North Adams Teacher, Superintendent Recognized at Brayton Celebration
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Elizabeth "Ebbie" Patenaude was surprised on Monday morning be named this year's Marion B. Kelley Teacher of the Year.
The announcement took place during Brayton Elementary School's end-of-year celebration that included musical performances by the band and singing by the different grades, and a presentation by Jaana Mutka's third-graders on their experiences Skyping with a class in Iceland. Leadership awards were also presented to pupils nominated by their teachers for the actions and attitudes, and participants in the after-school programs donned their Science Camp shirts for a special thank you to retiring Superintendent James Montepare.
Patenaude said she never expected to receive the Teacher of the Year Award, although there had been some speculation on who might win it this year. This is the second consecutive year that a Brayton teacher has earned the districtwide award.
"Thank you, I never, never really expected this," said the first-grade teacher.
The award is named in honor of Kelley a North Adams elementary teacher who had to leave the school system because she got married. When the rules changed about married women, she returned to become principal of Johnson School until the 1940s.
"This is an award that examplifies the kind of teacher and principal she was: the ideals, and support and care that she gave to all our students," said Montepare in presenting the award with Mayor Richard Alcombright.
Assistant to the Superintendent Ellen Sutherland read the nomination letter for Patenuade that noted who she was respected by her colleagues and was often seen as a model for new teachers. She was cited for going above and beyond her regular duties in making an impact on her pupils, colleagues and families in the school district.
Even after 40 years of teaching, she is still "always researching new and innovative ways to reach all her students," read Sutherland, and "she treats her students fairly, has high expectations, and works extremely hard from the get go in September to create an environment that puts her students on the road to success."
The superintendent said he has known Patenaude for years since she had come into the school system only a few years after he did.
"Every time I see her, she is always advocating for something," he laughed. "She's always tugging; she needs a reading program, she wants air conditioning, can we money for the Leader in Me program, but never ever once was it a self-serving request."
Montepare said he was thrilled that Patenaude would receive this year's award.
"I do love working here, I like coming to school every day ...," Patenaude said before each of her students handed her a rose. "I am so honored that someone said so many kind things about me."
Montepare, as well, was singled out for his contributions as superintendent over more than a decade, particularly his advocacy of the after-school and summer programs.
Noella Carlow, the school system's 21st Century site coordinator who is in charge of the programs, held him up as an example to the children of someone who practiced good daily habits like doing his school work before playing and having the right attitude. He probably got encouragement from his parents, teachers and other mentors, just like the Brayton pupils were getting now.
"Because he had learned all the right habits, he was able to turn all his visions, and hopes and dreams into some really beautiful gifts to give to the children of North Adams," she said, like the Science Camp. "He knew how to give back to his community."
Tags: school celebration, teacher of the year,
