2015 Blackboard Awards For Teachers Honorees

On Monday, June 8, the 2015 the Blackboard Awards For Teachers honored 15 of the finest educators in the city at a special ceremony at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) Auditorium on Broadway. Jennifer Senior, a New York magazine contributing editor and the author of All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood, was the emcee. In addition to NYIT, the sponsors included the United Federation Of Teachers (UFT), the Yorkville Youth Athletic Association, and Amtrak.

The longest-running and most prestigious celebration of excellence in local education, the Blackboard Awards honors educators and schools from all sectors (public, private, charter, and parochial) and grade levels (nursery through high school). The ceremony for schools and principals takes place in early winter.

Please Note: We welcome and encourage parent nominations all year long; and to nominate a school, principal, teacher, or guidance counselor visit blackboardawards.com.

And the 2015-2015 Blackboard Awards for Teachers Honorees are:

Jennifer Buck
The Neighborhood Charter School of Harlem

Marvin Cadornigara
NEST+m

Diane Ditonno-Gilhuley
P.S. 107

Laurie Engle
The Neighborhood School—P.S. 363

Yann Gaboriau
New York French American Charter School

Debra Goodstone
Manhattan Day School/Yeshiva Ohr Torah

Rallou M. Hamshaw
Rudolf Steiner School

Bill LaMonte
Millennium High School

Ashley Mendolia
P.S. 15 M

Kevin Miller
Manhattan East School for Arts and Academics—M.S. 224

Janeen Nelson
James Weldon Johnson Leadership Academy—P.S. 57 M

Debra Rabinowitz
The Cathedral School

Nicole Rachel
Manhattan School For Children—P.S. 333

Jonathan Sabol
The Hewitt School

Saray Elena Whittaker
The Sarah Anderson School—P.S. 9

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

Park Shore Country Day School

Our renowned preschool for ages 2-5 is located on 15 beautiful acres in Dix Hills, centrally located in Suffolk County. We offer a wide range of academic and social experiences for toddlers through Pre-K, preparing our students for all their future endeavors. Our mission is to nurture young learners in a fun, stimulating environment that promotes creativity, curiosity, and confidence. We believe every child deserves a strong foundation for their future, and that&rsquo;s exactly what we provide through our innovative programs and experienced staff. ● Small Classes With Experienced Teachers ● Specialized Enrichment Program ● SMART Board: Interactive Learning Technology ● Pre&ndash;Reading &amp; Language Arts Programs ● Leader in Preschool STEAM Education: Science program featuring Robotics, Engineering, Life, Physical &amp; Earth Science ● Computer Program with the latest technology ● Spanish &amp; American Sign Language Programs ● &ldquo;The Gym&rdquo; &ndash; Indoor Recreational Area ● NEW Sky Tykes Adventure Course ● Kidnastics Fitness Program ● Outdoor Athletic Facility ● Learning Center &amp; Library ● Music &amp; Movement Program ● 3 Playgrounds &amp; Trike Raceway ● 15 Beautiful Acres ● Before and After-Care Available ● Serving Long Island Since 1959

Twin Parks Montessori Schools

TwIn Parks Montessori Schools nurtures a child&rsquo;s natural tendency to learn.&nbsp; Our three campuses on the Upper West Side of Manhattan serve children from 3 months to 5 years of age.&nbsp; We are called Twin Parks because each of our campuses are across from Central Park or Riverside Park.&nbsp; Being close to nature is just one of many things that make Twin Parks a wonderful school.&nbsp; Twin Parks is well known for its warm stimulating environment, joyful, active, independent learners, and welcoming community.&nbsp; At Twin Parks, each child is regarded with profound respect and care. Our nurturing teachers foster a beautiful learning environment designed to help each child reach their full potential.&nbsp;&nbsp; All of our students, even our youngest children, have enriched experiences in math, language, science, cultural arts, music, art and movement.&nbsp; The Montessori approach is internationally renowned for the development of each child&rsquo;s creativity, individual resourcefulness, and potential. All of our classrooms share a deep commitment to the Montessori Method and at each level our program is carefully constructed around the developmental stages of the child. The Montessori curriculum varies at the levels of our school, but the goals are consistent throughout the programs: - To partner with parents in the education of their children - To foster a love and joy of learning - To help children develop a positive self-image&nbsp; - To foster open minds, compassion, and respect for others - To develop independence and confidence. - To instill in each child a sense of responsibility for the world in which we live - To maintain the highest standards for a safe and clean program.