Middle school art teacher named Albion’s ‘Educator of the Year’
Photos courtesy of Sue Starkweather Miller
ALBION – Margy Brown (left), president of Albion Board of Education, congratulates Kamie Feder on being named Albion’s 2019 Educator of the Year.
Feder was recognized on Monday during a teacher and staff recognition program. Feder started working at Albion as a middle school art teacher in November 2005. She was filling a temporary position.
Feder, who was then Kamie Kozubal, proved to be a good fit for Albion and she enjoyed working at the district, Brown said.
The art teacher also found another match in Kevin Feder, a middle school teacher who is active with set construction in the school musicals.
“Mrs. Feder continues to be a match for her middle school students as well,” Brown said. “She has the energy and temperament needed to direct middle schoolers in the art classroom. That really takes the right match.”
Feder was praised for channeling the students’ creativity. Besides teaching them in the art classes, her students paint many of the scenes in the school musicals.
She also directs student sin creating pottery that is displayed and sold during an Empty Bowls event, with the proceeds going to the food pantry at Community Action. Empty Bowls is now in its 10thyear.
“Mrs. Feder uses that middle school energy to empower students while instilling pride in their surroundings, themselves, and their ability to impact their world,” Brown said. “The recent mural project, her nominator noted, gave voice to and empowered students as they surveyed others and completed the project.”
Several teachers have attained tenure including, from left: Katharine Waite, administrator; David Kozar, middle school special education; Mark Skurzewski, fifth grade; April Patti, first grade; Kerri Griffin, sppech teacher; and Sheryl LeBaron, third grade. Missing from photo: Anna Atwater.
Anna Atwater, an elementary music teacher, is congratulated for receiving tenure by Wendy Kirby, a Board of Education member. BOE members Wayne Wadhams, left, and David Sidari also greeted Atwater after she attained tenure. (Kirby also was recognized for completing her five-year term on the BOE.)
The following retirees were recognized for their careers at Albion Central School: Shawn Liddle, Jeff Mitchell, Carlos Burroughs and Ellen Goff.
The retirees include Leslie Gates, middle school reading teacher, 31 years; Bonnie Day, teacher aide, 27 years; Maureen Bennett, typist, 25 years; Judy Azzolino, AIS, 30 years; Ellen Reichert Goff, special education, 34 years; Carlos Burroughs, PE, 31 years; Randy Knaak, athletic director, 33 years; James Wood, administrator, 28 years; Shawn Liddle, assistant superintendent for business, 22 years; and Jeff Mitchell, cleaner, 23 years.
The retirees will receive an engraved wooden bell. Additionally, a book has been purchased in each retiree’s honor and placed in the library of the building they worked in.
