Honor Teacher Kathryn Peterson

Senate Resolution No. 435 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Kathryn Peterson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant accomplishments 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, 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Kathryn Peterson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award; and WHEREAS, The future success of our State and Nation is dependent upon individuals such as Kathryn Peterson, who dedicate their lives as educators, nurturing our most precious resource, our youth; and WHEREAS, Kathryn Peterson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies/Secondary Education from the College of Saint Rose in 1992; she went on to graduate magna cum laude with a Master of Science degree in Education in August of 2002; and WHEREAS, An eighth grade American History teacher in the North Colonie Central School District, Kathryn Peterson covers content from the Post Reconstruction Era to Modern Day America; she has been at the forefront in the application of diverse experiences and opportunities within her classroom; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering dedication to her profession, Kathryn Peterson has participated in four Landmarks of American History and Culture Programs offered by the National Endowment for the Humanities; and WHEREAS, Kathryn Peterson has continuously shared her knowledge, materials, resources, and strategies with educator colleagues, an impressive professional characteristic which she demonstrates regularly; she has presented several times at the New York State Middle Schools Association annual conferences on such diverse topics as technology integration in the classroom and the evolution of Eleanor Roosevelt; and WHEREAS, A member of the district's Social Studies Steering Committee, Kathryn Peterson also advises the research-based club, "A Call to Action," which is part of the National Park Service at Hyde Park; in addition, she is co-advisor of the History Club and advisor of the Community Service Club, making dog blankets for a local animal rescue; and WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious 16-year tenure with the North Colonie Central School District, Kathryn Peterson's assessments have been stellar; she is truly in the high echelons of effectiveness and creativity in her instruction, which has led to great success among her students; and WHEREAS, Kathryn Peterson has been instrumental in the collaboration between Shaker Junior High School and the National Park Service; over the years, this affiliation has provided many opportunities for students to work at both the FDR Museum and National Park in Hyde Park, New York; and WHEREAS, A role model educator, Kathryn Peterson has brought her considerable expertise to the world of social studies instruction; she is a leader in the school's department and continues to share her knowledge and resources on a wider stage; and WHEREAS, Educators like Kathryn Peterson provide a tremendous service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their future years; and WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State, Kathryn Peterson clearly has an enduring impact on the youth of the North Colonie Central School District, as well as on the community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for her impressive dedication to others; and WHEREAS, Throughout her career thus far, Kathryn Peterson has brought an uncompromising standard of excellence to her work and a warm sense of caring and concern to every young person she educates; and WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Kathryn Peterson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Kathryn Peterson.