Riverside Middle School’s McCarthy chosen as teacher of the year

One of 13 instructors in the district to be recognized for their efforts

By Mike Rego
Posted 5/15/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — The administration and the School Committee held their annual district teaching staff awards ceremony during the body’s May 14 meeting at City Hall, culminating with Leila …

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Riverside Middle School’s McCarthy chosen as teacher of the year

One of 13 instructors in the district to be recognized for their efforts

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The administration and the School Committee held their annual district teaching staff awards ceremony during the body’s May 14 meeting at City Hall, culminating with Leila McCarthy, the Social Studies Department coordinator at Riverside Middle School, being selected as the East Providence School Department’s Teacher of the Year for 2019.

“This is my favorite School Committee meeting by far because it honors some of the great educators in the East Providence School Department, and so many teachers deserve this award,” Superintendent Kathryn Crowley said in her introductory remarks. “We have picked the outstanding teacher in each one of the schools to celebrate this evening.”

Earlier Tuesday night, Mrs. McCarthy was announced as the RMS Teacher of the Year, introduced by principal Rob Perry. Of his school’s winner, Mr. Perry said, “Leila is a leader among her peers and a beacon for her students…a consummate educator.”

Mrs. McCarthy will serve as East Providence’s nominee for state-wide teacher of the year honors, sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Education and which will be chosen during the next school term.

Added Superintendent Crowley later, “We wish they could all be East Providence Teachers of the Year. It was a very difficult decision.”

Each of the district’s 12 buildings as well as the Pre-Kindergarten program at Martin Middle School, with input of staff and the larger school community there, selected their representatives to receive recognition at the fourth annual ceremony.

“How lucky are we to have educators like this in the City of East Providence?” School Committee chairman Charlie Tsonos asked rhetorically after the ceremony. “We are in a good place.”

The other instructors honored last week were as follows:

Dalila Raposo, Resource teacher, East Providence High School, presented by EPHS dean Lian Furtado who said of Ms. Raposo, “She epitomizes the high school’s mission by being a life-long learner.”

Patricia Piros, Computer Science teacher at the East Providence Career and Technical Center, presented by EPCTC principal Karen Mellen, who said of Mrs. Piros that she, “provides high level instructional opportunities that challenge students.”

Patricia Usenia, Math Department chair, Martin Middle School, presented by principal Bill Black, who said of his nominee, “She’s an amazing, hard-working teacher.”

Joanne Tortolani, Resource teacher, Francis Elementary School, presented by principal Anne Marie Scott, who said of the school’s recipient, “Joanne is a true pro who comes to work each day with the intention of doing what’s best for her students.”

Jacqueline Coppa, first grade teacher, Hennessey Elementary School, presented by principal Lindsey Reilly, who noted of the school’s winner, “Because of leaders like Jackie, Hennessey continues to rise.”

Michelle Malmstrom, fourth grade teacher, Kent Heights Elementary School, presented by principal Lloydanne Leddy, who said of Mrs. Malmstrom, she is “a teacher who will go above and beyond for each individual student.”

Paula Dionisopoulos, first grade teacher, Oldham Elementary School, presented by principal Donna Peluso, who said of the instructor, “She truly loves teaching, and you can see that every day.”

Stephanie Caverly, second grade teacher, Orlo Avenue Elementary School, presented by principal Yanaiza Gallant, who said of the school’s recipient, “Stephanie deserves this award because of her ability to empower not only her students, but the staff as well.”

Mary Teixeira, third grade teacher, Silver Spring Elementary School, presented by principal Fatima Avila, who noted of Ms. Teixeira, a teacher for 41 years total and the last 31 all instructing third grade at Silver Spring, “That’s commitment. She loves the school.”

Lauren Ferreira, fifth grade teacher, Waddington Elementary, presented by principal Karen Goncalo, who said of Ms. Ferreira, “Lauren is our ‘go-to, savvy’ teacher. Teachers and students alike seek her out when they have an issue with technology.”

Tara Mollo, Kindergarten teacher, Whiteknact Elementary School, presented by principal Laurie Marchand, who said her nominee, “Tara is the epitome of what it means to be an educator.”

Maggie Saunders, Pre-K teacher, Martin Middle School, presented by principal Karen Rebello, who said of Mrs. Saunders, “She is the truest version of a team player who is willing to help anyone with anything.”

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.