NORTH ANDOVER, Massachusetts — A local teacher has been recognized by a New England education association with its prestigious Master in the Middle Award.
The New England League of Middle Schools announced that William Guerrette, who teaches grade 8 English/language arts and social studies at Presque Isle Middle School, was honored at the League’s 36th annual conference in Providence, R.I.
This annual award is based on the recommendations of teachers, parents and administrators and is designed to honor those truly worthy of such a prestigious award, the NELMS said in a press release.
“Paying attention to the learning needs of young adolescents and recognizing their unique developmental stage can make a significant difference in the lives of 10- to 14-year-olds,” said Jerry Frew, executive director of NELMS. “Recognizing those experienced middle-level educators is a major part of the work of the Recognitions Committee, who often have a very difficult task choosing the winners.”
The purpose of this recognition, said league officials, is to “honor excellent teachers who are devoted to young adolescents, committed to best middle-level practices, and who have taught for 20 years or more.”
Among the selection criteria, educators chosen must be: passionate about middle-level education; currently teaching middle-level students; educational leaders; advocates for the middle-level community; incorporating activity-based learning; developing a sense of student ownership in their learning; and building relationships with students and families.
In addition, educators selected are those who provide formal/informal mentoring to colleagues and model effective middle-level instructional practices, such as integrating higher-order thinking, fostering curriculum connections and using a variety of assessment tools.
The NELMS Recognition Committee was chaired by Dulcey Worth, an NELMS board member and teacher from Connecticut.
The award was presented at the welcome/recognition reception at the annual conference on March 29, 2017. The conference was attended by participants from around New England and the country.
The league is a nonprofit organization that has been a vital part of educating young adolescents in the New England area for over 38 years, providing a variety of services to its over 1000 member schools.
