EAST PROVIDENCE — As well as the announcement at the Tuesday, May 12, School Committee of Jen Ruthven, an instructor at Orlo Avenue Elementary School, as both the teacher of the year for her building and the entire East Providence School District, teachers throughout the department were also recognized for their accomplishments this term and throughout their careers.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sandra Forand, who along with Superintendent Kathryn Crowley and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Celeste Bowler made the selection for the district-wide honor, said of Mrs. Ruthven, “Jen is an amazing teacher. She is creative, fosters independence in students and truly loves them. It is evident every time you walk in her classroom that students are engaged and love learning.”

The remaining individual building teachers of the year for 2020 are as follows:

East Providence High School, John “Sandy” Gorham: Mr. Gorham is a Physical Education and Health teacher in the district. From his nomination notes, Superintendent Crowley said he has been “affecting and influencing young men and women for nearly half a century.” Among many attributes, Mr. Gorham was called “a selfless, hardworking individual.”

East Providence Career and Technical Center, Tom Galligan: Superintendent Crowley cited Mr. Galligan as being “an integral part” of the EPCTC while teaching construction there for over 20 years. He was noted for his connection with students and community, assisting with instruction and helping secure job opportunities for his pupils upon graduation.

Martin Middle School, Pam Thacker: According to the notes given to the superintendent, Ms. Thacker has been a teacher in the district for 20 years and currently serves as Department Coordinator for Science. She was described as “going above and beyond to improve the culture and climate” at MMS this past year in particular and all her years at the building.

Riverside Middle School, John Macomber: An English Language Arts instructor for over 30 years, Mr. Macomber will be retiring at the completion of the 2019-20 term. The superintendent noted he is “respected and admired” by the RMS community “because he is fair and compassionate.” Upon retirement, Superintendent Crowley said, Mr. Macomber will “leave behind a legacy of excellence and commitment to his students, and he will be missed dearly.”

Francis Elementary School, Paula Chace: Mrs. Chace has been a teacher in the district since 1988, and has “devoted her career to the students of East Providence.” Mrs. Chace was described as a “leader and a true friend to students and faculty alike” and that her “students’ achievement and well being are her driving force.”

Hennessey Elementary, Carla Midgley: Ms. Midgley was recognized posthumously, having recently passed away. A Special Needs educator, she was noted as being “dedicated and collaborative…talented, caring and knowledgable.” Superintendent Crowley said Ms. Midgley “exuded humility, kindness, humanity and respect.” Hennessey and the district as a whole are “stronger and more inclusive because Carla Midgley was part of it.” The superintendent concluded, “She will be deeply missed by the East Providence School community.”

Kent Heights Elementary, Donna Ferrucci: Mrs. Ferrucci has been an EPSD employee for 25 years, serving most of that time as a classroom teacher before becoming dean of students at Kent Heights. Through the innovation Mrs. Ferrucci brought to her new role, Superintendent Crowley noted, “She has proven how dynamic a teacher she really is in her new position.”

Martin Middle School Pre-Kindergarten, Sara Mistretta: Ms. Mistretta has been a teacher in the district’s Pre-K program for the last four years. She was cited by the superintendent in her nomination notes as being a “leader” helping the program attain state-wide and nationally recognition.

Oldham Elementary School Pre-Kindergarten, Melissa Natusch: Superintendent Crowley read how Mrs. Natusch was described as “kind and cares for all children.” Her nomination notes called her an “amazing learning partner to the parents of her students.”

Silver Spring Elementary, Michaela Marcum: A Physical Education teacher at Silver Spring, Ms. Marcum was noted as bringing “fun” to the curriculum and as being a favorite of her students. She was described in her nomination notes as being “approachable, a good listener, positive and kind.”

Waddington Elementary, Erin Simard: The superintendent reading from the description of Ms. Simard included in her nomination of her being an “advocate for her students.” Ms. Simard was noted for her “energy” and her ability to combine learning with humor to create a positive learning environment.

Whiteknact Elementary, Cheyanne Schoonmaker: Ms. Schoonmaker, according to her nomination paper, is “admired and expected greatly by students” and is “engaging with parents.” She is regarded for her ability to find “creative and positive solutions” for difficult situations.”

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