Each spring, the Foundation for Belmont Education hosts an awards ceremony honoring outstanding teachers. This year, the S. Warren Farrell Award for Educational Excellence, which recognizes one teacher for “longstanding dedication and leadership,” honored Brenda Johnston, a first-grade teacher at Burbank Elementary School.
According to the Foundation for Belmont Education, the award is named after S. Warren Farrell for his many years of volunteer service in Belmont schools.
This year’s ceremony was also sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation.
The S. Warren Farrell Award
Burbank Principal Lisa Williams described Johnston as “part of the very fabric of [the] Burbank school.”
“Mrs. Johnston has a true gift for meeting each child exactly where they are, using creative strategies … and meaningful projects that reflect each human’s identity and voice,” she said.
Johnston is also “a deeply respected leader and mentor,” according to Williams.
In an interview with The Voice, Johnston said what she loves most about teaching is being with the children in her class and witnessing them grow as learners.
“Children just accept everybody for who they are, and they love you, and love to share themselves with you,” she said.
Johnston added that she loves to watch her students “blossom” as learners.
“They’re working, and they’re struggling, and all of a sudden, [they’re] like, ‘I get it.’ I love that,” she said.
During her acceptance speech, Johnston recognized the team of Burbank staff who have contributed to her success in the classroom over the years.
“This award is not just a reflection on my efforts; it is the testament to the incredible community that surrounds me,” she said.
Outstanding Teacher Awards
Other teachers honored at last week’s ceremony include Elizabeth Cox (Kindergarten, Wellington Elementary School), Jason Tavares (Grade 1, Butler Elementary School), Patrick Mongeau (Grade 2, Burbank Elementary School), Suzanne Ackerman (Grade 3, Winn Brook Elementary School), Devon Kelleher (Grade 4, Chenery Upper Elementary School), Cate Bresnahan (Special Education, Belmont Middle School), and Tawnya Lewis (Science, Belmont High School).
“Those being honored today have gone above and beyond in creating classrooms that are not only places of learning, but spaces where students feel seen, valued, and inspired,” Superintendent Jill Geiser said during her opening remarks.
On behalf of Principal Heidi Paisner-Roffman, Assistant Principal Molly Carone delivered a speech honoring Cox’s powers of observation.
“She is completely in tune with her students and noticed the things that many of us would miss,” she said. “It is truly remarkable.”
Cox said the award means a lot to her because of what it represents.
“It reflects the trust [and] care placed in me, the teamwork and support of incredible colleagues, and the love and growth of our children,” she said.
Principal Julie Babson recognized Tavares’ focus on kindness in the classroom and his commitment to getting to know every student.
“One of the most wonderful aspects about Jason is the sincere respect he has for the learners in his care,” Babson said.
During his acceptance speech, Tavares offered a challenge to audience members based on a quote by author Clare Pooley: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Mongeau was honored by Principal Lisa Williams for creating a classroom where “students are welcomed into a space that is warm, supportive, and alive with activities.”
“He works to ensure that every child sees themselves reflected and respected in the classroom and in the school,” Williams said.
Mongeau thanked Belmont families for trusting him to educate their children.
“They’re my favorite part of the day, every day,” he said.
Principal Jennifer LaMontagne recognized Ackerman for “her skill, consistency, and dedication to her work with children.”
“[Suzanne] brings both structure and energy in her classroom for lessons that are thoughtfully planned and engaging,” she said.
After receiving her award, Ackerman reflected on her experience as a teacher.
“Even though [the students are] mine for 180 days, I feel like they are my kids for life,” Ackerman said.
Principal Laura Smith honored Kelleher’s ability to cultivate a vibrant classroom community filled with “a sense of belonging, of excitement, [and] of joy.”
“Devon doesn’t just teach curriculum; she teaches connection, pride, and passion,” she said.
Bresnahan was recognized by Principal Russ Kupperstein for her ongoing dedication to supporting staff and students.
“No one embodies that more so than Cate,” he said. “Her leadership, guidance, ideas, [and] staunch advocacy for students is super important, and her kids really appreciate it.”
Bresnahan encouraged her students not to give up on their dreams.
“Many of the most successful and influential people in the world have overcome learning challenges, proving that success is not defined by how easily something comes, but by how hard you’re willing to work,” she said.
Principal Isaac Taylor honored Lewis’s warmth, strong collaboration with colleagues, and commitment to “working to find new ways to support her students.”
“She’s extremely caring, flexible, and never gives up on a student,” he said.
Looking back on her career as an educator, Lewis said every day is different.
“It’s this sort of constant taking in and trying to adjust and meet people’s needs that I really love,” she said. “This award is one of the most meaningful things for me.”
Behind the Scenes
Event co-chair Rachel Hinchliffe said reading the teacher nominations is very moving, and common themes in the nominations are compassion, engagement, support, empathy, intelligence, and humor.
In the early spring, each school is given nomination forms with all eligible teachers listed.
A group of community members representing all of the schools then comes together to review nomination data from previous years and from the current year, to check that there is continuity in feedback. Then, they decide which teachers to award as “outstanding teachers.”
“What I love about this initiative is that we get to take time out of time to stand up and give recognition to our educators who are really the jewel of the Belmont public school system,” Hinchliffe said.
“All of our teachers are outstanding,” she said. “It’s so special when you see older students cheering on elementary teachers they had years ago. It’s clear our educators make an impact on our young people.”