17 Massachusetts Teachers Honored

BOSTON - 17 Massachusetts teachers who have received awards for their excellence in the classroom were recognized at a Statehouse ceremony yesterday.
The 17 teachers include the state's five finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, two 2007 Massachusetts Milken Educators, and the 10 recipients of the 2007 Awards for Excellence in Teaching Students with Asperger Syndrome.
"These teachers stand out in our state because they don't just teach, they commit themselves to providing each and every student with the best education possible," said Acting Education Commissioner Jeffrey Nellhaus. "Their work in the classroom, their devotion to their students and their commitment to excellence helps our students learn and sets an example for other teachers to follow."
Acting Commissioner Nellhaus was joined by state Representative Patricia Haddad, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Education, to honor the following recipients.
"As a former teacher, I know that educators across the state our their heart and soul into their work and their students," said Rep. Haddad. "Too often that extra effort goes unrecognized. It's a wonderful moment when we can all pause and honor those special, inspirational, and outstanding teachers like those we are here to recognize today."
The three awards and the individuals honored were:
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching
The Presidential Awards Program was established in 1983 by The White House and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The program identifies outstanding mathematics and science teachers in each state.
This year's Massachusetts finalists are:
Science Finalists
Matthew Anthes,Washburn, Parkway Academy of Technology and Health, Boston
Janet Duffy, Hingham High School, Hingham
Kathleen Shea, Nipmuc Regional High School, Upton
Mathematics Finalists
Catherine Cabral, Somerset High School, Somerset
Sean Walker, Memorial Middle School, Fitchburg
2007 Massachusetts Milken Award Winners
The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award was established in 1983 by brothers Lowell and Michael Milken. Recipients each receive a check for $25,000, a trip to Los Angeles for a conference and awards ceremony, and membership in the network of previous Milken winners. This was the 11th year that Massachusetts participated in the program. This year's recipients are:
Anne Clark, Curriculum and Special Education Coordinator, English Language Arts Teacher, Boston Arts Academy, Boston
Matthew Dugan, Science Teacher, Madison Park Technical Vocational High, Boston
2007 Awards for Excellence in Teaching Students with Asperger's Syndrome
The Watertown-based Asperger's Association of New England sponsors the Awards for Excellence in Teaching Students with Asperger's Syndrome. The Association's mission is to foster awareness, respect, acceptance and support of individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and their families. This year's recipients are:
Michelle Dextraze, 6th Grade Aide, Freeman-Centennial Middle School, Norfolk
Laurie DiBella, Teaching Assistant, Mitchell Elementary School, Needham
Midge Foley, Teacher, Early Learning Center, Jamaica Plain
Maura Forcier, Kindergarten Teacher, Heath School, Chestnut Hill
Patrice Glancy, Teacher, Jackson/Mann Elementary School, Allston
Amy Gordon, ASD Consultant, Marshfield Public Schools, Marshfield
Marissa Gumas, Math Teacher, Blake Middle School, Medfield
Barbara Newkirk, Resource Teacher, Lexington High School, Lexington
Jaclyn Quesnel, Guidance Counselor, Lura A. White School, Shirley
Arlene Shainker, Inclusion Specialist, Northborough/Southborough Public Schools, Northborough