FREDONIA TEACHER NAMED
2005 BETTER BEGINNINGS AWARD RECIPIENT

Ms. Barbara Barnes, a second grade teacher in the Fredonia Central School District, has been named the 2005 Winner of the Better Beginnings Award.  The award, which is sponsored by the Board of Regents, celebrates the life and career of Helen Bach Moss, a local educator, and recognizes elementary teachers who are gifted in finding and nurturing the strengths of each student.

The New York State Education Department presented a prize of $1,000, a framed certificate of recognition, and a book on innovative teaching techniques to Barnes during a luncheon at Wheelock Primary School in Fredonia on June 23rd.  Ms. Barnes was selected as the 2005 Better Beginnings Award Winner after consideration of entries submitted throughout the State.

Ms. Barnes has taught at Wheelock Primary for nine years, where, according to her principal James Detwiler, she is revered by the school community.  She is described as a “beautiful spirit” and “ a calm and caring educator who creates a learning environment where children feel safe and comfortable.”  Her special talents include fostering quality communication among students and seeking developmentally appropriate teaching practices that meet individual, social, and academic needs.   

Ms. Barnes is well known for her contributions to the entire school district and has been involved in numerous initiatives.  In collaboration with faculty from SUNY Fredonia, she was instrumental in establishing the college’s professional development relationship with Wheelock Primary, which includes an in-house Early Childhood Teaching Candidate program. 

Runners-up for the award were Ms. Grace Caruso, a first grade teacher at P.S. 6 in Staten Island, New York, and Ms. Virginia Urckfitz, a first grade teacher at Indian Landing Elementary School in Rochester, New York.

Applications for the Better Beginnings Award are available in October of each year from the Teacher Development Programs Unit of the New York State Education Department at (518) 486-6042.  They are also posted online at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/kiap/TEACHING/BBA/bbanarr.htm