WESTERN MASS. – Although COVID-19 has challenged teachers, staff, and school administration, 10 teachers in the Agawam and West Springfield school districts won the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Awards, given by the Grinspoon Charitable Foundation.

This year’s winners will be honored at a virtual celebration for Excellence in Teaching Award winners on May 11. The program will feature the presentation of the individual awards and winners will receive an engraved plaque and a check for $250.

In addition, seven local colleges and universities offer graduate course tuition incentives and scholarships to the winners: Elms College, Bay Path University, Mount Holyoke College, Springfield College, Western New England University, Westfield State University, and the University of Massachusetts.   

In Agawam Public Schools, Sharon Mitchell, Nicolas Abodeeb, Whitney Oberndorf, Pam Rivers, and Daniel Balbony are this year’s award winners. Amy Canata, Sean Gillane, Whitney Weldon, Casey Materas, and Kensey Rhodes from the West Springfield school district are this year’s awards winners.

“We are incredibly proud of the recipients chosen this year. The Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Award is a difficult process as so many of the nominees qualify. On the flip side of that challenge is the positive reminder that we have so many highly dedicated educators who pour their lives into their work every day for the students of West Springfield,” said Superintendent Timothy Connor.

Clifford Granger Elementary

Mitchell, a third-grade teacher, has been teaching at Granger for 21 years; this is her 13th year teaching third grade. When she started at Granger, she taught first grade for five years and second grade for three.

She started her teaching career as a substitute teacher in the Agawam Public School system, then a paraprofessional for two years. She also worked at Baystate Medical Center for two and half years in a classroom in the Children’s Hospital.

After teaching for 21 years, her favorite aspect to teaching is that she gets to be a small part of shaping a child’s future. “Watching each of them grow, learn, and succeed is incredibly rewarding.”

“When my principal announced my name as the winner, I was completely taken by surprise. I am honestly so humbled and honored because I work with an amazing group of educators and am part of an incredible school family,” Mitchell said.

Principal Stephanie Gendron told Reminder Publishing that Mitchell is a veteran teacher. Throughout the years she has been at Granger, she has become one of the most well-respected teachers in the building.

“She is someone who others look up to due to her hard work, dedication to her students, and dynamic lessons that keep students motivated and engaged. She cares deeply for each of her students and puts in 110 percent to ensure that each student experiences success. I can't tell you how many former students still remember her fondly and recall her kind demeanor and the way she makes each student feel special. This award was well deserved for an amazing teacher and colleague,” Gendron said.

Mitchell shared that she has always loved kids and by the time she was 11 or 12, she knew that she wanted to be a teacher. She shared that her mother, Mary O'Keefe was a teacher and she used to love helping her set up her classroom and correct papers.

“We used to run into her students all the time out in the community and seeing the impact that she had on each student and his or her family was so inspiring. One really cool thing is that she taught at Granger, too. I actually teach in the same classroom that she did, so it is like I can feel her guidance and presence with me every day,” Mitchell said.

Agawam Junior High School

Rivers began her teaching career 26 years ago but has been teaching Spanish at the junior high for 17 years.

“I love teaching. It has been a passion of mine. I just knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was in about fifth or sixth grade, and basically, I did follow my passion and my dream,” she said.

Rivers continued to say that initially, she wanted to be a math teacher, but when she took geometry during her sophomore year of high school, she changed her mind. Rivers was introduced to a foreign language when she was in eighth grade, and she said she took to the language; it came easy to her.

Rivers shared that she finds it empowering that she can speak to others and help people in need who do not speak English.

When she was in high school, she wanted to learn French and Spanish, but French did not fit into her schedule, and then she fell in love with Spanish; she explained that it was the way her teacher taught and presented the language.

“I took a lot from her. I try to do some of the same things with my students that she did with us when I was in high school,” Rivers said.

Rosemarie Light, the moderate ppecial needs teacher at the junior high school, nominated Rivers for the award.

“I decided to nominate Pam Rivers, when after an unexpected and quite sudden opening for president of the Agawam Education Association became vacant, Pam jumped in and assumed the reigns of leadership, at a time when we really needed a steady, thoughtful representative in these difficult times,” Light said.

Light continued to say that the time commitment of her career increased all while she is raising her family and serving her church. She added that Rivers is a teacher leader, a mentor, a cherished colleague, and a friend.

