Minisink Valley Intermediate School teacher Jill Stramiello and MV Elementary School teacher Stephanie Hoffman have been recognized by Hudson Valley Magazine with two of its Teacher Appreciation Awards.

2021 Hudson Valley Teacher Appreciation Awards

Contenders for the magazine’s awards could be nominated by anyone.  Nominees were asked to respond about teaching during the pandemic.  Their responses, and those of their Hudson Valley colleagues, are spotlighted in the March issue of the publication.

Jill  Stramiello, Minisink Valley Intermediate School

“Teaching in 20-2021 has been an adventure,” she said in the publication. “It has been challenging for students, parents and teachers. But throughout it I have learned that students are much more resilient than we give them credit for. They adapted and grew, regardless of the obstacles they faced. The students never cease to amaze me.”

 

 

Stephanie Hoffman, Minisink Valley Elementary School

“The students that I was blessed to have, have taught me more than they will ever know,” she wrote in the publication. ” Each day as we logged on, I began to realize I needed them as much as they needed me.  We became each other’s daily dose of love and laughter during difficult times — a daily constant of smiles and  ‘joke of the day.’ Those students remind me of the important balance between academics and mental health. Listening, empathy, emotion management, and problem solving are just a few of the treasures they taught me.”

Minisink Valley Teachers Association President Theresa Uhelsky said their recognition was well deserved.

“Jill’s hard work and dedication to her colleagues and students throughout this pandemic has been remarkable,” she added. “Stephanie’s dedication to her students and colleagues is equally admirable.  Throughout this pandemic, they have put them first in everything they do and their passion for teaching reflects in their students’ motivation to learn and their academic growth throughout the school year. We are very fortunate at Minisink to have such wonderful colleagues, so willing to give of themselves and their time.”