For Immediate Release

Friday, May 17, 2019

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Littleton Public Schools Present Final Excellence in Teaching Awards

LITTLETON — Superintendent Kelly Clenchy is pleased to announce that the Littleton Public Schools presented its second pair of Excellence in Teaching Awards to two teachers last week.

On Thursday, May 9, Littleton High School Special Education Teacher and Transition Specialist Michele Hirth, and Littleton Middle School LAB special educator Angie Gresco were each recognized for their extraordinary efforts supporting their students.

The awards are distributed annually to one teacher at each Littleton 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 devoted to enhancing their students’ learning experiences, and that devotion is evident in each of their classrooms every day,” Superintendent Clenchy said. “Michele and Angie do their work with passion and dedication, and they’re both tremendously deserving of this honor.”

As a special education teacher and transition coordinator, Hirth helps bridge the gap between high school and the years beyond for her students, so that they’re better prepared to face the rigors of adulthood.

She teaches students how to effectively self-advocate and how to live independently by incorporating real-world experience into her lessons. She has led students on trips on using the LRTA bus system and the commuter rail, visited local colleges’ disability resource offices, vocational training programs and local banks and shops.

She has also developed relationships with area organizations and local businesses to arrange for work internships for special education students.

Hirth also arranges and tracks accommodations for students with special needs who are taking the SATs and ACTs.

Following her tenure at Russell Street School, Gresco transitioned to Littleton Middle School, where she works to keep her students constantly engaged and actively learning. Gresco works collaboratively with her fellow LAB teacher and the assistant principal to individually create academic schedules for each of her students.

She stresses the importance of organization by teaching students to record their daily homework assignments and return materials to their correct spaces in the classroom, establishing productive habits that will serve them well throughout their academic careers and adult lives alike.

Gresco also encourages social emotional learning by teaching students to be kind to one another, appreciate each other’s strengths and understand that everyone has weaknesses.

Honorees from each school are awarded $500 to use for classroom materials or activities. The first two award winners were announced in April.

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