BMUFSD: Todd's Bonnie Seligson Wins Briarcliff's Teacher Of The Year Award

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

2023-09-18

Todd School kindergarten teacher Bonnie Seligson recently received the Briarcliff Teacher of the Year Award, which was presented at the Superintendent’s Conference Day in the beginning of the month.

“In the spring, the district sent out a survey to the entire school community – all students, teachers, staff and parents – asking them to nominate who they believe is Teacher of the Year,” said Briarcliff Superintendent Dr. Jim Kaishian. “We received more responses than we have ever gotten before, which is nice. I am not at all surprised with the results, because I think Bonnie is a great teacher.”

We caught up with Ms. Seligson to find out what qualities she thinks a teacher should have, what advice she has for new teachers and what makes teaching kindergarten so special.

Q: How long have you been a teacher at Todd, and did you teach other grades aside from kindergarten?

A: This is my 25th year of teaching Kindergarten at Todd. Before that I taught pre-school for seven years.

Q: What are some qualities that are important for a teacher to have?

A: A teacher must be able to form strong connections with the students. To truly understand how best to reach each student, a teacher must know and understand them. A teacher should have compassion and empathy for their needs and emotions; some children learn differently than others, and it is important that the teacher be able to teach to the strength of each student. Just as important, a teacher should be able to laugh and have fun with them. I want my students to learn to their greatest potential, and I want them to have fun doing it.

Q: What do you hope your students will take with them at the end of the year?

A: At the end of the year, I want my students to leave believing that Todd School is the best place to be and to look forward to coming back again in September. I want them to be confident in their skills and abilities, and proud of their accomplishments. Finally, I want them to leave feeling good about themselves, knowing that they were valued and respected by their teachers and their peers.

Q: What makes teaching kindergarten special?

A: Kindergarten is the students’ very first experience at Todd. They come in excited, and a little nervous, as the youngest members of our school community. In kindergarten, we see a tremendous amount of growth and development – socially, emotionally and academically. It is amazing to bring these young children into our classrooms, dependent on us for everything, and bring them to a place where they become independent, competent and confident learners by the end of the year.

Q: What advice do you have for a teacher starting out?

A: Take the time to build strong relationships with your students. Let them know you are there to support and help them. It's ok to make mistakes (students and teachers alike). That is how we learn and grow from year to year. Things will not be perfect your first year...or your second or third. You will try new things and find what works best. Most of all, enjoy your students, teach with enthusiasm and excitement, and enjoy the transformation that takes place in their lives under your care. It is not an easy job, but it is very rewarding.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: “It takes a big heart to shape little minds” – Unknown

“Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” – Rita Pierson

This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.