As the special education co-teacher in Rivers class, Light told Reminder Publishing that she has come to admire and respect the skill and professionalism that Rivers bring to the classroom. Light expressed that Rivers is an expert in differentiating instruction, understanding, and addressing the unique challenges that many students face.

She continued to say that Rivers is extraordinary. Not only does she foster a love of languages in her students, but she inspires them to want to learn about the big world outside their spheres of influence and understand that there are different lenses to see it.

When teachers had to navigate a different teaching method when COVID-19 began, Light said Rivers did not miss a beat and learned every available platform for teaching students who were in-person and remote.

“I also saw her shift some of her focus to address the increasing social and emotional needs of the students.  She teaches not just languages to her students. Pam teaches them coping strategies, growth mindset principles, and healthy living. She has been tireless in keeping students engaged, and all her decisions are informed by what is best for students,” Light said.

When Rivers found out that she won, she says that she was elated. “I was completely elated, and I was kind of shocked and amazed. I am so honored that my coworkers and my administrators choose me as the Grinspoon winner.”

Agawam Junior High School Principal Norm Roberts said Rivers is a breath of fresh air, especially this past year with all that was thrown at students, teachers, and families.

He continued to say that, in short, she is the type of teacher every parent would want their child to have, and every teacher and administrator should strive to be as an educator.

“As a teacher, you walk past her classroom and cannot help but be drawn in by her energy, passion, and enthusiasm. Plus, if she sees you, she will drag you into the class and have you be part of the lesson. It is this zest and love of teaching and learning that makes her most deserving of this award. It is definitely an honor that should have been bestowed upon her earlier, but considering all that she has done and accomplished during this remarkably trying year, this is the perfect acknowledgment of her efforts,” Roberts said.

According to Roberts, Rivers’s passion for students does not stop in her classroom. He shared that she works with students and if she cannot reach them in a certain way, she continues to work and find a way for that student to be successful and confident in all of their classes, not just Spanish.

Agawam High School

Balbony began teaching four years ago in the high school’s STEAM program. For four years, he taught in Lawrence, and taught overseas in India for a year.

Christophe Huestis, an engineering and technology teacher, nominated Balbony because of what he brings to the program.

“We brought him on board four years ago, and he has brought a ton of energy to the program making the kids work really creatively, making new ideas and products that mean something,” said Huestis.

He added that Balbony is energetic, loves what he does, and loves the students, and students love being in his class.

When Balbony found out that he won, he was shocked but thought it was nice because of the time and effort he puts into teaching.

“It was nice because the thing for me because you are only as good as the people around you,” Balbony said.

Balbony continued to say that, along with the administration, Huestis is a big support for him and instrumental in what he does.

“I would like to really emphasize that point with Mr. H and the administration really helping me out here because it is really important to me, and I appreciate it. I am from Agawam, so it is really nice to be able to come back and do my thing here and be supported and be recognized here.”

Agawam High School Principal Thomas Schnepp expressed that he is happy that Balbony received this award because it was well deserved.

“He brings a lot of passion and enthusiasm into the classroom, which is contagious to the students. There are lots of students who now want to be a part of that program downstairs. One of his strengths is he connects well with the students, a wide range of students, and they recognize that. He makes learning fun, and it is hands-on,” Schneep shared.

“I am very proud. I am proud of all the teachers in Agawam but especially the ones who kind of go above and beyond and are recognized by their peers and colleagues as teachers of excellence,” said Agawam Public Schools Superintendent Sheila Hoffman.

She continued to express that all the teachers in her district do amazing work, especially in a year like this. Hoffman said that those who were nominated continued to rise above, connect with students even when students may not have been engaging in the same way and that says a lot about how they are as people, not just teachers.

West Springfield Middle School

Canata, who teaches English, began her teaching career at the middle school in 2000 but left in 2004 for eight years to raise her daughters.

When asked what her favorite thing about teaching is, Canata shared that she loves a good story. Telling kids a story of talking about literature is one of my favorite parts of teaching ELA.”

Growing up, Canata’s mother would have all the kids around, and they would listen to her stories. She remembered that sometimes her mother would scare them with Mark Twain’s “Golden Arm.”

“In general, having fun while learning has always been my philosophy. I love singing and dancing. I am not good at either, but I cannot stop myself. If the kids are looking bored, I may bust out in a song about the topic I am teaching. I love to make something boring as roll call into a rap song or nursery rhyme,” she said.

