State names Canfield educator master teacher

By Jon Moffett

A good teacher never stops learning, the recipient said after getting the award.

CANFIELD — Colleen Ruggieri is used to having all eyes on her while in front of the class. But usually she is the one doling out the awards.

The Canfield High School English teacher was presented with the Martha Holden Jennings Master Teacher Award of Ohio for 2009, which honors the top teachers. She was presented with the award at Wednesday’s board of education meeting.

“ I congratulate her, and we are all very proud of her,” Superintendent Dante Zambrini said.

Zambrini said Ruggieri was selected out of 67 candidates from Northeast Ohio school districts for the award. In addition to the award, Ruggieri secured a $7,500 grant for the school.

She was presented with a framed certificate that read: “Your passion for teaching, extraordinary work ethic and love for your students define you as a master teacher. With 16 years’ experience, you still approach each school year with unbridled enthusiasm and the zest of a new teacher.”

Slightly uncomfortable with the recognition, Ruggieri said she was appreciative, but the award could have been given to a number of candidates.

“I think there are a lot of really great teachers out there who work hard every day and strive to inspire students,” she said. “But sometimes it’s just nice to have a chance to be recognized.”

During her tenure at Canfield, Ruggieri has secured more than $15,000 in grants for the school, Zambrini said.

Ruggieri said the award is especially meaningful to her because teachers don’t often get the recognition they should.

“We don’t really have the same level of perks as many other people in the rest of the world,” she said. “For example, people in corporate America get bonuses and trips, and I think a lot of teachers sometimes feel like they work really hard, but that’s just part of the job, and they don’t expect to be honored.”

She added that she works with a “building full of fantastic teachers” and is inspired by her colleagues.

Ruggieri said the achievement means a lot to her since she’s always wanted to be a teacher.

“I love being a teacher,” she said. “There has never been a moment in my life where I questioned my path as a professional, and I love being with kids.”

One thing all great teachers have in common, she said, is their desire to never stop learning.

“I believe that the role of the teacher is to learn with students,” she said. “And instead of being a presence that is commanding or domineering, I believe in facilitating my students and learning with them.”

Ruggieri also has a fun side, evident by her license plate that reads “Book Grl.”

jmoffett@vindy.com