Epping educators earn kudos

The Epping School District recently earned kudos from the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS).

Superintendent Barbara Munsey received the 2008-09 Superintendent Award. According to the NELMS Superintendent Award judges, Munsey understands how young adolescents learn and she champions middle level education by actively promoting middle level education, building community support and recognizing middle level as a distinct entity of education.

Christine Luongo, sixth-grade language arts teacher, was awarded Master in the Middle Award. Luongo has been teaching for 22 years and remains committed and passionate about middle level education, according to judges. She is involved formally as a mentor to new teachers, but she also continues to serve as a role model to many. She is recognized for incorporating activity-based learning and developing a sense of student ownership in their learning. Luongo models many effective middle level instructional practices.

Cushman Gillen is enjoying his second year teaching sixth graders at Epping Middle School. He was awarded the NELMS Promising Practitioner Award. Judges said, he meets the needs of individual students by using effective middle level practices such as fostering curriculum connections, and integrating higher order thinking.