Wendy McAlonie teaching her AP World History class.
Columbia social studies teacher Wendy McAlonie is passionate about history and about teaching, so it makes perfect sense that she loves her job. Even her kids at home know this, saying that she doesn’t go to work, “mom goes to school.”
On Wednesday morning, as Mrs. McAlonie was about to give her students in Global History an exam, she was surprised by Principal John Sawchuk and Sean Crall, a Goff English teacher and the president of the East Greenbush Teachers Association.
Mr. Crall walked into her classroom, presented her with a bouquet of red flowers, and told Mrs. McAlonie and her students that she had been named the EGTA Teacher of the Year.
“I was really overwhelmed and really surprised how emotional I was,” said Mrs. McAlonie, who was applauded by her students.
Columbia social studies teacher Wendy McAlonie gets a surprise visit in class, receives EGTA Teacher of the Year award ? pic.twitter.com/qzGYrA635W
— East Greenbush CSD (@EGreenbushCSD) March 29, 2017
This is Mrs. McAlonie’s 19th year teaching history at Columbia, which she believes is more important than ever.
“I think there’s more of an interest in history than ever before because kids want to understand the current world they live in,” she said.
All day Wednesday, Mrs. McAlonie received congratulatory notes from co-workers, former students and retired colleagues.
“It has been my pleasure to work with Wendy since I arrived at Columbia,” Mr. Sawchuk said. “She is a true professional who always puts kids first – one of the finest teachers I have ever worked with.”
Students, staff and community members watch a demonstration at the 2016 Multicultural Fair.
Last spring, Mrs. McAlonie organized a Multicultural Fair at the high school that featured student-created artwork, poster displays and food, as well as, demonstrations such as Irish dance, Indian music and Korean martial arts. The event culminated with keynote speaker Kati Preston, a Holocaust survivor and author.
“The Multicultural Fair was one of the most important things I’ve done as a teacher,” said Mrs. McAlonie, who serves as the Social Studies Department Chair. “I think it helped bring the community together and it was a very positive experience for our students.”
The EGTA Teacher of the Year award, which is voted on by the district’s teachers, has been given out annually since 1970.
“This award has special significance because it is your peers who are recognizing your excellence,” Mr. Crall said. “The teachers of the East Greenbush Teachers Association are a special group of people who always go beyond what is expected for the children they serve. Their recognition of Wendy McAlonie speaks volumes to her dedication to her students and her craft.”
After Mrs. McAlonie’s moment of recognition concluded on Tuesday, and class resumed, she told her students, “I hope one day you all can have a job that you enjoy as much as I do, and are passionate about as much as I am.”
EGTA Teacher of the Year Award
2017 Wendy McAlonie
2016 Curtis Sankey
2015 Melissa Gilligan
2014 Nancy Boucher
2013 Monica Blanchfield
2012 Bob Halek
2011 Diana Prout
2010 Jean Decker
2009 Lisa Westman
2008 Linda Kaminski
2007 Peter Zilgme
2006 Christina Rogone
2005 Denise Nahal
2004 The Staff at CHS
2003 Sean Crall
2002 Larraine Gillette
2001 Nikki Carter-Piechnik
2000 Susan Owens
1999 Sally Sroka
1998 Virginia Congemi
1997 Kevin McCann
1996 Mary LaFleur
1995 Linda McCabe
1994 Lynda DeCelle
1993 Denise Poost
1992 Barbara Poole
1991 Kathy DeWeese
1990 Henry Kolakoski
1989 Robert Crosby
1988 Benedict Schaefer
1987 Elizabeth Lyman
1986 Shirley Howard
1985 Carlton Eno
1984 Louise Pearce
1983 Peter Citrolo
1982 Michael Angelo
1981 Marilyn Reeves
1980 Kileen Stone
1979 Edith Cosgrove
1978 Thelma Donahue
1977 Robert King
1976 Jean Burgess
1975 Raymond Gietz
1974 Elizabeth McMaster
1973 Alfred Viola
1972 Bernice Pechenik
1971 Paul Bourgeois
1970 Ruth Herr