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EOEP recognizes overlooked achievers in the Valley
Eastern Ohio Education Partnership representatives honored local schools and teachers at the sixth annual Excellence in Education awards luncheon Thursday afternoon at Leo’s Ristorante in Warren.
Stephanie Shaw, EOEP executive director, said she was honored to be able to recognize those who stand out and those who sometimes may be overlooked in the educational community in Mahoning, Columbiana, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties.
“We were able to recognize some of the districts that often don’t get recognized like Youngstown, Warren and Campbell [schools], along with some of our other Canfield, Poland and Howland school districts that might be recognized more,” she said.
School districts were recognized for achieving an “A” grade on the Ohio School Report Cards in three categories – progress component, overall value added and lowest 20 percent value added.
In addition to recognizing overlooked schools, Shaw introduced the first Education Advocate award to someone who may have been overlooked in the community as one of the most educationally involved businessmen – Andy Bednar, co-owner of the architectural firm Baker, Bednar, Snyder and Associates.
Bednar served on the Howland Board of Education, chaired the Howland Community Collaboration Committee and founded the Howland Community Scholarships Foundation.
Bednar said although he was happy to receive the award, he never worked alone. “I can’t do this alone, and I’m grateful for all the help I receive from all those who are dedicated and committed to our schools,” he said.
Another award recipient, George Garrett, Mathews High School technology teacher, received the 2016 Innovative Teacher Award.
Garrett said simply what he teaches is built for the award.
“One of the most important things about what I do is not being afraid not to know things,” he said. “Learning alongside of the kids is one of the best things you can do as a teacher. You can’t keep up anymore. Every day there’s something new out there and things change. That’s why you have got to be ready to not be afraid to be wrong once in awhile.”
Garrett said in his class the three main elements are team building, critical thinking and problem solving, which provides an adaptable curriculum.
Being adaptable is something for which Shaw said she commends the schools.
“The most important thing is that school districts have gone through a lot of changes and they still continue to provide excellent education to our students in the Mahoning Valley, and we’re proud of them,” she said.