RH Newsletter Feb 2026 - Flipbook - Page 5
STEPHANIE BURGOS
NAMED
Teacher
of the
Year
R-H
OF
Teacher THE
Year!
Stephanie Burgos didn’t see her surprise recognition
coming, which made presenting her with the annual
Rush-Henrietta Teacher of the Year Award all the more
sweet. Superintendent Dr. Barbara Mullen, accompanied
by Mrs. Burgos’ parents and husband, made the special
announcement in the classroom in January.
I enjoy teaching in Rush-Henrietta
because being part of a diverse population
of learners is incredibly rewarding and pushes
me to grow as an educator every day.
I’m fortunate to work with a supportive
grade-level team and colleagues who care
about students and one another.
Mrs. Burgos has distinguished herself as an exceptional
teacher whose dedication, leadership, and commitment
to students has set a remarkable standard within our
school community. She has worked for the past 12 years at
Crane Elementary School, where her teaching excellence
has helped her build relationships that contribute to the
growth of both students and colleagues.
A proud 2004 Rush-Henrietta graduate, Mrs. Burgos
carries her school roots into her work every day. Having
taught multiple grades during her career, “Stephanie is a
fantastic teacher,” says Principal Brian Hill. “She creates an
environment where students feel safe, empowered, and
inspired to take risks, helping them to grow academically,
socially, and emotionally.”
Stephanie Burgos,
2026 R-H Teacher of the Year
Hill was a new principal in 2014 when Burgos applied
for a full-time teaching position. He vividly recalls her
interview and the great potential he saw in her. “I knew
Mrs. Burgos would be an excellent teacher 12 years ago
when she did her demo lesson,” Hill says. “She was so full
of energy and excitement. The students were drawn to
her positive energy.” Congratulations, Mrs. Burgos!
R-H Hosts Meeting for
Aspiring Administrators
Ten aspiring administrators from throughout the region attended
a special event hosted by Rush-Henrietta in January. The
gathering was designed for school professionals who are – or
aspire to be – building and district administrators. Attendees had
the opportunity to meet R-H administrators and school leaders
and learn more about our district, its Vision 2037 strategic plan,
and learn how they could potentially make a difference in our
community. Superintendent Dr. Barbara Mullen, Winslow Principal
Jenn Tomalty, and Dr. Casey van Harssel, assistant superintendent
for Human Resources, addressed and inspired the attendees.
Jenn Tomalty, principal of Winslow Elementary School,
greets aspiring administrators at a special event hosted
by the Rush-Henrietta Central School District.
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