sporting events and truly wants to help all of them succeed both in and out of the classroom. A compassionate, caring individual who always thinks of her student’s mental health, education, and emotional support. That is why Mrs. Judi Hull of the Warrensburg Junior/Senior High school is this week’s Adirondack Broadcasting and TCT Federal Credit Union’s Teacher of the week!
Week of November 28
Congratulations to Mrs. Katie Chapman, Special Education Teacher at the Lake George High School
Mrs. Chapman is fully committed and devoted to her students. She is always willing to go the extra mile… for example, she is always giving up her free time and lunchtime to ensure the success of her students. Mrs. Chapman also offers her students a quiet and safe place to work on school lessons and decompress when necessary. The success of many of the students that have gone through her class can be largely credited directly to Mrs. Chapman. She simply cares about each student she engages with, with true devotion.
Week of November 21
Congratulations to Mr. Tom Sliva, a Teacher at the Hudson Falls Middle School
Mr. Sliva is incredibly kind and fun! He gives out work that is fun to do, yet his students also learn a lot from it. He makes his class fun by playing music, and cracking jokes…but works hard to help his students succeed! Mr. Sliva creates a special bond with all his students and that relationship lasts through their remaining years at Hudson Falls.
Week of November 14
Congratulations to Mrs. April Ostrander, 4th-grade Teacher at the Hudson Falls Intermediate School
Mrs. Ostrander has a special way with kids. She makes learning fun and her students always come home talking about something they learned at school that day. Mrs. Ostrander sets a schedule and routine that helps students thrive and they all know the clear expectations of each lesson every day. Her daily communication with parents is above and beyond and she lets them know what went over in class and how to reinforce that at home. Thanks to Mrs. April Ostrander for all that she does for her students at the Hudson Falls Intermediate School!
Week of November 7
Congratulations to Miss Emily Boncordo, English Teacher at the Ballston Spa Middle School
Miss Boncordo is a compassionate, outstanding teacher who helps her students that are struggling with their work and assists them to get their grades up. While that is common in most teachers, she even helps students with work from their other classes! Miss Boncordo has been known to constantly buy supplies for students in need, and they truly connect with her on a humanistic level that some may not have otherwise. And in addition to always supporting her students, members of the Ballston Spa Middle School have also informed us of her caring nature toward her fellow staff. Thanks to Miss Emily Boncordo for all that she does!
Week of October 31
Congratulations to Mr. Nick Richard, 12th grade Special Ed Teacher at the Schuylerville High School
Mr. Richard is not only a teacher, but he is a varsity football coach, assistant varsity lacrosse coach, and a girls j-v basketball coach. He goes out of his way to get involved in many extracurricular activities that go on at Schuylerville High School …he’s been in school plays, pep rally activities, corn hole tournaments and so much more. The students and staff members at Schuylerville would like to thank Mr. Richard for all that he does!
Week of October 24
Congratulations to Mrs. Marcella Eichhorn, School Counselor at the Corinth Elementary School
Mrs. Eichhorn is a native of Brazil and she help students in Corinth discover the beauty of diversity. She is a true force of nature that the students adore. Mrs. Eichhorn is quick to help all students, be it a brief hug in the hallways or providing a comforting space in her office. And the teachers rely on her expertise and marvel at her ability to speak five languages. Thank you Mrs. Marcella Eichhorn for being a true superstar educator at the Corinth Elementary School!
Week of October 17
Congratulations to Mrs. Kathleen Fortier, Pre-school Teacher at Noah’s Ark Pre-K at the St. Mary’s-St. Alphonsus Regional Catholic School in Glens Falls
Mrs. Fortier is a very compassionate individual who pays attention to all aspects of her student’s development and growth, along with their early school lessons. She also goes above and beyond with planning activities and supporting events at SMSA. After being in Mrs. Fortier’s class, many parents see positive changes in their kids and are extremely grateful for all of her hard work. Thanks again to Mrs. Kathleen Fortier at Noah’s Ark Pre-school at the St. Mary’s-St. Alphonsus Regional Catholic School in Glens Falls.
Week of October 10
Congratulations to Mrs. Michele Brodt, Pre-K Teacher at the Margaret M. Murphy Kindergarten Center in Hudson Falls
Mrs. Brodt takes the time to recognize the individual needs of each of her students and helps to pave the way for the start of their school learning. She develops meaningful relationships with students that last for many years beyond preschool. Both students and their parents really appreciate how caring Mrs. Brodt is and are proud that she is the teacher of the week. Congratulations to Mrs. Michele Brodt at the Margaret M. Murphy Kindergarten Center in Hudson Falls your exceptional connection to these young students is why you have been selected as this week's Adirondack Broadcasting and TCT Federal Credit Union Teacher of the Week.
Week of October 3
Congratulations to Mrs. Danielle Kuba, Special Education teacher at the Hudson Falls Senior High School
She is this week’s Adirondack Broadcasting and TCT Federal Credit Union’s Teacher of the week. Recently a new student moved into the district and Mrs. Kuba was extremely helpful to make the student feel welcomed. She helped them get adjusted to their schoolwork and classes, truly making them comfortably settle in the new environment. This is how Mrs. Kuba is all the time. She is always there for her students in any situation, including homework, school projects, and personal challenges. For many students, Mrs. Kuba is not only a teacher…but also a supporter and good friend. That’s why we are giving special thanks to Mrs. Danielle Kuba for all that she does for her students at the Hudson Falls Senior High School!
Week of September 19
Congratulations to Mary Bailey, Math Teacher at the Fort Ann High School
In addition to being a great teacher, Mrs. Bailey helps with the Fort Ann Trap Team by taking scores, always finding the gear they need, and helping kids who want to practice on weekends. Mrs. Bailey has 4 kids of her own plus all of her school kids and knows the importance of communicating with parents. She takes time and effort to care about her students and the people in the community and that's why she is this week's Adirondack Broadcasting and TCT Federal Credit Union Teacher of the Week. Congratulations to Mrs. Mary Bailey at the Fort Ann High School!
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