Schenectady's top teacher an ‘inspiration’

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marc Schultz

Sarah Telban, a special education teacher at Schenectady High School, learns that she is the district’s ’Teacher of the Year.’Â Superintendent Larry Spring, left, made the announcement to Telban on Thursday morning in the Sch

When Sarah Telban arrived at Schenectady High School on Thursday, she knew she had to proctor an exam, but she didn’t know she was about to be honored with one of the district’s top awards.

Telban, a special education teacher, was honored as the Schenectady City School District’s Teacher of the Year. The award is given out annually.

As she walked into the library Thursday morning, she was greeted by co-workers and administrative staff as they presented the award.

“Mrs. Telban is dedicated, extremely hard-working, committed and an outstanding teacher,” Karen Thompson, one of Telban’s colleagues who nominated her, said in a news release. “She was extremely helpful and supportive. She collaborates well with all of her fellow teachers.”

Nominations for the award are based on criteria given by the Schenectady Education Foundation: “History and Professional Development, Community Involvement, Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness and Philosophy of Teaching.” Both Thompson and colleague Lori Brown felt Telban would be an excellent nominee.

“Mrs. Telban is an outstanding and highly effective teacher,” Thompson said in the release. “It is with much appreciation for her commitment to excellence that I nominate Mrs. Sarah Telban.”

After winning the award, Telban is now eligible for the state Teacher of the Year honor.

“She is admired and respected by students, parents and co-workers,” Thompson and Brown said in the release. “She is an inspiration to all who work with her.”