A Tribute to Teachers 2010
Everybody remembers a favorite teacher. Whether it was someone who pushed you harder, who became your friend or who simply made you think about the world in a different way, educators stay with us long after the last day of school.
For individuals who can have such an impact on our lives, teachers rarely get the recognition they deserve. That’s why Manhattan Media started the Blackboard Awards for Teachers. The idea is to salute those classroom leaders who not only nail the basics but who go above and beyond to help their students succeed. Read more
They Wrote the Book
A friendship forged in decades of early childhood education
When expectant mothers Nancy Schulman and Ellen Birnbaum met in the lobby of their Upper East Side apartment building, both sensed a connection. What they didn’t know was that the chance encounter had set the stage for a business relationship and friendship that has lasted 30 years. Read more
A Family Tradition
Professional and personal mix in Corcoran’s lesson plans
For parent Sophia Lee, Deirdre Corcoran’s classroom is a delicately balanced social structure that creates just the right climate for learning. A strong base of respect allows Corcoran to be “judiciously playful” with her students. Read more
Guided By Imagination
Students’ interests create the bedrock of Klassen’s lessons
Gabriela Klassen is reluctant to share her secrets of time management—perhaps because they go against the grain in this test-prep, skills-based climate. One trick is to “compact” the basics: spend an entire morning on math, for example, so that the afternoon can be dedicated to projects. Read more
Math Made Magic
Nemiroff’s hands-on approach wows parents and students alike
Fifth-grade teacher Tracy Nemiroff breaks the math nerd mold.
“She’s not what you’d expect,” said parent Claudine May-Gomez. “Tiny, beautiful, little, pretty—and she loves math!” Read more
Exciting Young Minds
In her 4th-grade class, McIntyre’s love of learning is contagious
By Shannon Geis
Lauren McIntyre, 25, says she loves teaching 4th grade because students are just old enough to be independent, but young enough to still be excited by education.
“They are like sponges,” said McIntyre, who has been teaching at P.S. 166 for four years. “They are into everything and always want to learn more.” Read more
Big Ideas for Little Minds
Hovde opens kindergartners’ eyes to everything from fine art to conservation
Five-year-olds at P.S. 187 in Washington Heights are learning how to recycle and bake croissants—in addition, of course, to the basics of reading and writing.
Their teacher, Jill Hovde, developed a passion for teaching back in college, when she taught children about nocturnal animals and how to care for injured hawks at the Delaware Nature Society. Read more
The Force Is With Her
Davis’ skills with young children have impacted generations
Kindergarten teacher Brenda Davis is known, respectfully, as the “Jedi Master of early childhood teachers” by the parents who revere her—a few of whom were in her classroom when they were 5 and 6 years old. Davis learned her craft through years of practice, training and dedication. She is described as “artful,” “wise,” “focused” and “patient.” Read more
Talented in Any Language
Toll’s skills create community in her Spanish-English classroom
When students’ eyes light up and get that “aha!” expression, that’s when Randi Toll realizes how much she loves her job.
“These are the moments I enjoy the most,” she said.
Luckily for Toll, who teaches 1st grade at P.S. 163, “it happens a fair amount.” Read more
An Artistic Approach to Learning
Kilbane infuses lessons with drama, dance and outdoor excursions
Every weekday, Karen Kilbane rides her bike from Tribeca to the Upper East Side to teach kindergarten at Hunter College Elementary School.
“She lives for her kindergarten,” said Principal Randy Collins. “Her class is a great way for kids to start school.” Read more
