GILROY
– That special educator who has a knack for reaching out to
students could be named Gilroy’s top educator this year. Gilroy’s
Economic Development Corporation is accepting nominations for its
seventh annual Educator of the Year Award.
By Lori Stuenkel
GILROY – That special educator who has a knack for reaching out to students could be named Gilroy’s top educator this year. Gilroy’s Economic Development Corporation is accepting nominations for its seventh annual Educator of the Year Award.
The award was designed to recognizing those who make a “significant contribution within the educational community of Gilroy.”
“Obviously, educators are never recognized enough. We want to let them know that … we appreciate them,” said Robyn Lesnewsky, administrative assistant for the EDC.
Outstanding educators contribute to the EDC’s vision of business recruitment, Lesnewsky said.
“We feel very strongly that education goes hand in hand with economic development,” Lesnewsky said, “that if we have an educated workforce, that that goes in with bringing in industry, bringing in the middle high-tech businesses that we’re looking for.”
The EDC is looking for educators who motivate students, are creative in developing and implementing academic programs and are respected and have received recognition from their peers and students.
Anybody can nominate someone who has been involved in the public or private educational arena in Gilroy for at least one year.
“As far as nominations go, they come in from administrators, teachers, parents, students,” Lesnewsky said.
Official nomination forms are available at each school site and must be supported by specific examples and should include information or letters from parents, students and colleagues. Some nominators have gotten creative.
“We’ve had binders turned in with pictures … it’s surprising what we’ve gotten in,” Lesnewsky said. “We haven’t had a movie yet.”
The nomination form was revised a few years ago to bring in succinct and well-supported documents.
“By tightening it up, we haven’t gotten as many (nominations), but we’ve had much better quality,” Lesnewsky said. “I’d like to see more. I’d like to see more from the schools we’ve never seen anything from.”
Based on the nomination forms, EDC board members will award points to select the winner, or winners, in the case of a tie.
Nominations are due Nov. 7. The EDC will surprise the winner(s) in December with a $1,000 check and will honor them during the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Citizen Awards Dinner on Feb. 7, 2004.
So far, the winners have been classroom teachers and one was an administrator, but the award is open to anyone in an education-related office, such as a bus driver or yard supervisor.
“I think the most fun thing is surprising them in the classroom with their checks,” Lesnewsky said. “The (kids) all get real excited about seeing their instructor or whoever win.”
Nomination forms can be picked up at any school site or the EDC office and must be received at the 7471 Monterey St. office no later than Nov. 7. For information, call 847-7611.
