Excellence in Teaching Awards honor 108 local educators

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - A celebration of local teaching excellence, with over a hundred educators honored during an award ceremony in Holyoke.

This event is part of the Excellence in Teaching Awards program, an initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation.

It is one of three banquets held this spring to recognize a total of 108 educators from across the region. Each event includes the presentation of an engraved plaque, a $250 check, tuition scholarships, and incentives from eight local colleges, including American International College.

"The pandemic, I think, was a big wake-up call for all of us who didn't realize what all teachers do," says Uli Nagel, Program Director of the Excellence in Teaching Awards. "I have learned so much since then. The range of students they have to prepare for, and the lesson plans they have to be ready with. It's just extraordinary."

This program is in its 22nd year, continuing to recognize educators who go above and beyond.