Terry Dewar along with Bob Milne, principal of All Saints Central Middle/High School
READ COMMENTS ABOUT ADDITIONAL NOMINEES
The Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Saginaw is pleased to announce Terry Dewar, an English teacher at All Saints Central Middle/High School in Bay City, is this year’s recipient of the 2019-2020 Excellence in Teaching Award.
The Excellence in Teaching Award seeks to recognize teachers who exemplify what it means to be a Catholic educator. The committee places an emphasis on teachers who display one or more of the following characteristics: modeling and promoting the Catholic faith and values through their teaching, contributions to the school community outside of the classroom, making learning relevant in the lives of their students and creating an environment where all students can achieve success.
This year, the committee also took into consideration how teachers supported students and learning during the COVID-19 closure.
"It is a true honor to receive this award, especially because I know how many dedicated and committed teachers there are in our diocese," said Terry Dewar. "I love All Saints, and it is wonderful to be part of her story, to witness the successes of our students and alumni, and, one of the best parts of teaching, to be able to learn something new every single day from students and colleagues.
"I would like to accept this award in memory of a friend and former colleague, Carol Taylor, longtime chairperson of the ASC English Department, who passed away earlier this spring as a result of COVID-19. Carol was an inspiration to many of us, both professionally and personally."
Below are some of the comments submitted in support of Terry Dewar’s nomination:
“Ms. Dewar is the epitome of grace and stewardship, faith and excellence, an example of Christian Leadership and commitment, putting Christ first in all she does.”
“The level of respect Terry holds her students to and the level of rigor she expects them to be able to perform at cannot be matched…She is truly the best and a teacher I aspire to be more like!!”
“Terry is a woman of principle in her teaching and staff involvement....Terry is a leader among the school staff and very involved in faculty activities. She's always doing at least her share and usually more. Her presence is always positive, calming, and smiling.”
We would also like to recognize our finalists: Christopher Comden of Nouvel Catholic Central High School, Saginaw; Susie Hollingshead of St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic School, Midland; and Tiffany Muylle of St. Elizabeth Area Catholic School in Reese.
“Based on the comments that were submitted on the nominations, it is clear that there are many people in the Catholic school community that recognize and are grateful for our teachers’ commitment to the students and Catholic education,” said Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Cormac Lynn. “We are grateful for our teachers who create such a Faith-filled, positive and supportive environment for the students."
The Excellence in Teaching Award includes a $1,000 award for the recipient. Each finalist is awarded $500 in appreciation for the difference they are making in the lives of Catholic school students. Award funding is made available through the generosity of the Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan.
The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw is home to 12 schools, including three high schools in which we educate more than 2,000 children. Our schools are in both rural and suburban areas and have provided excellence in teaching since 1868. Nearly 100 percent of our students go on to graduate from college. Many of our Catholic school graduates are presently serving in vital community service positions. Our Diocesan Catholic schools foster healthy vocations to the priesthood, religious life and to Christ-centered marriage and single life.