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Feb. 27, 2018
Two Boyce teachers honored at statewide conference
Two Boyce Middle School teachers were recently honored with the Promising Practitioners Award from the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education. English language arts teachers Amy Homer and Morgan Olsen were recognized on Monday, Feb. 26 at the PAMLE 2018 Conference in State College.
According to PAMLE’s website, the Promising Practitioners Award “is presented to teachers who are just beginning their middle school careers. These beginning teachers have made a positive impact on both their school and community. They incorporate effective middle level practices in their everyday teaching.”
Ms. Homer and Mrs. Olsen were nominated for the award by Dan O’Rourke, Boyce Middle School principal, and Ms. Christine Mussomeli, Boyce Middle School assistant principal.
“Mrs. Olsen and Ms. Homer are consummate professionals and outstanding middle level educators,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “Their knowledge of content and pedagogy, coupled with their passion for helping students grow and succeed academically, socially and emotionally make them the perfect candidates for the Promising Practitioner Award.”
Miss Homer, a member of Team Comet, previously served as long-term substitute in the district before joining the Boyce faculty in August 2017. She holds her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from Slippery Rock University.
After teaching at Streams Elementary since 2004, Mrs. Olsen recently transitioned to middle school English and language arts. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in library and information sciences at Pitt. Mrs. Olsen is a member of Team Challenger.
“Mrs. Olsen and Ms. Homer, both first year teachers at Boyce Middle School, have already made a major impact in the building and district. They are outstanding collaborators with their colleagues and with the entire Upper St. Clair community,” Mr. O’Rourke added. “The climate and culture in their classrooms are warm, welcoming and conducive to learning; put simply, their classrooms radiate positivity. They teach their students passionately and compassionately, while working to meet students’ individual needs.”
The PAMLE 2018 Conference was held Feb. 25-27, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Association of Student Assistance Professionals Conference. PAMLE is the leading advocate for middle level education in Pennsylvania, promoting and enhancing the role of middle level education by promoting best instructional practices for young adolescents.
Artwork created by Pennsylvania’s middle school students – including Boyce Middle School – was featured throughout the conference venue.
