The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the Dearborn Public Schools, recognizes and honors the winners of the 2021 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Students’ Choice Awards on Sept. 25 at the Ford Performing Arts Center, including Grade 3-5 Teacher of the Year recipient Ryan Dayne of Maples Elementary (left), and Grade P-2 Teacher of the Year recipient Katie Borrello of William Ford Elementary.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – Four teachers were honored Sept. 25 by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dearborn Public Schools as 2021 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Students’ Choice Award winners.
Honored during a ceremony at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center were Katie Borrello of William Ford Elementary School (in the pre-K to second grade category), Ryan Dayne of Maples Elementary School (in the third to fifth grade category), Clinton Crace of McCollough-Unis Middle School and Fady Konstantinidis of Fordson High School.
Each honoree receives a $1,000 cash award sponsored by the LaFontaine Automotive Group; a Glass Apple Award hand-made at the Dearborn Glass Academy; a year’s membership to The Henry Ford, courtesy of Dearborn Federal Credit Union; and a Dearborn Symphony season pass.
The program, which has a 24-year history, tasks the DACC Education Committee, chaired by Phillip Emma, with selecting four winners from a field of 1,500 nominations, which represented more than 400 DPS teachers.
First grade teacher Borrello was described by her student nominee as “the best teacher ever – she makes learning fun, and even our Zoom meetings exciting.”
Her nominating student said they were new to the school during online learning, and Borrello paired them with another student in a breakout room to help them make a new friend.
Borrello also delivered books and worksheets to the student’s home when the entire family was quarantined with COVID-19.
Similarly, fifth grade teacher Dayne was described as an exceptional teacher who made classroom time fun during Zoom learning.
They said he rewarded students with online game nights once they had their homework done, and that he took the time to explain things, in detail, that someone might not understand.
“He listens intently to everything a student says, and always has positive feedback,” they said. “He is amazing at teaching, goes out of his way to make sure students understand, is empathetic and is extremely helpful.”
Middle school teacher Crace was noted for his patience, willingness to help students with their work, and an eagerness to bring smiles to his students’ faces.
“He always tries to give us a laugh to start our class, and he will do everything to make sure we are passing,” they said.
High school teacher Konstantinidis was lauded for his intelligence, his calmness and his positive outlook.
“He sees us as individuals with valid ideas and problems, recognizes the stress we are under and works to accommodate that,” they said.
His nominating student said they are now considering going into teaching because of his example.
“His kindness and honest concern are what propels me into believing in my own abilities, to finish this year strong despite all obstacles,” they said.