We are excited to announce our FIRST EVER winner of the Cortland Voice Teacher of the Month Award is Katie Swanson, principal and teacher at Parker Elementary School.
For her hard work and dedication, Swanson received a complimentary gift basket courtesy of Edible Arrangements of Ithaca.
Swanson has been teaching special education in the Cortland area for the past 20 years. She was nominated by Bridget Gore. Her nomination letter reads as follows:
Katie Swanson has been with Cortland since I can remember. This year may be her most challenging and she is the ONLY one I know who will succeed.
A special education teacher, Katie continues to positively impact student’s lives. This year, she stepped up as principal at Parker School. This is the final year the school will be open, and that didn’t scare Katie away. She jumped at the chance.
Katie has a very special connection with the rest of the staff. She is supportive, caring, and her expertise is unmeasurable. Her strength is unwavering, as she is also a cancer survivor. I wish I could give this amazing woman the moon and stars, but I hope she can at least win this nomination.
My family knows how special she is. We would just like the rest of the world to know, too. When I walked into Parker last week, the atmosphere was different. It isn’t sad and depressing, as the idea of the last year looms on all the staff’s minds. Katie brought her amazing energy to them all—smiles and positivity all around!
This will be an amazing, no shortcuts, like the first year—an “all-in-year,” thanks to Katie Swanson!
Nominations are now open for November. Visit our Teacher of the Month page to fill out a nomination form and vote for your favorite educator!
