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Faculty News
Kennedy Named Finalist for Presidential Award
Dr. Kathy Kennedy, Peck’s Lower School science teacher and Science Department Chair, was named one of two New Jersey finalists for the 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
The highest national recognition that a K-12 science, technology, engineering, or math teacher can receive, the PAEMST awards recognizes outstanding teachers who embody (among many criteria) deep content knowlege, exemplary pedagogical skills, leadership, reflective teaching, student assessment expertise, and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in STEM disciplines.
The awards follow a robust process from nomination to selection—which not only highlights the nominated teacher’s skills and qualities, but also reflects upon the school’s program and student experience as a whole. For example, a required element of Kennedy’s application documentation was an actual science lesson she uses here at Peck. She submitted a video recording of a third-grade lesson examining variables affecting motion. “Student actions” and “science talk” were examined as a representation of student experience.
Kennedy also was tasked to include examples of differentiation strategies to meet the needs of all students, and formative and summative assessment examples that reflect student learning. These elements—which are reflective of the overall science program at Peck— were commended for their creativity, alignment to standards, and ability to promote learning for all students. A national selection committee composed of prominent mathematicians, scientists, math/ science education researchers, district personnel, and classroom teachers convene to review finalists’ applications. The National Science Foundation (NSF) then recognizes up to two finalists per state. Kennedy is one of those finalists, and was recognized in-person at the NJ Science Convention Banquet on October 18.
“I am humbled to be a 2022 Finalist for the PAEMST program and honored to join this cadre of outstanding educators,” said Kennedy. “The award process is a reflective journey that has improved my teaching and inspired me to continue to grow as an educator, and guide each science learner that I work with in the Peck community. Recognition in the PAEMST program speaks highly of Peck’s science program, and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and administrators.”
Established by Congress in 1983, the awards are administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The President of the United States may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers per year. Awardees receive a grant from the NSF, participate in an award ceremony at the White House, and join a national cohort of award-winning teachers and professionals with opportunities to impact teaching on a state and national scale.
KENNEDY LEADS PUMPKIN STUDY WITH A KINDERGARTEN SCIENCE CLASS.
Three Faculty Honored with Disciplina ad Vivendum Awards
Three distinguished faculty members were awarded the highest honor for a Peck teacher: the Disciplina ad Vivendum Award for Teaching Excellence. This award is given annually to a faculty member who exemplifies a commitment to learning for life. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the award had not been given out for two years. At the Welcome Back Dinner on September 9, the award for 2020 was awarded to Upper School English Teacher Virginia Savage, the 2021 award to Second Grade Homeroom Teacher Jane Attah, and the 2022 award to Upper School English Teacher Sarah Chan.
Tee Atkins, third grade homeroom teacher, traveled 6,792 miles across the country this summer as the recipient of the Ben Alexander Faculty Enrichment Grant. This grant is awarded annually to a faculty member for a personally enriching experience that demonstrates the growth mindset and sincere interest of the recipient. Atkins shared highlights of his trip with faculty and staff during opening meetings in August, and has also shared new learnings and firsthand experiences with his third graders.
Erin Ceder: A Teacher Story
Second Grade Teacher Erin Ceder was selected to share her teacher story at this year’s opening faculty meetings. Ceder, who transitioned back into the classroom after 12 years as Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, detailed her lineage in a family of educators and the importance of family in her life. The Teacher Story, typically shared annually at opening faculty meetings, is a longstanding community tradition at Peck.
Peck Hosts NJAIS Tech Innovation and Collaboration Conference
Several Peck faculty members presented at the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools summer technology conference, “Innovation and Collaboration.” Lower School Technology, Innovation, & Design Integrator Jennifer Garvey, Director of the Osborn Idea & Design Lab Bruce Schwartz, and Dr. Kathy Kennedy, Lower School science teacher and science department chair, presented during the two-day conference hosted on Peck’s campus.
This summer, Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing Heather Burchfield attended the National Association of Independent Schools’ School Leadership Institute. This three-day residential program helps school administrators better understand their leadership style and identify strengths as well as areas for improvement. All participants use a 360-degree assessment Leadership Practices Inventory to assist them in their professional growth.
Tabor and Rose Attend NJAIS Women in Leadership Institute
Lower School Psychologist Ashley Tabor and Grade 7 Lead Teacher Laura Rose are attending the yearlong New Jersey Association of Independent Schools’ (NJAIS) Women in Leadership Institute. Both also attended The Head’s Network’s Women’s Seminar: Rose in 2021 and Tabor in 2022. The NJAIS institute serves to promote personal and professional growth for current and aspiring female school leaders. With facilitation by veteran school leaders, consultants, and other women in leadership, attendees navigate topics that challenge women on a path to leadership roles in schools. “I wanted to participate in this year’s Women in Leadership Institute because I would love to dive deeper into my leadership journey and learn from other women in the field,” Tabor said. “I feel strongly about empowering women to take on more leadership roles, and I feel this experience will help influence the younger generation of girls to do the same.”
