EAST GREENBUSH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HONORS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
The District’s Teachers’ Association (EGTA) has named Lisa Westman the 2009/2010 Teacher of the Year.
Lisa, who has been with the District for 12 years, is an elementary school teacher at the Donald P. Sutherland
Elementary School. She resides in Nassau.
Ms. Westman earned her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, with a concentration in mathematics and a
minor in music, from the College of Saint Rose. She also earned her Masters Degree from St. Rose with a
concentration in Learning Disabilities.
She began her teaching career at the Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School as a Term Substitute Teacher in
1992. In 1997 she joined the elementary teaching staff at DPS and for the several years she has been a third
grade teacher in the school.
In reflecting on her teaching career, Ms. Westman said, “I am truly honored to be a teacher in the East
Greenbush Central School District. It is a privilege to work with this wonderful team of people who have
become my extended family. Teaching at Donald P. Sutherland is the fulfillment of a life long dream I had as a
child attending this school. Every day, I see the impact of the care and support given to the children from our
school community and from the community in which we live. Instilled with a love for learning, and inspired to
demonstrate good character, the children will make a difference in this world. They have certainly made a
difference in my life.”
At the District’s September 9th Board of Education meeting, the Special Needs Parent Group honored Bell Top
Elementary School Special Education teacher John Rivera with the Annual Mary P. VanDerzee Special
Educator of the Year Award.
According to the Parent Group’s Co-Chairs, Marie Curley and Jessica Lansing, “Mary P. VanDerzee was the
Director of Pupil Personnel Services in East Greenbush from 1988 to 1992. Sadly, she passed away in 2002.
Mary was known and admired by all as an advocate for students with special needs and a person who was
committed to the concept of inclusion. She was also known for her gift of pulling people together for the
benefit of students with special needs. It is her example that we look to as we select our honoree each year.”
Eligible award candidates must be employed by the District, must work with the District’s students in special
education, and must demonstrate unique and exceptional educational qualities. This year, the selection
committee was unanimous in their choice to honor Mr. Rivera.
He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and his Master’s Degree in Special Education at University at
Albany. He came to Bell Top from the Cohoes City School District where he was an elementary special
education teacher.
“The letters we received nominating John were so enthusiastic that they made what John does in the classroom
come to life for the nominating committee,” said Curley. “He has the unique ability to build that all important
bridge between home and school. In addition, his students consistently show measureable improvement in their
test scores.”
At the September 9th Board meeting, Rivera addressed the many Bell Top staff members who attended,
“Tonight, people have said so many flattering things about my work with our students. I’d like you [the Bell
Top staff] and everyone here tonight to know that I have learned from you; and, if I’m a good teacher it’s
because of what I learned from all of you. I thank you, I thank Dr. Guptill and the Board, and I especially thank
my wife and children.”