Elizabeth Held, a third-grade teacher at James H. Boyd Intermediate School, was awarded a New York State Excellence in Teaching Award at a surprise assembly on May 10. Mrs. Held was one of 60 teachers granted this award throughout New York State.

Third-grade classes were called to the auditorium under the guise of an educational assembly. Visitor Dr. Guillermo Linares, the Acting President of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, attended on behalf of Governor Cuomo to present the award to Mrs. Held. When her name was announced, the entire third-grade class, and teachers and administration in attendance, went wild. In addition to an engraved plaque, Mrs. Held also received a $5,000 check.

To be chosen for this award, teachers must exemplify passion for education, mission, expertise, and possess outstanding teaching skills—making learning exciting, and leveling the playing field for all students to succeed.

“First-rate education begins and ends with first-rate teaching,” said Dr. Linares. “The goal of this award is to put a spotlight on the very best teachers to make them examples for their colleagues to follow.”

“I wouldn’t be here without all of you, because you’re the reason I do what I do,” Mrs. Held told her students from the podium. “Your love of learning pushes me to want to learn more and do more… and I hope that one day when you pick a career, you pick something that you love as much as I love teaching you all.”