Awards honor teachers

Published 2:31 pm Thursday, May 26, 2016

Catherine Baber Fleischman was recently named Cumberland’s 2016 Teacher of the Year, while spouses Chiara Guardo Hoyt and Andrew Jeffrey Hoyt were named teachers of the year for their individual schools.

Fleischman, who teaches at Cumberland County High School, was also named Teacher of the Year at the high school.

Chiara Hoyt teaches at Cumberland County Elementary School and her husband teaches at Cumberland County Middle School. Both were in the running for the divisionwide award because of their school accolades.

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“I am very proud of all three of our school-level Teachers of the Year,” said School Superintendent Dr. Amy Griffin. “They are all knowledgeable, caring educators who strive to instill a love of learning in all of the children that they teach. Our school division is very fortunate to have them.”

According to the school division, nominated teachers “should inspire the love of learning in all students, be concerned for individual students, display ability and willingness to work cooperatively with fellow professionals, work effectively with the community, remain abreast of current educational theories and practices, be willing and able to make contributions to the field of education and have demonstrated innovative practices.”

During her two years with the division, Chiara Hoyt has used creative teaching methods to inspire students to achieve big goals, according to the school. She teaches second grade.

Cumberland Elementary School Principal Virginia Gills said in a news release “(Hoyt) has high expectations for all of her students and expects them to embody the values of positivity, organization, work ethic, equal rights and respect.”

In addition, Hoyt chairs the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions Support (PBIS) Committee and serves on the Teacher Cabinet.

Andrew Hoyt was recognized for his contributions in the classroom and community.

“Mr. Hoyt is one of the most caring individuals I know,” said middle school Principal Jeff Dingeldein. “He develops positive relationships with students and encourages and motivates them to be successful in their classes.”

Hoyt has been teaching in the division for two years and teaches eighth-grade civics and economics, according to the release.

The release stated that Hoyt has participated in many school endeavors, such as the Relay for Life Team, serving as a summer school coordinator and assisting with the 21st Century Program held after school. One of his greatest accomplishments is the bond he has with the students, according to the release.

Based on her work ethic and giving back, Fleischman was named Teacher of the Year for the high school.

The release stated that Fleischman has been teaching for almost eight years and employs a variety of techniques to ensure success inside and outside of the classroom.

High school Principal Jeffrey Scales said in the release that Fleischman is a dedicated educator who displays love for her students.

Fleischman said, “I work to inspire my students using educational practices including modeling, peer editing, immediate feedback and positive behavior reinforcements. I enjoy collaborating with the (Career and Technical Education) and Fine Arts teaching staff to offer my students experiences in transition activities to prepare them for life after high school.”