Four Spotswood teachers honored

SPOTSWOOD - Alicia Somers, SharonWelsh, Joanne Cifelli andMichelle Sayers are being recognized as the Spotswood School Teacher Recognition Award recipients for the 2008-09 school year.

Somers teaches the preschool disabled program at Schoenly School; Welsh is a special education teacher at Appleby School; Cifelli is a teacher of mathematics at the Memorial Middle School; and Sayers is an English teacher at Spotswood High School.

Somers was also selected as school district Teacher of the Year.

Criteria for the Teacher Recognition Awards included use of effective instructional techniques and methods; evidence of ability to establish productive classroom climate and rapport with students; and skill in developing feelings of selfworth and love of learning in students.

Schoenly School Principal Jon Cochran chaired the committee that comprises parents, municipal representatives, teachers and administrators.

Board of Education member Donna Faulkenberry, who sits on the selection committee, said selecting the teachers is "a challenging task" due to the quality of Spotswood's instructors.

"However, this year's Governor's Award winners bring something special to their students that make them stand out. Alicia Somers, Sharon Welsh, Joanne Cifelli and Michelle Sayers are dedicated professionals who breathe life into their lessons, making them relevant to each student," Faulkenberry said. "We are truly privileged to have these individuals in our district and are deeply grateful for their commitment."

The award recipients will be recognized at a Spotswood Board of Education meeting on May 6.