School Committee Recognition

Tonight I had the pleasure of being recognized by the Framingham School Committee. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the process of my nomination and selection as the 2010 MA Toy. The best part was sharing what has already happened and what some of the highlights are for the upcoming year. Once again I am reminded that I share this honor with all of my colleagues in Framingham. When I returned to school this morning I was delighted by the amount of students who came up to me to say, "Ms. Goodwin I saw you on TV last night!" Who knew kids watched the School Committee meetings?

Lesley University Article

It was fun to be interviewed by my alma mater, Lesley University. In fact they interviewed my former student teacher, Joe Feintuck too! Read the article at: http://news.lesley.edu/

KSPT Committee

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Working Group for Educational Excellence have formed a partnership: The Knowledge and Skills of Professional Teaching Project (KSPT). The goal is "to support stronger professional practices in teaching and improved student learning." They have invited me to be part of the steering committee. I am excited to bring a current educator's perspective to the group.

Meeting U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan

Some of you know that this summer I am a Teacher in Residence at the Museum of Science (MOS) in Boston charged with the task of making connections between STEM and writing! Today was an exciting day at the MOS as Governor Patrick announced his plan to double the cap for charter schools right here in the Museum. After he spoke of the need to find creative ways to close the achievement gap, the governor was followed by U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. When the press conference was over I was very happy to have the opportunity to meet Secretary Duncan.

Fenway Park

Well George (TOY '99) you were right! Being the Teacher of the Year has already been life altering. Who would have thought I would be standing on the field at Fenway Park with Wally - me a lifelong Yankee fan! But when the MTA told me that they wanted to honor me as a Most Valuable Teacher what could I say? Luckily Cheryl, my dear friend and staunch Red Sox fan, agreed to accompany me and show me the ropes.

The Journey Begins...

Today was an incredible day! I arrived at the State House for the 2010 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony and was whisked up to Deval Patrick's office! We chatted and took some photos and then I headed down for the Legislative Reception where I was presented with a citation from Pam Richardson. Then on to the award ceremony. I was honored to be among the TOY semifinalists, finalists and my new friend, Jennifer Leith, the Preserve America History Teacher of the Year. Another citation, this time from Senator Karen Spilka. Being introduced by Isabelle was a special honor and she did an awesome job. I can now officially say that I have given my first TOY speech - phew! Thank you to all my friends and family who were able to join me, you made it even more special.