Stefanie Olbrys Receives Awards for Being Named NYSCSS Middle School Teacher of the Year
Windsor Middle School social studies teacher Stefanie Olbrys was named the New York State Council for the Social Studies Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2015-16 school year. Stefanie received her award in Albany on April 1 at the 78th Annual Convention of The New York State Council for the Social Studies. Stefanie was also given the opportunity to present her research on the “Deliberative Classroom” to colleagues and administrators from around New York State at the convention.
Stefanie was nominated by middle school Principal Kevin Strahley who said “I can think of no one more deserving of such a distinction than Mrs. Olbrys. She has accomplished more in the past year than most strive for in a career.”
Stefanie is the leader of the social studies department and has worked with each grade level to organize curriculum, instruction and assessment in light of new requirements. Students love Stefanie because of her infectious positive personality. This school year she implemented the deliberative classroom model in her classroom after a year-long research project in 2014-15.
The deliberative classroom theory was created by the meshing of inquiry based learning and evaluative questioning. In the deliberative classroom students are given the chance to lead and discover their learning. This model has proven that even the most reluctant learners can succeed by giving them a voice and allowing them to lead.
Stefanie’s results from the deliberative model classroom have proven it effective. Her once reluctant learners are now achieving grades in the mid 80’s in her social studies class. Stefanie is now teaching this model to other educators in the Windsor Central School District in hopes that more students will be given the chance to excel.
Stefanie received multiple letters from parents and school board members supporting her nomination for this award. One board member noted that Stefanie engages every student, even before class and provides a positive learning environment for all students. Another parent commented that her presentation on the deliberative classroom was outstanding and explained in depth the learning process.
Stefanie spoke about the award saying “I work in an amazing place, with wonderful people, where we do amazing things for kids every day. I am honored to have achieved this award and grateful for opportunities that continue to allow me to grow every day.”