Four teachers earn Pioneer Valley Excellence awards

Date: 2/21/2011

Feb. 21, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

LONGMEADOW — Four Longmeadow teachers are the recipients of Pioneer Valley Excellence in Education awards.

Lorraine Kaylor from Williams Middle School, Jessica Moore of Longmeadow High School, Karen Palazzi of Center School and Nicole Paris-Kro, also from Williams, were all nominated for the award by their colleagues and chosen through a process that involved a committee consisting of Longmeadow Education Association members, teachers and administrators.

"We had a phenomenal pool of candidates, which I think shows the strength of the district. It was a difficult decision," Longmeadow Superintendent Marie Doyle said. "It's a great reflection of the high quality of teaching in Longmeadow."

Kaylor, Moore and Palazzi won awards in the experienced professional category, while Paris-Kro was in the beginning teachers category, which includes educators with less than three years of experience.

"In addition to their excellence in the classroom, it was their leadership ability and willingness to work with the education community," Doyle said when asked what set the four winners apart from the rest. "They're team players that helped make a positive culture in their respective schools. They were all highly regarded by their peers."

The four teachers will receive their awards at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke on May 12.