Moment Was Golden For Educator: Dodge awarded teacher of the year
Published: September 30, 2005
The most special of teachers receive a golden apple.
Karen Dodge of Uncasville was awarded Montville’s Teacher of the Year last week, receiving a state citation and golden apple from the state of Connecticut and the Montville Board of Education.
As Superintendent of Schools David Erwin said, “lightning has struck twice,” as Dodge was awarded previously Bozrah Teacher of the Year in 1992.
“I can’t think of what is better than to receive an honor for something you like to do,” Dodge said, to a crowd at the Board of Education meeting.
Dodge, 50, came to Montville schools in 1997 as a special education teacher and is currently at the Dr. Charles E. Murphy School.
“Often I get the chance to have my (special education) students for five years. They become like family,” Dodge said.
Michael Gillespie, 13, has been in Dodge’s classroom on many occasions.
“She’s cool,” Gillespie said, in between bites of sweet celebration cake during the reception, after the meeting. “She deserves it.”
Linda Boucher, speech therapist at Dr. Charles E. Murphy School, has known Dodge since she came to Montville. Boucher said she was thrilled for Dodge.
“She’s such a great teacher,” Boucher said. “Every time she gets a new student she says ‘oh, a challenge, I’m so excited.’”
Boucher said that Dodge’s students are very fond on her.
“The children all love her, but know she means business,” Boucher said. “But she never yells, never gets mad. She’s totally patient.”
In June, Dodge was notified by Principal Jeff Newton and administrative assistant Margaret Tripp about the award.
“I was called into the principal’s office,” Dodge laughed.
She said when she found out the news she was shocked.
“I was stunned, honestly,” Dodge said. “It’s quite an honor.”
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