Honor Top Educator Award

Senate Resolution No. 289 BY: Senator RANZENHOFER HONORING Colleen McNamara upon the occasion of being named the 2017 Educator of the Year by Educators of America WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educational professionals and the students they inspire; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instrumental in developing character and academic excellence in the young people of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Colleen McNamara upon the occasion of being named the 2017 Educator of the Year by Educators of America; subsequently, her school, Alexander Elementary School, will receive a brand new mobile computer lab; and WHEREAS, This vital honor is bestowed upon educators to help teach students throughout our schools; Educators of America give teachers the technology they need to be more effective in the classroom; and WHEREAS, The Educator of the Year Award recognizes the determination amongst teachers or administrative professionals who understand the need for the integration of technology and education to increase student achievement; and WHEREAS, A Buffalo-based public charity, Educators of America's mission is to connect educators with technology and training by integrating technology into the classrooms; and WHEREAS, Following her graduation from Clarence High School, Colleen McNamara earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from SUNY Geneseo where she had an opportunity to teach at an orphanage in Ghana, Africa; this was the experience that motivated her to be an educator; and WHEREAS, After obtaining her degrees, Colleen McNamara was placed in Pembroke School District and was introduced into the Alexander Central School District, as a long-term substitute teacher; and WHEREAS, For the past five years, Colleen McNamara has been both an English and Math specialist while at the same time, earning her Administrative degree at Canisius College; and WHEREAS, A dedicated educator, Colleen McNamara was instrumental in starting the student council, chess club, and a book study group for teachers; recently, she has become a classroom teacher and, in this position, has implemented new ways of teaching her students; and WHEREAS, Utilizing different ways to educate her students, Colleen McNamara uses the "SPECIAL" approach, which focuses on the art of engaging and maintaining a conversation; and WHEREAS, A true leader in her field, Colleen McNamara brings quality education to her students; with a new platform to educate young minds, she is now able to advance growth connected to student achievement; and WHEREAS, An educator in and out of school, Colleen McNamara is also the entrepreneur behind Stutelage Innovations, a tutoring service in East Amherst; it provides one-on-one and small-group tutoring for students and adults of all ages, and works to design an individualized instruction program that directly meets the student's needs; and WHEREAS, The driving force behind Colleen McNamara's commitment to education is her belief that teaching is focused on building leaders, students who take the initiative and who will want to make a difference in the world; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Colleen McNamara upon the occasion of being named the 2017 Educator of the Year by Educators of America; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Colleen McNamara.