EAST PROVIDENCE — Noting the significance of the evening, Superintendent Kathryn Crowley recognized the Teachers of the Year from each of the city’s 13 buildings/programs, including district-wide East Providence Teacher of the Year Keith Martinous, at the June 12 meeting of the School Committee.
“This is probably the most important School Committee meeting of the year because the reason is to honor all of the wonderful teachers we have here in East Providence,” Superintendent Crowley said prior to introducing the honorees.
Mr. Martinous is a city native and a Class of 1991 graduate of East Providence High School. He is currently a Forensic Science instructor at the Career and Technical Center, having created the curriculum from scratch. The program extends through all four years of high school. It is an adjunct with Syracuse University through its Project Advance, which allows Advanced Forensic students (fourth year) to obtain four college chemistry credits. Of note as well, earlier this term the level one Forensic Science class was featured on RIPBS the Rhode Island Classroom.
“It is an honor to be named East Providence Teacher of the Year” Mr. Martinous said of his award. "Thanks to the East Providence School Committee, the administration and Career and Technical Center director Karen Mellen, I have been able to design and develop a program that allows students to be exposed to high level laboratory based science utilizing state of the art equipment. I have also been very fortunate to have amazing students who have helped turn the Forensic program into what it is today, especially this year’s group of graduating seniors who were the first class to complete the full four years of the program.”
Mr. Martinous is about to finish his 22nd year in the district. He taught eighth grade Physical Science and seventh grade Earth Science to start his career at Martin Middle School from 1996-2000. He then became a Biology, Advanced Biology, Earth, Space and Physical Science teacher at EPHS from 2000-2012. He next moved to the EPCTC in 2012 to begin the Forensic Science initiative.
“Mr. Martinous has worked tirelessly to create a high demand laboratory based forensic science experience for students in grades 9 through 12,” Superintendent Crowley said of Mr. Martinous’ selection as the CTC honoree. “His program is highly respected throughout the state. Mr. Martinous has a wonderful repoire with his students. His ability to motivate them utilizing his depth of knowledge and skill set has created a dynamic culture for student success.”
Of choosing only one district-wide instructor to honor, Superintendent Crowley added, “This is always a difficult decision the administration has to make every year because we think you’re all outstanding teachers.”
Mr. Martinous was selected for his school honor by his CTC peers and Principal Mellen, who said of his overall district notice, “Mr. Martinous' passion for teaching forensic science has made a profound impact on his students' success as they embark on their future educational and occupational career choices.”
Mr. Martinous will represent East Providence at a special ceremony hosted by the Rhode Island Department of Education during a waterfire performance in Providence in September. The state teacher of the year award winner will be announced at the event.
The following is a list of the 2017-18 building teachers of the year, including a synopsis of Superintendent remarks on each recipient:
East Providence High School, Heather Coughlin, English, “organizational skills, technical knowledge and creating 21st century classroom.
EPCTC, Keith Martinous, Forensic Science
Martin Middle School: Christie Hammons, Seventh Grade, English, “a risk taker.”
Riverside Middle School: Alissa Chamberland, Reading Specialist, “use of contemporary methods.”
Francis Elementary: Suzanne Jordan, Library, “traveling Tanzania to help build elementary school and advise creating its library.”
Hennessey Elementary: Nicole Monte, Math Intervention, “contribution to the entirety of the school community.”
Kent Heights Elementary: Michaela Gallogly, Third Grade, “embraces technology, blended learning.”
Oldham Elementary: Pamela Watson, Fifth Grade, “contribution to the entirety of the school community.”
Orlo Avenue Elementary: Betsy Knott, Special Ed, “essential part of the school.”
Silver Spring Elementary: Denise Swan, First Grade, "collaborating and creating challenging learning experiences.”
Waddington Elementary: Linda Lewis, Reading, “love of learning.”
Whiteknact Elementary: Amy Resnick, Fifth Grade, “student-centered, tech savvy.”
Pre-K Martin: Linda Murphy, “inspirational and child-centered.”