Troy honors its Teachers of the Year

TROY — On Feb. 14, four Troy teachers got a very special surprise as their colleagues, families and students honored them as the district’s Teachers of the Year.

One teacher is selected from each educational level — preschool, elementary, middle and high school — and then one of the four is chosen as the overall Teacher of the Year, who is entered into the running for the Oakland County Teacher of the Year.

David Bosman, the president of the Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence, was among those on hand honoring the teachers and recognizing their accomplishments.

“We’re very lucky to have such a vast pool of talented teachers who invest into our students on a daily basis. It’s wonderful that we get to celebrate a few of them as Troy Teachers of the Year,” he said. “We have a winner at each of the four levels. Each teacher is awarded a $500 check to spend however they would like. The Suburban Collection gives the single Teacher of the Year $2,500.”

A committee of educators from the district are the ones who select the winners each year.

“What the selection process looks like is that we have a committee of teachers from all levels, and they meet and they read through all of the applications and select a winner from each level and then select who is the overall winner,” said Jason Cichowicz, the president of the Troy Education Association. “We are looking for someone who truly embodies what it means to be a Troy teacher. That means dedication, talent and commitment to the profession, as well as someone who goes above and beyond for our Troy students.”

Elizabeth Neuville, an early childhood educator at the Troy School District Preschool, was named Preschool Teacher of the Year. Early Childhood Director Erin Keyser described her as an incredibly important figure in their building.

“She’s a leader for her peers. She is so committed to the children and families every year, and she works so hard to enhance her own practices. She is constantly growing and learning and supporting her colleagues. She is so student-focused, and an important part of our early childhood education program,” said Keyser. “Since she often leans away from the spotlight, it’s a pleasure to recognize her years of service and the hundreds of children she has impacted over the years.”

Neuville was grateful to her peers who nominated her and her students.

“I’m surprised,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting this at all. I’ve been here for over 30 years, so this is not what I am used to. I am used to subtle things. I appreciate all the support, and I love working for this district, and I look forward to more years ahead.”

Danielle Davenport, a kindergarten teacher at Hill Elementary School, was selected as the Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“Ms. Davenport has been teaching a long time, but she always positions herself as a learner and is always willing to do the best that she can for her students,” said Hill Elementary’s principal, Shari Pawlus. “She is a reading recovery specialist because she wanted to not only impact the students in her class, but also impact all of the kids in her grade level. She brings incredible energy to this building, and we are thrilled she is getting this award.”

Davenport was excited to have been selected and thanked everyone at her school and in the district for the honor.

“This has been a wonderful surprise. I am so lucky to work in this wonderful community. Hill is a fabulous place to work. Working in Kindergarten is a blessing and so much fun, and our days are filled with love, laughter, learning, and I am so fortunate to love what I do,” said Davenport. “I think what makes a good teacher is someone who is loving, kind and caring and who knows how to build relationships with their students.”

Eric Flessa, from Troy College and Career High School, was the high school level winner. He teaches AP English 11, woodworking and literature.

“Mr. Flessa just encompasses every student, where they’re at and where they want to be, and creates a sense of belonging in every student,” said Angela Milanov, the principal of Troy College and Career High School. “He started AP classes, including AP art and history. He has also taught 11th grade AP history. By doing that, he creates almost a mini family among the students.”

Flessa said he was incredibly proud to be a member of the district and added that it meant the world to him that people thought so highly of him.

“Talk about unexpected. You come in and you do this every day. Every day is its own reward, because you have these wonderful colleagues around you and these great students, so it feels like no reward is needed, yet when it happens and people recognize you — I can’t put it into words. It’s a very ethereal experience. … I think listening more than talking makes a good teacher and ensuring everyone feels like they belong. We have so many different people here, and they all need to feel like they have a place.”

The Middle School Teacher of the Year and the Troy School District’s overall Teacher of the Year was Stephanie Hyska, an English language development teacher at Boulan Park Middle School.

Tony Morse, the principal of Boulan Park Middle School, had high praise.

“Stephanie is our ELD teacher and ELD coordinator. She works with all of our newcomer families, not only if they are new to Troy but new to the United States. She’s the first person they meet. Her impact with families and kids as they’re acclimating to a new life is immense. We watch that impact on a daily basis, and no one is more deserving than Stephanie of this award. …She’s just a wonderful person who loves kids and cares for kids. She would do anything for our families here at Boulan Park.”

Hyska was amazed that she’d won and said she nearly fell over when she saw how many people from the community had turned up to present her with the award and check.

“I am very humbled, completely shocked and totally surprised,” said Hyska. “I think a great teacher is someone who teaches with heart, takes time to get to know students and someone who is willing to go above and beyond what the curriculum calls for. … They did such a good job keeping this under wraps. I was so shocked to find out.”