56 earn Master Teacher title

Most of the new Master Teachers earned National Board certification.

STAFF REPORT

Fifty-six Valley teachers have earned the designation of Ohio Master Teacher.

The educators, representing 15 schools, demonstrate excellence both inside and outside the classroom through consistent leadership and focused collaboration to maximize student learning.

Most of those achieving the master teacher designation had already secured National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification, which automatically qualifies them for the state Master Teacher title. Being named a National Board Certified Teacher is the highest credential awarded in the teaching profession.

The Ohio Master Teacher program was developed by the Ohio Educator Standards Board in response to legislation mandating the creation of the designation and the criteria that must be met to achieve it.

Those granted the designation hold it for five years but can re-apply for the recognition.

The program’s purpose is to recognize and honor teachers who go above and beyond district expectations. It also creates a resource of teacher leaders to advance the profession and encourages high-quality teachers to be in the classroom.

To earn the designation, teachers must demonstrate excellence in five specific areas: Consistent leadership; focused collaboration; distinguished teaching with a focus on students and environment; distinguished teaching with a focus on content, instruction and assessment; and continued professional growth.

Applicants must submit a portfolio of their work to be judged by a committee of educators.

The new Ohio Master Teachers are (* designates National Board Certification):

AUSTINTOWN

Nicole McBurney*, Fitch High School.

Ruth Murosko*, Frank Ohl Middle School.

January Nelson*, Fitch High School.

Thomas Reardon*, Fitch High School.

Sandra Thorndike*, Fitch High School.

BOARDMAN

Leah Brown*, Robinwood Elementary School.

Edith Davidson*, Boardman High School.

Jesse McCain*, Center Middle School.

Doreen Miner*, Glenwood Middle School.

Carolyn Nybell*, Center Middle School.

Cathleen Puskar*, Center Middle School.

CAMPBELL

Lisa Foster*, Campbell Elementary School.

Mary Lynn Janek*, Memorial High School.

Lynette Romito*, Campbell Middle School.

CANFIELD

Nancyi Hulea*, Canfield Village Middle School

Laura Kollat*, C.H. Campbell Elementary School.

Colleen Ruggieri*, Canfield High School.

Cheryl Dysert*, C.H. Campbell Elementary School.

Mary Lou Thacker*, Canfield Village Middle School.

COLUMBIANA

Denise Miller*, Columbiana Middle School.

Raedine Hulea*, Columbiana Middle School.

JACKSON-MILTON

Kathleen Wetzl, Jackson-Milton Elementary School.

LOWELLVILLE

Laraine Matisi*, Lowellville Elementary School.

Sandra Phillips*, Lowellville High School.

Betsy Smith*, Lowellville High School.

MAHONING COUNTY CAREER & TECHNICAL CENTER

Thomas Slaven, MCCTC.

Mary Kathryn Williams, MCCTC.

POLAND

Diana Ghizzoni*, Seminary High School.

Sue Irons*, Poland Middle School.

Debra Patsko*, Dobbins Elementary School.

Margaret Price*, Poland Middle School.

Michelle Seman*, Union Elementary School.

Eva Sullivan*, McKinley Elementary School.

Christina Roussos*, Dobbins Elementary School.

Karen Vasko*, North Elementary School.

Alicia Williams*, Union Elementary School.

Patrick Williams*, Poland Middle School.

SEBRING

Lynn Chiu*, B.L. Miller Elementary School.

Kathleen Schroeder, B.L. Miller Elementary School.

SOUTH RANGE

Dacia Allen*, South Range Middle School.

Laura Witmer*, South Range Middle School.

SPRINGFIELD

Mary Ann Davis*, Springfield Elementary School.

Lynda Humphries*, Springfield Elementary School.

Susan Dunn, Springfield High School.

STRUTHERS

Jennifer Colosimo, Struthers Middle School.

Elizabeth Johnson, Struthers Middle School.

Sue Nagle, Struthers Middle School.

Angela Pirone, Struthers Middle School.

WEST BRANCH

Christy Biery, West Branch High School.

Elaine Bonar, West Branch High School.

Kevin Buckley, West Branch High School.

Cynthia Helms*, Knox Elementary School.

Brenda Sharp, West Branch High School.

Linda Slack, West Branch Middle School.

WESTERN RESERVE

Michele Berg*, Ellsworth Elementary School.

Karen Patterson*, Western Reserve High School.