In February, Gateway Regional Health Education teacher Abbey Keeler, second from right, was surprised in her sixth grade class by a visit from Principal William Sullivan, who presented her with the Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Award for the district.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
HUNTINGTON — Gateway Regional Health Education teacher Abbey Keeler received a visit last month in her sixth grade classroom from High School Principal William Sullivan, who presented her with the Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award.
Keeler, who is in her fourth year teaching health in sixth grade through high school, said she was surprised by the honor. “There were a lot of amazing people who were nominated from throughout our district. I wasn’t anticipating winning with some of the names that were up there. I’m grateful and appreciative that so many people nominated me,” she said.
In order to be selected by the district committee, teachers must be nominated by their principal for demonstrating exemplary teaching practices, having had a strong impact on their students, and inspiring and motivating others. In addition, these educators go above and beyond in the classroom and school community.
“Ms. Keeler is an inspirational teacher whose tireless dedication, creativity and empathy shape the minds and hearts of her students. With a passion for learning and an unwavering commitment to her students’ success, she leads by example, inspiring those around her and always ready to support her colleagues in their journey as educators,” Sullivan said.
In addition to teaching health education, Keeler serves on the Academic Council and has been a junior varsity softball coach for the past three years. She is also the coordinator for PBIS — the positive behavior implementation system that rewards kids for good behavior with activities such as pep rallies and field days, she said.
Gateway Regional is the first teaching job for Keeler, who is from Holyoke and previously served as a community health worker in Springfield. She said the experience has been a good one, and having the students for multiple years allows her to build a relationship with them.
Other comments about Keeler from her colleagues noted her hard work, her way of making students feel comfortable, and her enthusiasm.
“She does whatever she can to benefit the entire school population; and always does it with a big smile on her face,” said one.
“The students feel safe to go to her with any problems. She also teaches the Health curriculum with grace and aplomb, with a little bit of fun tucked in,” said another.
“She is always a positive presence in the building and teachers and students alike gravitate to her warm personality. She is a safe space for many of our students. As a newer teacher, the impact she has had on our building has been immense and for that I believe she is an excellent candidate for the Harold Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award,” wrote another colleague.
“I really love the Gateway community — I feel like I’ve learned a lot from them – they are what helped me get to this point. I feel like we all work really hard to make the school what it is,” Keeler said.
“She is absolutely the perfect candidate for this award, and I agree with all of the amazing things her colleagues said when they nominated her.” said Superintendent Kristen Smidy.
Teachers honored by an Excellence in Teaching Award will be celebrated at a banquet held at the Log Cabin in their honor on May 7. They will also receive $250 scholarships and tuition incentives for graduate courses, and a YMCA membership among other gifts and benefits.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards program is made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, and is supported by the American International College, Arrha Credit Union, Country Bank and Meyers Brothers Kalicka.
