So many things to so many people, CVMS English teacher presented with Award for Teacher Excellence

Stacey Szymczak has touched the lives of countless colleagues and students throughout her 33 years as an English teacher at Circleville Middle School. That was evident on Thursday, May 2, as she was awarded the Mid-Hudson School Study Council Award for Teacher Excellence.

Several of her colleagues wrote letters to the council lauding the combination of her work ethic, her mentoring to them and her dedication and love of her students.

“Her number one priority is her students,” said Melissa Schueller in her nomination letter.  “She continues to work tirelessly to ensure that the students and colleagues on her team are well-prepared for anything thrown their way.”

Jim Quinlan was mentored by Stacey his first year teaching. Quinlan said he is most impressed with Stacey’s ability to adapt to changing trends in education.

“While many teachers are resistant to change, Stacey embraces it,” he said. “She uses her decades of experience not as a defense mechanism for maintaining a curriculum she has already mastered, but as a tool for creating a new, interesting learning environment.”

Superintendent Tim Mains said Szymczak is exactly what every teacher aims to be when they enter this profession.

“Mentoring colleagues and embracing your students, helping them with their individual needs, that’s what we all aim to do when we become teachers,” said Mains. “Stacey has made a difference in people’s lives, her colleagues and, most importantly, her students.”

While her colleagues have greatly benefited from her experience and expertise, it is the students who have reaped the most rewards.

“I think her most important character trait is her ability to have her students know how much she cares about them,” sand fellow teacher Angie Meier. “They absolutely love her because she takes the time to develop a personal relationship with each one.”

“Countless students comment that her methods of teaching writing have helped them to improve their skills prior to going to high school,” said colleague Tara Klink. “I can honestly say she is one of the most caring, loving teachers I have ever worked with.”

“Stacey Szymczak is loved by her colleagues and students,” added Schueller. “She is truly a teacher who cares for every student, which is evident by the number of lives she has touched. Quite simply, she is amazing!”

Meier noted the volunteer activities outside of the classroom with which Szymczak is associated, including organizing the eighth grade dinner dance, field trips and chaperoning the trip to Washington D.C. She notes that Szymczak is on many committees, even those that work over the summer to hire new teachers.

Principal Lisa Hankinson called Szymczak “the consummate professional.”

“I am incredibly proud to have her on our team,” said Hankinson. “Stacey, quite simply, teaches from her heart. She has helped inspire a clear vision for our school.”