Friday, June 11, 2010

Dover Chamber Names 2010 Educator of the Year

DOVER—
Cited as an “an individual that exemplifies every piece of our school’s mission and philosophy” and for her leadership not only within the school, but throughout the community, St. Mary’s Academy Kindergarten Teacher, Mary McKernan is named as the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Educator of the Year. Underwritten by Liberty Mutual and Measured Progress, the program was developed to honor local educators who demonstrate excellence in education. Ms. McKernan will receive a $500 cash award to be used for educational purposes, as well as a special commemorative award designating her as the 2010 Educator of the Year.
Nominations for McKernan were received from parents, colleagues, administrators and students. St. Mary’s principal Bobi White commented in her nomination letter, “Mary is the strongest member of our team who constantly offers support and is a true team-player. Its hard to believe one person can accomplish all that she does.”
The selection of the Chamber’s Teacher of the Year is based on the following criteria. The teacher must: have daily contact with students and instill in them a desire to learn and achieve; understand the individual needs of students, encourage their talents, and build confidence and self-esteem; demonstrate a thorough knowledge of subject matter and the ability to share it effectively with students; be making a positive contribution to the community; and demonstrate participation and leadership in professional development activities and Foster cooperative relationships with his or her colleagues.
The Educator of the Year Award is selected annually by the Education Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. The committee’s goal is to work with local educational institutions and businesses to promote an educated workforce. “We were pleased with the amount of nominations we received from both public and private schools in the greater Dover area,” said Executive Director, Kirt Schuman, “The wide array of positions, from teachers, to teams, to librarians, represented by our nominees illustrates the strength of the educational opportunities available in our community and why Dover is rapidly earning the reputation as the Family Capital of the Seacoast.”
McKernan provides the ‘critical step’ in a child’s education and helps a child make the right choices early in their educational path. Beyond being a kindergarten teacher, she organizes ski trips for the students, coordinates staff volunteer opportunities, runs the summer and in home programs and lastly, even works to ensure that school sidewalks are cleared on snowy days.