After receiving endless nominations and over 2,000 votes during our Educator of the Year Facebook Poll, our 2016 Educator of the Year is Colleen McNamara!
Colleen McNamara is a fifth grade teacher in Alexander, NY at Alexander Elementary School who has been influential in changing teaching methods to become much more engaging and encouraging of students to take on a “professional young adult” dynamic.
By spearheading such a program, her lessons become more meaningful and interactive for herself and the students of her classroom. Colleen and her students take part in thoughtful and respectful discussions about lessons in the curriculum that help stir creativity, open-mindedness and constructive criticism.
Besides teaching fifth grade, Colleen owns her own education business titled ‘Stutelage’. The company is based in East Amherst, NY and hosts educational camps and birthday parties that give educators a base to do in-home tutoring and programs for elementary-aged children.
Her energy, innovative attitude, and desire to push the envelope on what it means to be a teacher has earned her the 2016 Educator of the Year award. Colleen was awarded the ‘Educator of the Year’ at Educators of America First Annual Jingle & Mingle Holiday Party on December 29th in Buffalo, NY.
The Daily News, which serves Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties of New York published a well-written article highlighting Colleen’s award and achievements.
Thank you to everyone who was able to make it out to our First Annual Jingle & Mingle Holiday Party in Buffalo, NY at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery! We hope everyone had an excellent time and was able to bring home a gift basket from our Chinese Auction or Door Prize Raffle.
We’d especially like to thank all the finalists for coming out and participating in our award ceremony. We look forward to seeing your names next year in our nominations as you all have done and continue to do outstanding work in the classroom while pushing what it means to be an educator.
Thank you again to all who came out, our sponsors, and we want to wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year!
