One of the happy items on the agenda for the September 4 meeting of the Suffield Board of Education was the announcement of this year’s Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year, chosen from nominations submitted from all four of our schools.
This year the choice for Teacher of the Year was Matthew Dobi, a social studies teacher at Suffield Middle School. He will also be recognized at a state reception in November. Dobi is considered to be a dynamic teacher who learns his students’ strengths and styles and develops meaningful lessons to challenge each one. He likes using project-based learning, encouraging the kids to collaborate as they work toward a goal. He also coaches cross-country, basketball, and track and field.
Photo by Lester Smith
Board of Education Chair Kendra Wiesel speaks about the Board’s choice after presenting Matthew Dobi with his certificate as Teacher of the year for 2018-2019. He teaches social studies at Suffield Middle School.
The chosen Paraeducator of the Year is Jacklyn Kirchmeier, at Spaulding Elementary School, who works primarily with children who have complex learning profiles. She is described as exemplifying all of the characteristics and skills needed to be an outstanding paraprofessional, striving to meet the needs of each student. She embodies the love, patience, commitment and knowledge needed to have a powerful, positive impact on the lives of children who are most in need.
Photo by Lester Smith
Newly-named Paraeducator of the Year Jacklyn Kirchmeier, left, accepts the congratulations of Spaulding School Principal Dr. Roxanne Pangallo, center, and Board Chair Kendra Wiesel.
In the September 4 Board meeting, Suffield’s new Interim Superintendent of Schools Mark Winzler said he had considerable experience with the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council and had reviewed this year’s selections in Suffield. He felt that they were very well chosen.