Longmeadow teachers awarded for excellence

Date: 2/13/2012

Feb. 13, 2012

By Chris Maza

chrism@thereminder.com

LONGMEADOW — Four teachers in the Longmeadow Public Schools recently received the Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Kathleen Derosier, a fifth grade teacher at Center Elementary School was given the first-year teacher award, while veteran educators Paula Ruyffelaert, a third grade teacher at Blueberry Hill School, Susan Peters, a math teacher at Longmeadow High School, Marilee Trompke, a math teacher from Williams Middle School, and were also honored.

Candidates for the competitive award are nominated by their peers and judged by a panel of teachers and administrators.

"It's truly a demonstration of excellence," Superintendent Marie Doyle said. "These teachers represent the best of the best in Longmeadow and every teacher in the state would be well-served to use them as an example of how to be an educator."

While prowess in the classroom is a key component, Doyle explained that what candidates do beyond that realm is what sets the winners apart.

"These are outstanding teachers who take it upon themselves to do more," she said. "They are educators who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and are team players."

Doyle cited working with young teachers, developing performance assessments and taking on leadership roles in their school buildings as examples of "above and beyond" performance.

"They've shown not only a love for their students, but a passion for their job," she said.

Doyle added the award recipients' humility was a testament to their character.

"We went around to each of the teachers' classrooms and they were genuinely surprised," she said. "Their modesty was amazing to see. The level of humbleness was really amazing. They don't need to be humble because they are doing such great work, but they still are."