Six Holyoke Public Schools educators were surprised and honored on Friday, March 1, 2024 when Superintendent Anthony Soto entered their classrooms bearing flowers and balloons to let them know they were selected to receive Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards this year.
Since 2003, the award has been distributed annually to honor Western Massachusetts educators for their dedication and excellence. More than 100 Western Massachusetts educators are honored each year. This year’s Excellence in Teaching Award winners from Holyoke include:
Amber Dutton, Morgan School, 4th grade teacher
Sheila Fallon, Holyoke High North Campus, English teacher
Nicole Fisher, Donahue School, Math teacher
Christine Lopez, Metcalf School, English teacher
Suzanne Platinitis, McMahon School, Kindergarten teacher
Merly Vega, Sullivan School, Spanish teacher
Learn more about the six HPS award recipients on the district website. They will receive an engraved plaque and a check for $250, along with tuition incentives and scholarships offered by seven major colleges and universities in the region—Elms College, Bay Path University, Mount Holyoke College, Springfield College, Western New England University, Westfield State University, and the University of Massachusetts. Winners also receive 3-month memberships at the Springfield Jewish Community Center or one of the six regional YMCAs.
All winners are further invited to apply for the selective Classroom Innovator Prize of $250. Created to foster educators’ interest and engagement in Project Based Learning, teachers can submit a project-based learning idea. Up to 15 prizes will be given. All winners interested in this important teaching methodology will be supported by professional development opportunities.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards program, now in its 21st year, is made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation.
Other business and community support comes from American International College, Arrha Credit Union, Country Bank, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka.