Retiring Brayton Educator Named Teacher of the Year
NORTH ADAM, Mass. — Each year, educators in the school system select one of their one for a singular honor: Marion B. Kelley Teacher of the Year Award.
On Monday morning, it was Susan Gilman's turn to be surprised with the award named for the principal of the former Haskins and Johnson schools.
"Teachers hold hearts in the hands. Susan Gilman has held the hearts of many children," read one of the nominations on behalf of the 30-year veteran. "She strives each year to truly know each child in her room to help them find their niches — to grow both academically and emotionally."
She could be summed, said the nominator, in two words: "Compassionate warrior."
Gilman, a second-grade teacher at Brayton Elementary School, was surprised with an assembly including family members and Superintendent James Montepare.
The school district had received multiple nominations for Gilman; the final selection was made by Central Office.
"Susan is not only and exemplary teacher with years of wisdon regarding children, she is also a mentor and inspiration to her colleagues. She is always willing to offer advice and suport when a colleague is strugging with something. She meets obstacles with enthusaism and a belief that problems can be solved," read the nomination.
"She's a really good teacher and someone I could count on for advice," Montepare had said at a School Committee meeting announcing her retirement.
Gilman started as a substitute in 1986 and played a major role in the North Adams Teachers Association. The award is bittersweet in that she is now retiring, although colleagues believed she will remain a teacher at her core.
"We know she will never stop teaching it will just be a new venue. Now she will have more time to share her wisdom with her grandchildren and the people around her."
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