BY MATT LINDSEY

North Country This Week

CANTON — Canton Central School’s Board of Education granted tenure to a dozen staff members at last night’s school board meeting.

“This is one of the most exciting board meetings of the year because we get to celebrate the greatness that is represented by our faculty and our staff … so while I do apologize to the group and those watching on Facebook that we extended our executive session, it was a good discussion about each one of these candidates for tenure this evening,” CCS Superintendent Ron Burke said. 

Tenure is an important achievement for teachers. Having tenure means they can’t be terminated without due process and are entitled to a hearing if the Department of Education takes disciplinary action, according to the United Federation of Teachers.

Under state law, public school teachers must serve a probationary period of four years and a day from the date of their appointment. Upon completion of their probationary period, teachers are granted tenure. Tenure isn't automatically granted. To be granted tenure, you must: Be on track to complete all your state certification and city licensing requirements; be on track to receive professional certification; file an application; have a record of acceptable service during your probationary period; and be recommended for tenure by your principal.

 “It is now my please to begin to introduce each candidate,” he said.

Burke presented Kaitlyn Baker to the BOE as a candidate for tenure at CCS. She began her teaching career JM McKenney Middle School four years ago and currently teaches English to sixth graders.

“During the past two years I have been privileged to witness the incredible impact of this teacher,” Burke said. Burke was named superintendent in 2018, having previously served as superintendent at Edwards-Knox Central.

He said the ambiance of her classroom was more akin to a coffeehouse than a middle school classroom.

“With overhead lights turned off and mood lights scattered around the room, the atmosphere is immediately established that this is an environment of sharing one’s reaction to the written word,” Burke said.

The superintendent highlights the “genuine dialog” between her and her students.

Burke said Baker, in her philosophy statement reflecting on her first year of teaching,  said she uses self-reflection during summers to improve her teaching.

“This is precisely what an exceptional teacher does,” Burke said. “Reflects and revises.”

Burke then presented Melissa Baxter for tenure to the school board. She began her CCS teaching career in special education at Banford Elementary. She left to teach special education and later pre-k at Hermon-DeKalb Central before returning in 2016 to CCS.

“In her philosophy statement, Ms. Baxter writes that ‘every child deserves to feel welcomed and appreciated in the classroom for their unique learning ability, for their individual strengths and weaknesses’,” Burke said.

In her letter of recommendation, Director of Special Education Kelly Finnerty stated that Baxter has an “natural relationship with students” and that they “respond well to her”, Burke told the board.

Baxter was then presented tenure to the board by Burke.  

The third candidate for tenure was James Burdick. He is certified in biology and chemistry and joined the CCS staff in 2016.

“Mr. Burdick is a consummate learner,” Burke said. “He is continually engaging in opportunities to enhance his knowledge of science and of teaching.”

During classroom observation, Burke noted, “despite the high stakes, challenging nature of a Regents level chemistry class, Mr. Burdick creates a relaxed atmosphere.”

“It is remarkable to note that students appear to understand that Mr. Burdick respects their ability to learn, and grow, in what I call a ‘modified constructivist manner’ rather than simply imparting his knowledge.”

Burke then acknowledged Burdick’s volunteer efforts with the fire department and as an EMT.

The fourth candidate for tenure was Kathryn Liscum. She is certified in special education and elementary education. She began her career at CCS in 2016 as a pre-Kindergarten teacher.

‘In the opening sentence of her philosophy of education, Ms. Liscum states ‘I see every child as a unique individual who brings something extraordinary to every situation’

Burke said a parent wrote the following about Ms. Liscum, “there really aren’t words for us to describe how happy we are with our child’s first year of school. As a parent, watching and guiding your child’s first official fledge is a scary and exacting experience. Your compassion and interest in our child as a human being was evident from the very start. Thank you for taking the time to get to know him.” 

During observation of Ms. Liscum’s classroom, Burke noted that,” every aspect of Ms. Liscum’s instruction is of the highest caliber. She has outstanding rapport with students that is evidenced in their behavior with her, and with working with the other adults. It is evidenced in the rigor sorting, counting and oral communication, what is expected of each student. Most convincingly, it is evidenced in the mastery of the concepts, as demonstrated by the children.”

Burke then recommended Liscum's appointment to tenure to the board. 

Next up for tenure recommendation was Andrea Randle-McNeil, school social worker.

Prior to joining CCS in 2016, Ms. Randle-McNeil worked in NYC and in 2002 joined the St. Lawrence County Psychiatric Center working with children.

“In her philosophy statement, Ms. Randle speaks of the need for a team approach in helping students,” Burke said. “She quotes an African proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go farther, go together.’” He said she embodies this philosophy daily. “

Burke said at lunchtime students often gather in her office for a safe place. “Likewise, after the last bell has rung, students can be found talking with one another and with Ms. Randle in her room,” Burke said.

During his observation, Burke said that, “student engagement and rapport are hallmarks of Mr. Randle’s efforts at Canton Central School.” 

One writer of a letter supporting Ms. Randle-McNeil tenure stated that she has been an “instrumental team member as we have addressed a wide-variety of sensitive issues within our school community.” “She goes above and beyond to ensure that Canton Central School strives to meet the social and emotional needs of our students.

Kimberly Newman was recommended for tenure as well as a secondary science teacher.

For nearly a decade prior to her teaching career, Newman was a research scientist. She spent many years teaching elsewhere, beginning in 2009, before joining CCS to teach seventh-grade science teacher and living environment teacher.

