Boston’s outstanding teachers honored at Educators of the Year awards ceremony

BOSTON - Mayor Thomas M. Menino today joined Boston School Committee Chairperson Rev. Dr. Gregory Groover, Sr., Superintendent Carol R. Johnson and Boston Teachers Union President Richard Stutman to honor 17 Boston Public Schools (BPS) teachers and staff for outstanding service to the children and families of Boston.

The event, held at the Shubert Theatre, celebrated the 13 winners of the Boston Educators of the Year awards and the four winners of the Boston Public Schools (BPS) Service Excellence awards. J.C. Monahan of WCVB-TV served as the mistress of ceremonies.

"I am honored to be here today to honor the individuals who work tirelessly day in and day out to support the children of Boston," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "Their efforts – and those of their colleagues – are what make our schools great."

Rev. Dr. Groover congratulated the winners and thanked them for their work.

"Our Educators of the Year and Service Excellence Award Winners are models of professionalism and dedication," said Rev. Groover. "On behalf of the Boston School Committee, I thank them for their unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve."

This marks the tenth year that the City of Boston has held the Educators of the Year celebration in conjunction with the Boston Public Schools, the Boston School Committee, and the Boston Teachers Union. Originally known as the Teachers of the Year, the awards program expanded in 2007 to accept nominations for paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, school nurses and others whose work supports the students of Boston. In 2008, the celebration expanded further to include the presentation of the BPS Service Excellence Awards, which recognize outstanding service in the areas of customer service and school leadership as well as the presentation of the Michael G. Contompasis "Zeus" Award, named in honor of the former Superintendent and Headmaster of Boston Latin School.

"These individuals represent the heart and soul of the Boston Public Schools," said Dr. Johnson. "Some are in their early years of teaching, while others have careers in education spanning decades behind them. Some are in the classroom all day, while others provide the operational services that keep the district running smoothly. To each of them, I say thank you. We are proud and grateful that you are part of the BPS family."

"The BTU is glad to join in this acknowledgment of congratulations for these fine individuals," added president Richard Stutman.

A reception followed the awards ceremony at the Wang Theater. The 2010 Educators of the Year Awards celebration is sponsored by the Gillette Company with additional support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, IBM, Liberty Mutual, State Street Bank, and Verizon.

A list of all winners of Boston Educators and the Year, BPS Service Excellence Awards and the Michael G. Contompasis "Zeus" Award and their profiles is available by clicking here.