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June 09
2011
Schenectady
2011 Teacher of Year is Named
Congratulations to SHS English Teacher Susie Walsh
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"Susie Walsh is the type of teacher that students
will remember long after they graduate," said
Jerry Rosen, house principal. |
Susie Walsh, a 9th
grade English teacher in the Edison School of Math, Science and
Technology at Schenectady High School was named 2011 Schenectady
City School District Teacher of the Year today. Superintendent
John Yagielski dropped by Schenectady High School to surprise
Walsh and her class with the news of the award. Walsh was
nominated for the award by house principal Jerry Rosen.
 Walsh
was stunned when Yagielski entered her classroom with flowers
and balloons on hand and the announcement that she is the 2011
Teacher of the Year.
In the nomination,
Rosen raved about the impact that Walsh had had on the
restructuring of the high school, the respect students have for
their teacher and her open communication with families.
“I have a lot of
admiration for this school and I think what the 9th
grade academy has done is phenomenal,” said Walsh. “We have
broken ground. This is the only year I have walked out everyday
saying we are so awesome.”
 Rosen
said Walsh, who serves as the MST house 9th grade
team leader, worked diligently to help create a new format for
the freshmen at the high school. “She has been a positive force
from the beginning of the discussion regarding a restructuring
of 9th grade and the formation of the 9th
grade academy,” said Rosen.
While Walsh has
been an English teacher in the district since 2003, she had not
taught 9th grade prior to the restructuring project.
“She saw the value and importance of creating a team concept for
9th grade,” said Rosen.
 Walsh
complimented her team. In fact, she asked that they join her
for the morning celebration. “It’s not just me,” said Walsh.
“It’s all teamwork. I have a great team behind me.”
Rosen noted that
Walsh embraces the collaborative approach to teaching and is
receptive to new strategies and technology that she can
incorporate into her lessons. “Susie collaborates with her
English colleagues from other freshmen teams to plan creative
and relevant experiences for her students,” added Rosen. “This
hard work and effort has resulted in improved attendance and
success for our freshmen.”
Walsh said the
many changes have made a difference. “Students are engaged,”
she said. Changes to assessments, teaching practices and
including technology in every lesson are a few of the strategies
that are having an impact at Schenectady High School.
Rosen said Walsh
is unique. “She is great,” he said.
Walsh is known to
the students and staff as a positive, caring, creative teacher
with high expectations. “Students respect Susie because she
consistently demonstrates that she cares about them and wants
them to succeed,” said Rosen. “They enjoy learning in her class
and respond to her high expectations.”
Rosen also boasted
about Walsh’s ability to effectively communicate with students
and their families. “As a team leader, she has set the tone for
open communication with families and has utilized the increased
supports for her students,” said Rosen. “She follows up with
students in the lunch room and makes sure that no one falls
between the cracks and is dedicated to making the program even
stronger. “If you asked me to show a visitor a successful 9th
grade class, I would bring them to A4 any day,” said Rosen.
 Walsh
has served an array of leadership roles in the district. She
currently serves as the director of the Schenectady Teacher
Center which she has revitalized into a “teacher-centered”
organization. She is also currently a member of the
Professional Development Plan Committee and the Curriculum
Coordination Council.
Walsh was a
professional development facilitator in 2007-2008 and again in
2011. She served as an administrative intern in 2007-2008. She
developed the Global Commerce College Support program. Walsh
also co-chaired the Black History Celebration for three
consecutive years. She was named Walmart Teacher of the Year in
2006.
Walsh is
co-advisor for the Class of 2011. She has also been student
advisor for Inspiration Gospel Choir and Yearbook.
“Whether she is
working as the advisor for the Class of 2011 or with struggling
students after school, Susie is dedicated to her kids,” said
Rosen. “Susie is the type of teacher that students will
remember long after they graduate. Her commitment and devotion
to her students is unwavering.”
“It’s one thing to
be Teacher of the Year,” said Walsh. “But it’s better to be
part of the 9th grade academy.”
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