Wendy Sobelman, a special education teacher at Saugatuck Elementary School (SES), has been named Westport Teacher of the Year 2009.
Sobelman, who received a commendation at Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, has worked in Westport schools for 12 of her 16 years of experience.
During that time, she has also been speech and language pathologist, a teacher of the hearing impaired and a reading support teacher.
In addition to SES, she has also worked in Coleytown, King’s Highway and Long Lots Elementary Schools and Coleytown Middle School.
Prior to coming to Westport she did extensive research, particularly in teaching the hearing impaired and in sign language. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State, a master’s from Temple University and a doctorate from Boston University.
In discussing her philosophy of education, Dr. Sobelman stresses that teaching should be a collaboration between the school and the home. She says that reflective teaching practices allow for personal growth and change, resulting in student lessons that are targeted to meet students’ individual needs.
Her supporters call her an outstanding educator with a passion for each child she teaches, according to a district news release. They say she creates a partnership with parents and her collegiality can be seen in her work with teachers and administrators.
Other nominees included Mary Bernhardt, a school psychologist at Staples High School, and Eric Lawrence a fifth grade teacher at Saugatuck Elementary School.
