BrewsterConnections - Brewster Academy

“I think that Mr. O is a really good teacher. I really like that his teaching
style is very hands on. I am doing very well in science this year, and
I think that is because of the way he teaches and the fact that he is
organized with homework and well organized in the classroom, which
makes it that much easier to understand. I also appreciate the fact that he
is always there for extra help and he really wants us all to be the best we
can be.”
“Your class is my favorite class this year. I love how you do notes in class,
that you always make sure I understand what is going on, and all of the
opportunities you give to help me. You seem to love what you are doing
and that makes me want to love it, too.”
Examples of excellence
in teaching at Brewster:
• Professionalism in all aspects of their endeavors
• Assisting others in support of students
• Fair assessment
• Effort to assist core teachers in their efforts in support of their
students
• Tenacity and drive to see that students are fairly assessed and
assisting in the development of adaptations for them
• Consistency, fairness, and quality of action plans and great follow
through—Team primacy
• Positive attitude in all interactions
Excellence in Teaching
This award is given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in teaching
practices and overall contributions within the Brewster program. The
recipient of the 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award is Bruce Gorrill, science
department chair. This is the second time that Bruce has been awarded the
Excellence in Teaching Award, having first received it in 2001.
Bruce’s colleagues have a lot of respect for his abilities and in nominating
him for the award, praised his high standards and leadership. “He is an
excellent role model in the classroom, creating and maintaining a very
student-centered classroom.”
Colleagues agree that Bruce is one of the most technology-savvy faculty
members, taking the time to learn how new classroom technology tools
can best benefit students and his delivery of coursework.
“He has an impressive use of technology in the classroom and within
the curriculum developed in his department.” “His use of technology
encourages other faculty to incorporate technology and to embrace new
ideas and changes in their classrooms.” “He is one of the reasons Brewster
maintains our technology edge.”
“He has been at the forefront of Brewster’s programmatic changes, such
as the Brewster Model, project-based learning, and Moodle.”
“Bruce has never lost the sense of ‘it’s all about the kids.’ He is very vested
in our students.”
Students, too, have high praise for Bruce Gorrill. “Good job keeping the
class always on task. I like the fact that you use a lot of technology in class;
it really advances my skills not only in physics but also for other classes.”
“Science isn’t usually my strong point, but I’m loving physics this year.
Mr. Gorrill is an amazing teacher and I’m learning a lot. I feel challenged
but not overwhelmed.”
“Mr. Gorrill, I like the fact that you always are there to answer any
questions and that you are willing to go over a problem if people don’t
understand how to do it. Great job drawing everything out on the smart
board for visual learners.”
“Mr. Gorrill cares about each individual in our class and he is willing to
help each student in a way that they can learn the best.”
Current faculty who are past recipients of the
Excellence in Teaching Award
Laura Cooper (2010)
Bret Barnett (2009)
Matt Butcher (2008)
Janis Cornwell (2006)
Raylene Davis (2005)
Barb Thomas (2004)
Julianne Lopez (2003)
Kim Yau (2003)
Bruce Gorrill (2001)
Maria Found (1997)
Current faculty who are past recipients of the
Career Growth Award
Tom Sullivan (2010)
Jamie Garzon (2009)
Lauren Shealy (2008)
Lauren Hunter (2007)
Matt Butcher (2006)
Bret Barnett (2005
Yu Lui (2003)
Raylene Davis (1998)
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