Senate Resolution No. 289

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

HONORING Colleen McNamara upon the occasion of
being named the 2017 Educator of the Year by
Educators of America

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled;
its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its
educational professionals and the students they inspire; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those
outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have
been instrumental in developing character and academic excellence in the
young people of New York State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Colleen
McNamara upon the occasion of being named the 2017 Educator of the Year
by Educators of America; subsequently, her school, Alexander Elementary
School, will receive a brand new mobile computer lab; and

WHEREAS, This vital honor is bestowed upon educators to help teach
students throughout our schools; Educators of America give teachers the
technology they need to be more effective in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, The Educator of the Year Award recognizes the determination
amongst teachers or administrative professionals who understand the need
for the integration of technology and education to increase student
achievement; and

WHEREAS, A Buffalo-based public charity, Educators of America's
mission is to connect educators with technology and training by
integrating technology into the classrooms; and

WHEREAS, Following her graduation from Clarence High School, Colleen
McNamara earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from SUNY Geneseo
where she had an opportunity to teach at an orphanage in Ghana, Africa;
this was the experience that motivated her to be an educator; and

WHEREAS, After obtaining her degrees, Colleen McNamara was placed in
Pembroke School District and was introduced into the Alexander Central
School District, as a long-term substitute teacher; and

WHEREAS, For the past five years, Colleen McNamara has been both an
English and Math specialist while at the same time, earning her
Administrative degree at Canisius College; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated educator, Colleen McNamara was instrumental in
starting the student council, chess club, and a book study group for
teachers; recently, she has become a classroom teacher and, in this
position, has implemented new ways of teaching her students; and

WHEREAS, Utilizing different ways to educate her students, Colleen
McNamara uses the "SPECIAL" approach, which focuses on the art of
engaging and maintaining a conversation; and


WHEREAS, A true leader in her field, Colleen McNamara brings quality
education to her students; with a new platform to educate young minds,
she is now able to advance growth connected to student achievement; and

WHEREAS, An educator in and out of school, Colleen McNamara is also
the entrepreneur behind Stutelage Innovations, a tutoring service in
East Amherst; it provides one-on-one and small-group tutoring for
students and adults of all ages, and works to design an individualized
instruction program that directly meets the student's needs; and

WHEREAS, The driving force behind Colleen McNamara's commitment to
education is her belief that teaching is focused on building leaders,
students who take the initiative and who will want to make a difference
in the world; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Colleen McNamara upon the occasion of being named the 2017
Educator of the Year by Educators of America; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Colleen McNamara.