When Canata saw Connor, Mayor William Reichelt, and her colleagues walk into her class to congratulate her, she recalled that she could barely talk. She thought of her great-grandmother and how proud she would be of Canata.

“Immediately, I thought of the long path that led me to this point. I came from a family where education was not a priority. Most of my family members did not graduate from high school. When I was 15, I left my family to live with a friend and decided that I needed to focus on my studies and go to college. The day that I graduated from high school, my great-grandmother, Nanny cried with happiness. That day was an extremely proud moment for my family,” Canata shared.

Principal Dr. Peter Gillen expressed that Canata exemplifies what is best about the profession.

“She is energetic, thoughtful, and passionate. She is not just passionate about her content, she is invested in the student as an individual person. I am incredibly proud of Amy and am quite grateful to have her working here.”

Gillen said many people nominated her; students, colleagues, and parents.

“At our school, a panel of four administrators and five teachers each vote for the winner. It is a difficult process with many deserving teachers, and even through that process, Amy was an overwhelming favorite,” Gillen shared.

West Springfield High School

For the past 16 years, Gillane has been teaching history at the high school. His path to teaching is a little different.

Gillane graduated from Syracuse University, majoring in audio and video production and minoring in history.

When he was younger, his first career was in the music industry, and he was doing production. Once he got married and realized that traveling all year was not a good idea, he began working at an industrial supply company and found that he did not like it.

He shared that his third career was similar to a mid-life crisis.

“I am coming up on 40, and I am going, ‘is this all there is? Is this it?’ I know it sounds kind of cheesy, but I wanted to make a difference,” he said. He said he told himself that he cannot be 40 and counting the days until he retires.

After realizing he was unhappy with his career, he enrolled at Westfield State University to obtain his teaching degree. He ended up at West Springfield High School to observe and student teach; while he was there, a position opened up, and they hired him.

“I love teaching in this town; obviously, it is the only town I have taught in, but I did go observe other schools, and I know teachers in other school systems. I think we have tons of strong teachers and we care about the kids, I see that here,” he said.

He also said he loves the diversity of the town and thinks that it is important because diversity is an incredible opportunity for everyone.

“I love the fact that we are a diverse town. I think that is really important. I interviewed at one school, and I think it was maybe five percent of students of color, not what the world is like. I love being in the school where we look like the world looks,” Gillane said.

Gillane chose to become a teacher because he knew he loved working with children and helping them learn. He shared that he found himself really enjoying coaching kids that played in the town sports and teaching those who attended the engaged couples conferences that he and his wife used to participate in at their church. Gillane figured that if he looked forward to doing all of those things, why not do it and get paid.

“I love it. I absolutely love it. I was just talking with one of the professors from Westfield the other day, and he said to me, ‘so it looks like this career change worked,’” he said.

When Gillane saw the people come into his classroom to award him, he was surprised and confused about what was going on.

“It was definitely an honor, but I was surprised. We all do whatever we can do. It is kind of like this is everybody’s, especially this year; we are all working hard,” Gillane said.

Gillane expressed his love for the history department at the high school. He shared that it is incredible to be a part of it. They are like a family and go to each other’s BBQs and know each other’s family.

After following his dreams and doing what he loves, Gillane’s favorite thing about teaching is making a difference and being a part of the solution.

“It is letting the students know that they make a difference. They are not just the future. They are our now; they are our present. So to let them know that every single thing they do makes a difference, I think that is crucial,” Gillane said.

He continued to share that he tells his students that Martin Luther King Jr. or Mother Teresa were not born famous; they did what they could. He wants his students to understand that they can all do that, and it does not have to be huge things like leading a march in Selma; they can make a difference just by smiling at people or standing up for people.

First-year Principal Patrick Danby shared that Gillane is one of the best educators he has worked with, and he is excited for him because he is so deserving of this award.

“His class is based on student discourse and he is better than anyone I have seen at getting students to talk about the content and really engage in a deep, deep level with each other,” Danby said.

Danby expressed that they have so many more teachers that are deserving and he is confident that they will have many more Grinspoon winners through the years.

Reminder Publishing reached out to Roberta Doering School Principal Susan Federico, Memorial School Principal Donna Calabrese, Cowing Early Childhood Principal Kathleen Bailer and Fausey Elementary School Principal Myriam Skolnick to speak with them and the honored teachers in their buildings but did not receive a response as of press time.