#United States #New York #Education #Curriculum Associates #Extraordinary Educators

Honors for Exceptional New York Teachers

Curriculum Associates recently announced the members of its 2025 Class of Extraordinary Educators™, proudly recognizing teachers who are making a significant impact on their students' learning experiences. Among these honored educators are Sarah Silvernail from Schroon Lake Central School, Alyssa Smith from Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary School, and Tracey Fuller from Chatham Middle School, all situated in New York. These dedicated professionals have been commended for their innovative classroom strategies, high standards of student achievement, and unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive and diverse educational environments.

The Selected Educators

Sarah Silvernail, a teacher at Schroon Lake Central School, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the classroom. "To me, being an Extraordinary Educator means creating a classroom culture of inclusivity," she remarked. Sarah designs her lessons to employ universal design principles, ensuring every student has access to the curriculum. This is crucial as it allows all learners to thrive, regardless of their individual needs.

Similarly, Alyssa Smith of Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary highlighted the unique needs of each child in her classroom. "We live by the motto 'equal is not always fair,'" she noted. Alyssa tailors her teaching methods to accommodate the diverse learning styles of her students, striving to be the teacher each child requires. This approach not only fosters individual growth but also nurtures a supportive learning environment.

Tracey Fuller, teaching at Chatham Middle School, faces the challenges of instructing multiple grade levels within a single classroom. She understands the significance of meeting each student at their point of need. "Supporting their individual strengths and addressing their unique learning needs is paramount," she explained, showcasing her dedication to ensuring that all her students have the opportunity to succeed.

Celebrating Educational Excellence

The initiative by Curriculum Associates to honor these educators reflects a broader commitment to enhancing educational experiences across the country. This year, they selected 29 exceptional teachers from hundreds of nominations, showcasing a diverse array of backgrounds and teaching roles.

Each candidate underwent a rigorous review process by an internal selection committee made up of Curriculum Associates employees. The finalists were further assessed by an advisory board comprising alumni from the Extraordinary Educators program, ensuring a fair evaluation process that recognizes excellence in teaching.

Kelly Sia, the CEO of Curriculum Associates, stated, "The impact these teachers make creates ripple effects in their communities and across the country. We are delighted to celebrate these remarkable educators and the transformative work they do to ensure better student outcomes." This affirmation of the educators' efforts helps inspire a greater focus on the critical role teachers play in shaping future generations.

A Network of Support and Growth

Being named an Extraordinary Educator comes with more than just recognition. These teachers will have ongoing access to a network of distinguished peers, allowing them to share their experiences, collaborate on ideas, and explore innovative methods to engage with their students effectively. They will also benefit from numerous professional learning opportunities, including invitations to the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit, where they can present and learn from one another in a nurturing environment.

Curriculum Associates has established itself as a leader in educational tools and resources since its founding in 1969. With programs like i-Ready®, Magnetic®, and BRIGANCE®, the company supports over 14 million students and one million teachers nationwide, continually evolving to meet the needs of modern classrooms.

This recognition of New York's teachers not only applauds their commitment but also serves as a reminder of the profound impact educators have on the fabric of their communities. Such acknowledgments inspire others in the educational field to strive for excellence and embrace creative approaches in their teaching methods to foster a love for learning in all students.