The Teacher Recognition Award is given annually to one teacher from each school for a particular contribution beyond the scope of a teachers’ performance. Typically, this award is announced at a Board of Education meeting with family, friends, and colleagues present, but nothing was typical about this past school year. Alternatively, school principals and administrators recognized and awarded all teachers at all Byram Hills schools! “If teaching this year were an Olympic event, I’d give all of our teachers gold medals,” exclaimed Dr. Jen Lamia, Superintendent of Schools. Teachers were surprised at a faculty meeting and honored with a video that included photos of each of them.
The following are excerpts from each principal’s presentation to the teachers.
Coman Hill
“Since the start of the pandemic, the Coman Hill teachers have accomplished what many would have deemed impossible,” said Mrs. MaryBeth Crupi, Coman Hill Principal. “From restructuring classrooms to creating warm learning spaces, embracing new technologies, supporting each other and our students, the Coman Hill teachers have shined brightly.” Mrs. Crupi concluded, “We are honored to present the entire Coman Hill faculty the 2021 Teacher Recognition award.”
Wampus
“The 2020-2021 school year was like no other year in the history of Wampus, Byram Hills, or the rest of the world. The challenges that were presented to the teachers were magnificent,” said Mrs. Peggy McInernery Wampus, Principal. “How the Wampus teachers handled all of these challenges was far more magnificent than the challenges themselves. Wampus teachers’ ability to manage significant responsibilities, problem solve, adapt, teach and set the example on how to lead a school was evident this past year,” Mrs. McInernery said.
H.C. Crittenden
“When thinking about the HCC Teacher of the Year award in the past, that person committed to their students, sought improvement, reflected on their work, collaborated with colleagues, engaged in
professional development, and put students first,” said Ms. Kim Lapple, H.C. Crittenden Principal. “It seemed impossible to identify just one person in a year that was the most challenging of our teaching careers,” Ms. Lapple said.
Byram Hills High School
“As I reflected on this year, I felt that recognizing only one of our colleagues would be counter to the spirit of the award,” said Mr. Christopher Walsh, Byram Hills High School Principal. “Each of our teachers set an example of professionalism, dignity, perseverance, and excellence in the most
difficult year to teach in our school’s history. In addition, teachers found innovative ways to connect with students allowing them to feel stable during an unstable time.”