Dr. Kelly R. Clenchy, Superintendent
33 Shattuck Street,
Littleton, MA 01460
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jordan@jgpr.net
Littleton Public Schools Present First Set of Excellence in Teaching Awards
LITTLETON — Superintendent Kelly Clenchy is pleased to announce that the Littleton Public Schools presented its first pair of Excellence in Teaching Award to two teachers last week.
On Thursday, April 25, Littleton ESL teacher Sue Pettengill and Russell Street School fourth grade teacher Nicole Patterson were each recognized for their outstanding work supporting their students and going above and beyond what’s expected of them. The awards are distributed annually to one teacher at each school who exemplifies what it means to be a teacher across several categories.
The award recognizes teachers’ ability to be deeply engaged and have a mastery of their subject matter. Honorees are also recognized for setting high expectations of their students, establishing learning environments based on mutual respect, addressing diverse student needs, utilizing creative and innovative techniques and remaining committed to improving themselves.
“Both of these teachers are tremendously committed to their students’ success above all else, and that dedication is on display in the way they work each and every day,” Superintendent Clenchy said. “Nicole and Sue embody all that it means to be an educator, and while they don’t do it for the accolades, we’re all extremely proud to honor them in this way and grateful for their shared energy and enthusiasm.”
Pettengill began her career in Hudson as an elementary school teacher before coming to Littleton to lay the foundation for an ESL program. In doing so, she worked to single handedly establish a program and personally worked with all of the district’s English Language Learners.
In the 11 years since, she has worked continuously to support students whose first language is not English, dedicating herself to supporting all of her students, especially those who are most in need of her help. In the two years they have worked together, one of Pettengill’s students went from both not speaking English and being non-communicative to presenting in front of his class and even reading the morning announcements at Shaker Lane.
Pettengill also serves as a mentor to newer teachers and is an integral part of Shaker Lane Game Night.
Patterson joined Russell Street School four years ago as a substitute teaching assistant before eventually becoming a full-time teacher. In doing so, she’s displayed a remarkable combination of passion and professionalism and established herself as an invaluable member of the Russell Street team.
She’s also stood out for her commitment to getting to know each of her students and helping them set goals for their personal growth, playing an instrumental role in building their confidence and self-efficacy. Patterson has built a reputation for her flexibility and collaborative spirit, first by accepting a transfer to fourth grade and then by volunteering to step into a team leader role after a colleague began her maternity leave.
Honorees from each school are awarded $500 to utilize for classroom materials or activities. The remaining two award winners will be announced next month.
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