Excellence in Teaching Award honors two diocesan instructors
The impact a teacher can have on a student’s life lasts far beyond the classroom. In our Catholic schools, educators can help form students not only academically, but spiritually as well. Each year, the Office of Catholic Schools solicits nominations for the annual Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes and celebrates the positive difference Catholic school teachers in the Diocese of Saginaw make in the lives of their students, schools and communities.
The impact a teacher can have on a student’s life lasts far beyond the classroom. In our Catholic schools, educators can help form students not only academically, but spiritually as well. Each year, the Office of Catholic Schools solicits nominations for the annual Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes and celebrates the positive difference Catholic school teachers in the Diocese of Saginaw make in the lives of their students, schools and communities.
This year, 43 educators were nominated via 67 individual submissions for the award based on the demonstration of Catholic values, the positive impact they have on their school community and classroom instruction and student engagement.
Laurie Simon, a second-grade teacher from Sacred Heart Academy in Mount Pleasant, received the Excellence in Teaching Award for elementary school. She has spent her entire 18-year career at Sacred Heart Academy. Amanda Richert, who teaches English and language arts at All Saints Catholic Middle and High School received the middle/high school award. She has been a teacher for 13 years, all of which have been at All Saints.
Members of their school communities nominated each of the teachers. Mrs. Simon’s nominations noted her example of living a faith-filled life, her patience and adaptability to help struggling students learn and her kindness.
“Laurie has made such a positive impact on my son and has helped our family grow. We are so blessed to have her at Sacred Heart. Teachers like Laurie are the reason that I have complete confidence in Catholic education and why Catholic education is what we need in our communities,” read one.
“My child struggles with anxiety, and Mrs. Simon has shared with him how spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament can help him grow in faith and confidence in the Lord. She demonstrates time and again her love for Christ through her skill and passion for teaching, her endless kindness and patience and finally through her unapologetic love for Jesus. She shares DAILY her love for Christ to her students and their families,” said another.
Mrs. Richert’s nominations highlighted her dedication to the school, commitment to help all students grow and the way she lives out her Catholic faith.
“Amanda goes above and beyond to make sure that every student is not only learning the content but also feels safe and loved. No one is ever left behind or forgotten,” said one nomination.
“Mrs. Richert centers her teaching material around faith. She treats children with respect, is patient with them, encourages them, and treats them with kindness. She praises their hard work and truly believes in each and every one of them. Students feel loved and safe in her classroom,” read another.
“Both Mrs. Simon and Mrs. Richert model their faith through their ministries as Catholic school teachers,” said Dr. Cormac Lynn, superintendent of Catholic schools. “It is clear that they care deeply for their students and are committed to helping them grow academically and spiritually.”
Recipients receive a one-time stipend of $2,500. The funding for this award was made possible through a Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan endowment.
Our Catholic schools serve students in 11 schools throughout the diocese. To learn more about the Catholic School Difference or to find a school near you, please visit GreatLakesBayCatholicSchools.com.