Fredonia recognizes Foley for state honor
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A well-deserved standing ovation brought one of the best teachers in the state to tears at a recent meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education.
New York State Teacher of the Year finalist Ellen Foley was celebrated by an audience filled with her family, friends, and colleagues, who all stood for an ovation as Wheelock Principal Amy Piper presented Foley with a banner made in her honor.
"I made it through the whole process without coming to tears, but that standing ovation did it. I can't tell you what that means to me," Foley said.
Foley was one of four finalists for the New York State Teacher of the Year award. She finished as a runner-up for the award, presented by New York State United Teachers, which went to Zachary Arenz, a music teacher at Flower City School Number 54 in Rochester. Arenz is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia.
"To have one of our own, Mrs. Foley, get to the last round of finalists out of 700 districts in the state, this is a great honor ... and a great tribute to her and all the great things that she's done in her classes over many years here in Fredonia," said Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox.
"I grew up in Fredonia. I've been here, since I was 4 years old, I've been in the Fredonia school system. I just couldn't be happier than to be recognized as a Fredonia graduate, and a Fredonia teacher, and a Western New York teacher. It was incredible, the journey that I went through in this past year," Foley said.
Zilliox shared an excerpt from Foley's introduction at a ceremony to recognize all of the finalists, which he called "a nice little summary of all that Ellen means to us."
The excerpt stated, "Guided by the belief that childhood is a period of enchantment, magic, and make-believe, Mrs. Foley recognizes the responsibility of educators to tap into the natural sense of wonder and curiosity that students have. She wholeheartedly encourages her students to be thinkers, to question, to seek knowledge, as this innate curiosity is the driving force behind their thirst for learning. By providing ample opportunities for play, exploration, invention, and investigation, Mrs. Foley nurtures a genuine love of learning with each child.
Additionally, she recognizes the profound impact of spending time in nature, of students' academic performance, physical well-being, and mental health, particularly in the context of the current times, where social and emotional learning is paramount."
Zilliox then congratulated Foley, as Piper proudly revealed a banner created in Foley's honor.
"Ellen is one of a kind. It's magical to go into her classroom and watch her get down on the level with the kids and reach them, and connect with them, and listen to them," Piper said. "They feel heard. She just brings every child to their upmost level. We love you, Ellen. We couldn't be happier for you."
Piper nominated Foley for the award, who reluctantly went along with the process, as she did not wish to seek the spotlight for her efforts. Foley called the process "eye-opening" because of how much time she was tasked with reflecting on her role as a teacher.
"We're just blessed to have an opportunity in this school district to be able to do what we know is right. We teach the way children need to learn," Foley said. "We thank the board, and all the people who have come before you, who have put so much money and time and encouragement into the early childhood program. It is what it is because you've supported us, and you've supported me, so thank you."