Baldwin Teacher Named 2018 Educator Of Excellence by NYS English Council
Baldwin, NY - July 9, 2018 - The New York State English Council has selected Toni-Ann Barone, Ph.D., as a 2018 Educator of Excellence. The award honors teachers who are leaders in the classroom, collaborators with colleagues, and mentors for teachers new to the profession. Dr. Barone currently teaches Reading in the Baldwin Union Free School District at Plaza Elementary School.
“Dr. Barone has been an incredible asset for the Baldwin Union Free School District, as well as a thought leader in education,” said Dr. Shari L. Camhi, Superintendent of Schools. “This award speaks to all of her success and the positive impact she has had on her students. On behalf of the district, I congratulate Dr. Barone for attaining such a highly prestigious honor.”
The New York State English Council promotes and delivers exceptional professional development to educators in New York State. Each year, the Council recognizes excellence in teaching by presenting awards at its annual conference to English Language Arts educators nominated by their schools and then selected by the Council.
Dr. Barone was chosen for implementing best practices in her classroom and challenging her students to become skillful readers and writers. Her work has clearly demonstrated her commitment to her own learning and to her profession that has inspired students and colleagues in Baldwin. As part of the Plaza Elementary team, her dedication helped the school's "Team ORCHID Newsroom" writing program to receive the 2017 New York State English Council Program of Excellence Award.
Dr. Barone has presented at local, state, and regional professional conferences. Most recently, she was invited to share her research along with current findings at an international conference in Dalian, China which highlighted the success of authentic writing practices through Plaza School's journalism club, Team ORCHID.
“We are very proud of Dr. Barone for not only receiving the 2018 Educator of Excellence Award, but for all that she has achieved professionally,” said Mark Gray, principal of Plaza Elementary School. “She is a highly skilled educational leader, whose contributions to our field go beyond the classroom, and this has been made evident by her dedication to our students and her innovative thinking at Plaza Elementary School.”
The presentation of the Educators of Excellence Awards will take place at the NYSEC Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 19, in Albany.