NEW BEDFORD TEACHERS WIN STATEWIDE TEACHING AWARD

BOSTON – New Bedford High School teachers Pamela Oliveira and Nelson Rodrigues were among 33 Massachusetts teachers and two principals receiving a Teacher in Excellence Award for their work in significantly improving Advanced Placement test scores of New Bedford High School students.

Ms. Oliveira and Mr. Rodrigues were honored on June 2 at the annual Partners in Excellence award celebration at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. The Partners in Excellence program is sponsored by corporations, institutions, philanthropic foundations, and individuals committed to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The program is part of an initiative by Mass Insight Education to expand AP participation and encourage more students to attend college and complete college.

“Our goal is to continue to expand AP opportunities throughout the Commonwealth, and with the great teachers like the ones we honored at our celebration, we’re well on our way,” said William Guenther, Chairman, Founder and CEO of Mass Insight.

“We as a school district are proud of the hundreds of dedicated educators we have, and Mr. Rodrigues and Ms. Oliveira are two shining examples of that dedication,” said New Bedford Superintendent Pia Durkin. “As New Bedford High continues its return to excellence, it will be to thanks to the hard work of Mr. Rodrigues, Ms. Oliveira, and the dedicated staff at the high school.”

Ms. Oliveira, who teaches AP language and composition, said “Teaching is my second career but has always been my avocation. I enjoy teaching in my hometown because it creates a bond with my students that is unbreakable. AP students are like sponges waiting to soak up whatever wisdom we can impart.  MMSI has given me many useful tools with which to arm my students in pursuit of higher education.  For that, I am eternally grateful.”

Mr. Rodrigues, who teaches AP calculus, said “Mass Insight Education has proven to play a significant role in our AP Program. Our students look forward to meeting new students from Saturday Sessions. Treating our students with a sense of urgency and dedication cultivates motivation to succeed.”