West Springfield Teachers Honored for Exceptional Teaching Skills
Five West Springfield teachers will be recognized for their outstanding teaching abilities with the 2024 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award.
Megan Banks
Megan Banks, a fourth-grade teacher at Tatham School, is one of the deserving recipients of the 2024 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award. Raised in Granville, Banks attributes her career choice to her mother and the remarkable teachers at the Granville Village School who inspired her. Her goal is to impact the lives of her students positively, just as her teachers did for her.
Banks draws inspiration from her experiences at the Red Door Theatre in Feeding Hills, where she felt safe, encouraged, and loved in an artistic community. She aims to bring the same supportive environment into her classroom, fostering creativity and growth among her students.
- One of Banks' proudest moments as a teacher was when a student expressed that she trusted her more than anyone else in her life, aside from her parents and grandparents. This significant compliment highlights the profound impact teachers can have on their students' lives.
Stephanie Duggan
Stephanie Duggan, a second-grade teacher at Coburn School, has always viewed teaching as her calling. With 14 years of experience as a West Springfield educator, Duggan aims to create an engaging learning environment that instills excitement and curiosity in her students.
Duggan emphasizes the importance of supporting English language learners in her classroom, acknowledging the resilience and strength these students possess. She strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where all students feel valued and encouraged to learn.
- Recognizing excellence in teaching is essential for highlighting the dedication and hard work that teachers put into their profession daily. Duggan looks forward to using her award money for an adventure with her family, fostering cherished memories outside the classroom.
Karin Kane
Karin Kane, an English language arts interventionist at Fausey School, has dedicated 21 years to teaching in West Springfield. From her early days playing "school" with her brothers to becoming a reading recovery teacher, Kane's passion for education has remained unwavering.
Kane cherishes the opportunity to create new beginnings every day in her classroom, guiding students on a journey of discovery and growth. She emphasizes the importance of recognition in teaching, noting that even a simple "thank you" can validate a teacher's efforts.
- Kane plans to reinvest her award money back into her students, ensuring that learning remains a special and engaging experience for each child in her classroom.
Courtney Kimball
Courtney Kimball, a first-grade teacher at Fausey School, discovered her passion for working with children after realizing other career paths were not the right fit for her. Inspired by her mother's dedication to teaching, Kimball embarked on a journey to become an educator.
Kimball finds joy in witnessing her first graders grow more confident in themselves as they navigate the challenges of learning. Despite initial apprehensions about running a classroom, receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award has boosted Kimball's confidence in her abilities as an educator.
- Kimball intends to use her award money for "alternative seating" in her classroom, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment for her students.
Christopher Taft
Christopher Taft, an eighth-grade science teacher at West Springfield Middle School, transitioned into teaching unexpectedly after discovering his passion for working with students during a brief substitute teaching stint. Over his 13-year teaching career, Taft has enjoyed quirky interactions with his students and takes pride in inspiring them to pursue higher education and careers in science.
Taft emphasizes the importance of mentorship in teaching, acknowledging the valuable lessons he has learned from his colleagues and role models over the years. The Excellence in Teaching Award holds special significance for Taft as it recognizes his journey as a career-changer turned dedicated educator.
- With plans to attend a banquet to celebrate his achievement, Taft looks forward to utilizing some of the award money to "dapper up" for the occasion, adding a touch of style and sophistication to the event.
Hey, I'm Fateh Muhammad, a Lahore local with a passion for arts and politics. My journey led me through the halls of the National College of Arts, where I delved into the intricacies of both disciplines. Now calling Lahore home, I'm here to share my insights and perspectives on the dynamic intersection of art and politics. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! Connect With Me .