Teacher of the Year & Principal of the Year

Rhode Island 2013 Teacher of the Year – Jessica Waters

Jessica Waters has been teaching at Beacon since 2008. She currently teaches 11th grade Chemistry and 12th grade Human Anatomy and Physiology. She holds a degree in Secondary Education, Biology and Chemistry from Rhode Island College. Jessica is a member of Amgen Bruce Wallace Biotechnology Lab Program and the Rhode Island Science Teacher Association (RISTA). Mrs. Waters was named Beacon Charter High School Teacher of the Year (and one of three finalists statewide) for 2012 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. She is the participating teacher for the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) after school program.

Mrs. Waters believes that every student should be afforded an equal opportunity at learning which inherently requires her to continuously monitor students' progress and to intervene, when necessary, at the earliest possibility to effectively promote student success. This belief requires that each student be considered as both "gifted" and of "special needs." Successfully balancing career and family, she is happily married and the proud mother of three girls.

Read more about Jessica's amazing journey to Teacher of the Year

Jessica’s State Teacher of the Year Blog

See Jessica’s schedule and travelogue as Teacher of the Year.

Rhode Island 2012 Teacher of the Year– Julie Lima Boyle

Julie Lima Boyle is a secondary English language Arts teacher at Coventry High School. She has taught for 12 years as an English teacher.  Her commitment to teaching excellence stemmed from her love of the written word and a desire to inspire and share words, both written and spoken, with her students.  Julie participated in a summer writing institute hosted by the Rhode Island Writing Project, which helped to drive her participation in service-oriented and group activities.  Julie has designed and implemented professional development opportunities for her colleagues as well as written and earned a Perkins grant to facilitate a six week book study to support teachers in developing strategies to motivate students to write.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Political Science from Rhode Island College and a Master of Arts degree from Rhode Island College.
To read more:  Julie Lima Boyle [PDF, 61KB]

Click here to see Julie’s schedule and travelogue for Teacher of the Year.

Lessons Learned, Lessons Shared

Julie’s favorite instructional strategies and reflections on being RI ToY 2012.

• Volume 1:  Pinwheels and Poll Everywhere [PDF, 171KB]
• Volume 2:  TeachingChannel.org, Text Graffitti, and Acquaint Yourself Further with the Work of David Coleman [PDF, 127KB]
• Volume 3:  DonorsChoose.org and Try a “Character Rendezvous” Summative Assessment [PDF, 200KB]
• Reflecting on Meeting Bill Gates [PDF, 134KB]
• Reflecting on Meeting Justice O’Connor:  The Case for Civic Education [PDF, 127KB]
• Reflecting on My Space Camp ToY Adventure [PDF, 132KB]
• Top TEN Lessons Learned as RI ToY 2012 [PDF, 110KB]

Rhode Island Teachers of the Year – 1964 - 2013

*When Available

History of the Award

The Teacher of the Year Award Program was initiated in 1952 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to bring recognition to the importance of teachers as nurturers of the "American Dream." His intention to honor all teachers by the selection of a representative teacher from each state would find completion in the yearly choice of a National Teacher of the Year. Through an organized and varied selection process involving classroom teachers, school administrators, state officials, students, parents, and business representatives, each state and U. S. Protectorate nominates its own Teacher of the Year.

Application Process

Last year, throughout the state, 38 districts selected and honored teachers as their District-TOY. This year, RIDE is encouraging all districts to identify a district teacher of the year (D-TOY) and submit his/her name to the Office of Educator Quality and Certification. We recommend that you establish a committee and protocol to help in the selection process.

Each district is asked to submit the District TOY Application [DOC, 34KB] which will provide RIDE with the D-TOY’s contact information for future engagements and notifications.

The district TOY applications are due May 31, 2013.

Each 2012-13 District Teacher of the Year has been provided an application for State Teacher of the Year. State Teacher of the Year Applications [DOC, 171KB] should be mailed to Mary Keenan in the Office of Educator Quality and Certification.  If you have additional questions, contact Mary Keenan at mary.keenan@ride.ri.gov.
Applications are due by Monday, April 8, 2013

Rhode Island Educator Talent Pool Recommendation Forms

RIDE maintains a file of talented educators who have been recommended by superintendents and principals. Throughout the year, these educators may be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces, as well as candidates for special recognition programs. This year RIDE is asking each district recommend up to 3 educators who represent educators relatively new to the profession (5-12 years) who demonstrate unusual instructional and inspiring presence that impacts students, colleagues, and the community.

Download the form [PDF, 152KB]

• Talent Pool Recommendation Form
• One page narrative that addresses how the candidate meets the criteria
• Resume of recommended educator
Thank you for taking the time to make your recommendations. Please send the completed packet of information by May 3, 2013 to Mary Keenan at Mary.Keenan@ride.ri.gov.

The District Teacher of the Year Network Group met Wednesday, January 9th. Commissioner Gist attended and gave Welcome Remarks emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating our Rhode Island educators.

Jessica Waters, the 2012-2013 State Teacher of the Year, Julie Lima Boyle, the 2011-2012 State Teacher of the Year and Kathy Mellor, the 2004 National Teacher of the Year were presenters and spoke about their personal reflections and experiences on being awarded and serving as Teacher of the Year.

Our next Network Meeting will be Wednesday, March 9 from 4-6pm.

Peter Boland: District Teacher of the Year at Beacon Charter High School
receives a Golden Apple Award.

Elementary Principals of the Year

Middle School Principals of the Year

High School Principals of the Year

Assistant Principals of the Year

Rhode Island Outstanding First Year Principals