You Are Special: Colleen Gazard

Colleen Gazard was one of 23 Framingham School employees honored at the 23rd Annual Salute to Framingham.

The annual Salute program recognizes Framingham teachers and staff who go the extra mile to make each day “special” in our public schools. These teachers and staff are given a “You Are Special” designation and are publicly recognized as part of the Salute to Framingham.

Editor’s note: Framingham Patch is publishing all 23 honorees profiles between now and the end of the school year, so the community can recognize the employee. Below is the profile of Gazard as it was read to the sold-out crowd of more than 500 people on Thursday, March 26.

Click here to view all the profiles published on Framingham Patch in 2015.

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It would be challenging to name a harder working, more dedicated teacher than Dunning 2nd grade teacher, Colleen Gazard.

From early in the morning until well into after school hours, it is not surprising to find her diligently at work in her classroom. Colleen begins many days working with a small group of students before school. Her drive to see each succeed has seen remarkable results for 27 years.

A strong, concerted effort to work with those struggling at learning to read has helped her create confident, proud grade-level readers by the end of each year. She also has opened her classroom for extensive inclusion opportunities for our students with autism and truly is a partner in their learning.

Colleen consistently opens her classroom to those desiring to pursue a career in education. Student teachers have learned to become powerful professionals under her guidance. Many find themselves placed within the Framingham school system as she sends them on their way, helping them find success in their careers. There isn’t a more dedicated union representative in town. Since the beginning of her years at Charlotte A. Dunning school, Colleen has served as one of the school’s union reps. She has also chaired the professional development committee.

Additionally, Colleen has made a tremendous impact on the students and families who have passed through the doors of her classrooms.

According to one parent: “Shortly after our daughter Emma started 2nd grade, she was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. The weeks leading up to her diagnoses Colleen and I were in close contact because Emma was not feeling well and Colleen was very concerned. She could tell something was not right and followed her gut by keeping me updated on how my girl was during the school day. I feel so fortunate that she & I formed this connection because it made me feel much better sending Emma to school. Once diagnosed, Emma had to spend the next 30 days in the
hospital and another 30 days at home. It was Mrs. Gazard that assured me that she would be there for Emma and make sure that she kept on top of her school work. She came into Boston once a week to tutor Emma and kept her connected to her class through Skype. She knew how important school and friends were to Emma and she made it her mission to make sure Emma stayed connected to both. One of Mrs. Gazard’s best attributes is how she could be there for my daughter emotionally but at the same time keep on top of her and push her academically. It’s her compassion and belief in her students that makes her stand out from the rest.”

Collen Gazard - You Are Special!