Since 1995, the Foundation for the Future has recognized and rewarded teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom through the presentation of annual Foundation Teaching Awards. In 1998, the Leadership Award was created to recognize and reward M-A teachers or staff members with a long history of leadership at M-A, presented periodically, as warranted. The Foundation Classified Staff Award was added in 2003 to recognize and reward classified staff.

Teaching & Classified Staff Award Recipients:
(L to R) Ron Weiss, Susan Price, Jeff DeCurtins and Fran Huber

Teaching Awards
Ron Weiss: Ron is a “Renaissance Man” at M-A, having served in three academic departments while also integrating his practical experience as an economist and his love of technology into his teaching style. With a background in economics, Ron has brought his passion and love of the subject to students by making economics real to them in their everyday lives. As a math teacher, Ron brings his talents to bear across a broad spectrum of classes and skill levels. He has also taught Spanish at M-A. His enthusiastic and skilled integration of the Smartboard technology into all of his classes keeps his teaching fresh and interesting to students. He does all of this while conversing in Spanish AND serving on important committees such as the Shared Decision Making Site Council (SDMSC). Wouldn’t you know it—he has also been described as being the “nicest person ever in addition to being a great teacher”. Well done, Ron!

Susan Price: It is said “in Ms. Price’s class, no disabilities exist.” This is because Susan treats all of her students as students first, not as students with special needs. She drives an aggressive curriculum that demands as much from her students as any of the toughest classes on campus might. Her day begins when her students arrive by bus, and runs through a full spectrum of academic and extra-curricular pursuits—from the basics of reading and math, through sports, science labs and cooking. For those that know her classroom—it is a busy and exciting place where teens can be teens despite their disabilities. Susan’s work extends to the parent community too, as she works with families on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and preparing for life after high school. Susan Price leaves an indelible mark on the lives of the students and families she works with at M-A.

Jeff DeCurtins: Leadership can often come from unexpected places and Jeff has brought a lot of it to the Science Department at M-A. While science teachers tend to stick to their preferred area of academia, Jeff has introduced an element of conversation, dialogue and mutual discovery into the department that has brought staff together and brought out the best in their teaching styles. His innovation is never limited to the staff as he is also seen as “a bottomless pit of cool ideas.” With Jeff’s guidance, M-A will be introducing both AP Physics and Astronomy into the course curriculum next year. He is known for his humor and his ability to contribute to everything from cleaning the Science Department shed to important SDMSC meetings. He is not only the glue that keeps the Science Department together, but also the spark that ignites the creative fire of students and staff alike.

Classified Staff Award Recipient
Fran Huber: Whether registering new students, coordinating guidance counsellors, managing class schedules or working with demanding parents, Fran Huber is a well-known and beloved figure on the M-A campus. For 20 years, Fran has been working with staff, students and parents with a smile and a positive attitude. She is an incredible asset to the entire M-A family. She received numerous nominations, each of which applauded Fran’s work ethic, humor and ability to make everyone feel comfortable while getting the job done well. Fran has only been in the Guidance Office for the past few years, having done many jobs at M-A over time. Regardless of what she is doing, Fran’s work is highly valued by all.

Impact Awards
In 1999, The Foundation began a program to recognize and reward M-A teachers and staff members who make a positive impact on campus.

Impact Award Recipients: Seated, (L to R) Susan Price, Mark Leeper, Audrey Stevenson. Standing, (L to R) Michele Breen, Sophia Kalamaras Not pictured: Hector Camacho, CJ Carlson, Jim Corboy, Tonya Edgington-Castillo, Karina Escobar-Weaver, Ken Gradiska, Fred Kessler, Scott Kirk, Mike Molieri, Natalie Stuart, Silvia Torres

New Teacher Awards
New Teachers at M-A 2009-10 received Foundation Welcome Checks $250 to help defray classroom set-up costs.