The Newton Community Education Foundation handed out their latest Excellence in Education Awards on Tuesday morning. Each year the foundation recognizes teachers who are nominated by students, parents, or other community members. Newton Community Education Foundation President Kelly Sorenson says twelve teachers were honored this year, and were presented their award during a surprise classroom visit that included Cardinal Mascot “Big Red.” They get a Cardinal plaque, cookies for their classroom, and a $500 check to spend in their classroom. 

“The money is fun and the cookies for the class and all the other stuff is great. But really, the teachers hearing and seeing how much they make an impact is a big deal. I think if you were to ask them, I think they would say that is the bigger prize out of all of it.”

The teachers recognized this year were Derek Bair and Kayla Samson at Newton High School, Gary Larsson and Reagan Maple at Berg Middle School, Lora Caves and Brian Keeton at Emerson Hough Elementary, Payton Jean and Sara VanManen at Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Jo Ellen Linn and Lucas Warner at Woodrow Wilson Elementary, Melanie Dolanc at West Academy, and Kaitlyn Van Sickle at Thomas Jefferson Elementary’s Preschool. Hear more about the Newton Community Education Foundation’s Annual Excellence in Education Awards on today’s Let’s Talk Newton.