Teacher of the Year

Brooke Langford is the recipient of the 2018 Cortland Rotary Lavona Schneider Teacher of the Year for McGraw Central School District. She was honored at a special Rotary Luncheon Meeting on May 22, 2018 and was presented a certificate and a $100 stipend for enhancing instruction in her classroom.
 
To win the award, the recipient must exemplify the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.”
 
                        (1) Demonstrates teaching excellence and commitment in the classroom;
 
                        (2) Engages in service outside the classroom;
 
                        (3) Encourages students to be service oriented, and
 
                        (4) Is continuously seeking self-improvement.       
 
Brooke's colleague Kathleen Laffoon states, "I have seen student's self-confidence as learners grow because of the support that Brooke gives them on a daily basis....Brooke encourages her students to help out others and be an active member of their community.
 
Principal, Mark Dimorier writes, "I could write for hour about her abilities within the classroom, but I feel that the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher is their service outside the classroom.  Working with special needs students, she encourages them to become involved in extracurricular activities and community service.  Often these students are a little timid and not as outgoing as their peers, both with her encouragement and guidance to find the right activity for each individual, as well as often finding a buddy to promote the activity, it doesn't take long for her student to find the "Yes, I can do this on my own" attitude."
 
When told that she was this year's recipient, Brooke replied, "This is TOTALLY unexpected and very much appreciated.  The success we have with this 6-8 program would not be possible without the support of all of the wonderful people here at McGraw-- I feel fortunate each day to come to work here!  Thank you, again!"