In her philosophy statement, Ms. Newman writes, “ I believe educators have a responsibility to engage and educate the whole student, so that when our students leave our classrooms and schools they are prepared to forge their own paths as creative thinkers and problem solvers,” Burke said.

One student said of Ms. Newman: “She is humorous, caring, and pushes you.”

During his observation this year, Burke noted, “She has the ability to present the information in a manner that is understandable, that demonstrates a high level of regard for student abilities, and that respects the unique nature of middle school students.”

Tori Thomas was next to be recommended for tenure at CCS. She began working in the district as a substitute teacher in 2013. She was appointed in 2016 as a social studies teacher in eighth grade. She also serves as student council advisor.

“In her philosophy statement, Ms. Thomas shares “at the end of the day I want my students to learn social studies content, but more importantly, I want them to learn how to be respectful, helpful, cooperative and safe. I want them to walk out of Canton Central School having all the tools necessary for their next steps in life,” Burke told the board.

During his most recent observation, Burke said, “Ms. Thomas uses a variety of learning activities to hold every student’s attention. She even uses a bit of storytelling. The classroom procedures flowed with ease.”

In a note to Ms. Thomas, a student wrote, “you are such an awesome teacher. I have always felt like I struggled in social studies, but this year I feel much more comfortable. You have taught me so much and in a way I don’t think I will forget it … for awhile. I will miss you.”

Burke then presented Morgan Hetu to the school board for tenure in the district. She joined CCS in 2016, her alma mater as an elementary teacher.

During his observation of Ms. Hetu, Burke said, “I noted that there were three centers around the room. As Ms. Hetu worked with one of the centers, I noticed that every student was fully engaged in meaningful learning activity. It was more inspiring though to watch one boy excitedly interrupt Ms. Hetu’s group to announce that he had just received a 100 on his iReady program. And before Ms. Hetu could even respond, the boy assured her he did not even rush. Ms. Hetu did not correct him for interrupting, but praised him. She knew what that student needed at the moment in time.”

In her philosophy of teaching, Ms. Hetu states, “a student who knows they are cared for, will strive to meet the expectations that have been set for them. Expectations will be the same for every student in my classroom. But, they will encourage all to do their very best,” Burke told the board. 

Burke then recommended Sara Stiles for tenure. She joined CCS in 2017 as a special education teacher.

“In writing about her educational beliefs, Ms. Stiles states ‘I believe education should meet each child where they are and provide them with what they need to move forward. All children can be successful in their own way, when their classroom environment is designed with this belief,” Burke read to the board.

  During observation, Burke commented, “Ms. Stiles planned this lesson with children in mind. She provides students with the possibility to work on their projects with her guidance.”

“I wanted to say thank you for being there for my child. Your extra help and attention was very noticed and appreciated,” one parent said of Ms. Stiles. 

Laurie Kiah was then presented to the board as a candidate for tenure by Superintendent Burke.

“If one hears about a conversation about mathematics in the hallway, it is likely that you are hearing Mrs. Kiah and her students as they are walking to or from her classroom,” Burke said. “Although she works with elementary students, Mrs. Kiah’s classroom is in the middle school. From the moment that she picks up her students at their classroom door, until she escorts them back, she uses every minute of time to reinforce mathematical concepts.”

In Mrs. Kiah’s philosophy of teaching, she says, “I believe it is my duty to light a fire within each child. If I can get them to believe in themselves and their ability to learn, I can teach them content.”

During an observation of her teaching, Burke remarked that, “Upon entering the room, all but one student grabbed a stool and placed it at the table. This one lone student sat sullenly off to the side, and acted disinterested. Mrs. Kiah allowed the child to remain there. Suddenly, the boy left his seat, went to the board, and provided a solution to the problem that the rest had been working on. This seemingly small act demonstrates Mrs. Kiah’s success in lighting the fire.”

Michelle Filiatrault was then presented by Burke to the board for tenure. She joined CCS as a library aid in 2012. In 2016, she was appointed as a teaching assistant. Her primary focus is in the Banford Elementary library.

Banford Elementary Principal Virginia Schmidt-Doyle said, “Mrs. Filiatrault encourages an orderly classroom environment, yet has a fun, kind, encouraging way of talking to children.”

Burke said in his daily travels by the library, he witnessed first hand the “positive interaction” between Mrs. Filiatrault and students.

“Children enjoy their time in the library with her,” Burke said. “She helps to install a love for reading in our Banford students. It is common for me to see a child skipping in the hallway as they return from the library with a new book in hand. And I can’t help myself, I ask the child to describe the new book. And they do so with glee, and frequently state that this is a book that Mrs. Filiatrault helped them pick out.”

Jeff Meyers was also recommended by Superintendent Burke for tenure in the district. 

He was appointed as a teaching assistant in 2016 at CCS. He has also coached lacrosse and soccer in the district. 

In an observation, Banford Elementary Principal Virginia Schmidt-Doyle stated, “this lesson was great fun for the kids and they are actively trying to develop the skills. Overall the rapport with students and between the teacher and Mr. Meyers are instrumental in making physical education  a highly successful program at Banford.

Meyers also has the responsibility of greeting students being dropped off each morning. 

“This is an important function for getting the school day off to a good start, Burke said.

“He is genuinely interested in each child and goes above and beyond to make sure that they are valued and respected.” 

Help keep St. Lawrence County informed
Until now, advertising has provided the income to pay our news staff. But with a cutback in advertising due to the COVID-19 crisis, our ability to continue free news coverage is threatened.  Please donate to NorthCountryNow.com and North Country This Week so we can keep St. Lawrence County informed.  Thank you.