Niskayuna High School teachers recognized for excellence

When the school principal and district superintendent pay a surprise visit to a classroom, it can cause heart palpitations for the teacher. But those palpitations quickly turn to joy once it was revealed that the teacher has won an award.
This is exactly what happened to two Niskayuna High School teachers the morning of June 6. Business teacher Michelle Stopera and special education teacher Kathy Ylvisaker had just begun their classes when several visitors – including Superintendent Kevin Baughman, Principal John Rickert, two representatives of Student Congress and members of the Niskayuna Community Foundation – appeared at their door with balloons and plaques announcing the teachers had been selected as the recipients of the Murray Award for Excellence in Education.
“I am usually never at a loss for words,” said Stopera, “but this has left me speechless.”
The award, established in 2004, recognizes outstanding educators at the high school level who themselves are committed to continued learning in order to improve and enhance the education of their students.
As part of the Murray Excellence in Education award, each teacher will receive $2,500 to apply toward a staff development activity of their choice.
“This is wonderful and completely unanticipated,” said Ylvisaker.
A selection committee of students, parents and teachers consider various criteria when choosing recipients, including outstanding classroom practices, professional contributions, past accomplishments, and a presence that inspires and positively influences students, colleagues and the community.
The Murray Award for Excellence in Education is administered by the Niskayuna Community Foundation. It was initiated by the late Jeanne Murray Veasey and Kathy Murray Crowe to honor their parents, Edwards B. and Sally Murray, participation in establishing Niskayuna High School.
 

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