Highland Elementary second graders cheer for their teacher Gail Britton after she received the Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Award on Feb. 14.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
WESTFIELD — Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and members of his administrative team surprised five teachers with decades of experience and one teacher new to the profession with this year’s Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award at their schools on Friday, Feb. 14.
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 engaged with their students’ families; and went above and beyond in the classroom and school community.
This year’s Excellence in Teaching Award winners included veteran teachers Christina Smith, Westfield High School science; Laura Miller, WHS science; Victoria Albert, Westfield Intermediate School adjustment counselor; Gail Britton, Highland Elementary second grade teacher and Jordan Eicher, Highland Elementary fourth grade teacher.
A new teacher to the district is also recognized every year. This year’s new teacher award went to Caitlin Nugent, seventh grade math teacher at Westfield Middle School.
Westfield High School had two Excellence in Teaching Award winners, both science teachers. In a post on Facebook, the school congratulated Christina Smith and Laura Miller, and said both teachers work diligently to support students, work closely with colleagues, and are role models to everyone in the school and community. “WHS is fortunate to have them both,” they said.
In nominating Christina Smith, Principal Charles Jendrysik wrote: “Always seeking to improve, she incorporates new strategies, tools, and methods to better serve her students. Whether it’s trying out the latest instructional practices or crafting creative ways to address challenging topics, she exemplifies the belief that science education is dynamic and ever-evolving. Her commitment ensures that every student, regardless of their starting point, leaves her classroom empowered and equipped with the skills needed for a brighter future.”
Referring to Miller, Jendrysik wrote, “Laura is a phenomenal teacher, consistently demonstrating excellence in her craft. She actively embraces innovative teaching strategies… showcasing her commitment to professional growth and instructional improvement. Laura’s calm and composed presence, coupled with her ability to build strong relationships with students, creates a supportive learning environment that fosters trust and respect,” he said, adding, “Laura Miller is a champion of family engagement, building strong, supportive partnerships between home and school to ensure her students’ success.”
Westfield Middle School said Nugent, who was nominated by Principal Jesse McMillan, was being recognized for her unwavering commitment to students, highly engaging instruction and innovative teaching practices.
“Caitlin consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism through her outstanding performance within her discipline. Her deep expertise and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of her work, where she consistently delivers high-quality results that exceed standard expectations,” wrote McMillan.
“Caitlin goes above and beyond by actively participating in the school’s instructional leadership team, where she plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategic educational initiatives. Her contributions to the team are marked by insightful analysis, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to improving overall student learning outcomes. Through her infectious enthusiasm and collaborative style, Ms. Nugent has emerged as an inspiring force among her colleagues.”
Westfield Intermediate School adjustment counselor Victoria Albert was surprised with the Grinspoon award and flowers at the school on Feb. 14 by Principal Greg Miller, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and Assessment Director Christine Shea.
“As a school adjustment counselor, Tori’s care of her students and thoughtfulness are seen in her everyday actions and work at school. Tori often makes home visits to check in on students, deliver instructional supplies and drop off meals or donations,” Miller wrote in nominating Albert.
“Tori’s office is very student centered … It is a supportive and encouraging environment. She also utilizes resources from the community to the benefit of students. She has referred students and families to various services and helped them make the connections to these services for mental health support, improve school attendance, and support groups for grandparents raising children. She is highly respected and is an integral part of the counselor team,“ Miller added.
Highland Elementary also had two educators recognized with Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching awards; second grade teacher Gail Britton and fourth grade teacher Jordan Eicher. The two were nominated by Highland Elementary Principal Erika Masciadrelli for their dedication to the students of Westfield.
“Gail’s dedication, compassion, and expertise have made an indelible impact on the students in her classroom over the years. She creates a safe and supportive space where each student feels a strong sense of calm and belonging. From the moment you walk into her classroom, there is a palpable sense of respect and mutual care among both the students and the teacher,” Masciadrelli wrote in her nomination of Britton.
“Gail is a dedicated, highly collaborative and innovative educator who fosters a positive, supportive environment both for her students and her colleagues. Her enthusiasm for teaching and her willingness to share her expertise make her an asset,” she added, saying she has taken on a leadership role within her grade level, and also brings families into the learning process in a meaningful way, “creating lasting memories for both students and their families.”
Talking about Eicher, Masciadrelli wrote: “Jordan develops an extraordinary rapport with her students. She greets each one with a warm smile and makes a genuine effort to connect with them by referencing their personal interests in daily interactions. This approach not only fosters strong relationships but also creates an inviting atmosphere where students feel valued and motivated to take risks in their learning. Her strong relationships with students and ongoing use of feedback encourages a growth mindset, allowing students to explore new challenges with confidence. “
Masciadrelli said Eicher is also committed to enhancing the school community by volunteering to serve on interview committees, among other activities. “Her regular attendance at PTO meetings and school-sponsored events demonstrates her commitment to fostering a strong school community and her willingness to collaborate with others for the benefit of all students.”
“Presenting the Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards to these six outstanding educators was a true honor. Hearing students and colleagues share the many ways these teachers make a daily impact was both inspiring and well deserved. Their dedication, passion, and commitment go far beyond the classroom, enriching the entire school community,” said Czaporowski after surprising the teachers with the awards. “Celebrating them is a wonderful reminder of how fortunate we are to have such talented and caring educators in our district.”
These exemplary teachers 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.
