Barlow Mountain kindergarten teacher Lisa Whelan is the Ridgefield Public School Teacher of the Year. Personnel Director Karen Dewing, who taught with Ms. Whelan decades ago, made the announcement at a Barlow Mountain staff meeting this morning with Superintendent Dr. Susie Da Silva, Elementary Director Linda Johnson, and Principal Becky Laus on hand with balloons, flowers, hugs, and a specially-designed All-Star Logo, inspired by Whelan’s signature Converse sneakers.
Ms. Whelan, dressed in a rainbow tie-dyed t-shirt for her students’ “R” day, brought the assembled staff to tears with her impromptu remarks. She started teaching at Veterans Park Elementary in 1986 and has taught first, second, and third grade in her 38-year career as an educator but feels like “Kindergarten” is coming home.
In the material supporting Ms. Whelan’s nomination, the Barlow Mountain committee praised her commitment to her students and their families, to professional growth, and the community. They write:
“Lisa’s warm nature and kindness is described as magical by colleagues, parents, and past students…she fosters a safe and loving environment by treating her students with respect and dignity. She has high expectations for her students and they grow to their full potential while in her classroom. Her students learn to take risks and advocate for themselves even as kindergarteners….When students and families see her devotion and dedication both in school and in the community, they are inspired and a true home-school partnership develops…”
Finally, the committee concludes:
“Lisa has been a member of the Teacher of the Year committee for quite some time. Had she not served on this committee, she would have been nominated year after year for Barlow! Lisa is the teacher you inspire to be in teaching or you hope your child gets in kindergarten!”
Congratulations Lisa and all the RPS TOY School Winners!
- Branchville Elementary — Kristi Byrne
- Farmingville Elementary — Katelyn Root
- Ridgebury Elementary — Danielle Maruschak
- Scotland Elementary — Cheryl Osher
- Veterans Park Elementary — Kelly Feeney
- East Ridge Middle School — Marla Kay
- Scotts Ridge Middle School — Jennifer Bray
- Ridgefield High School — Kelly Predham