Hanley Teaching Award recipients announced

(Columbus, Indiana) Local elementary school teachers Chasidy Aldrich and Kim Bockover are recipients of the 2018 William and Sally Hanley Excellence in Teaching Award administered through Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County.

Established in 2000, the award recognizes outstanding elementary teachers in the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. and comes with a $1,000 stipend. Recipients are nominated by their principals and must demonstrate dedication to their job, exemplary initiative and contributions to improve the school and its environment. Nominations are accompanied by letters of recommendation from the principal, fellow teachers, parents and students. 

Aldrich, a kindergarten teacher for the past four years at CSA Lincoln Elementary School, was nominated for her creativity, enthusiasm and dedication to students.

“I know when I enter Mrs. Aldrich’s classroom that I am going to find students immersed in a wide variety of learning stations that are both engaging for the student and thoughtfully planned by Chasidy,” Principal Brett Findley wrote in his nomination. “She is an exceptional educator with a huge heart.”

Aldrich was complimented for her expertise in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and early literacy.

Bockover has been a special education teacher at L.C. Schmitt Elementary for 26 years. The educator was nominated for being a true professional in her field who has a deep respect for her students and the staff. She is described as a go-to person for special education leadership and feedback.

“Her students know without a doubt she cares for each one of them. Mrs. Bockover spends additional time to develop lifelong relationships,” Principal Brett Boezeman wrote.

Aldrich and Bockover were recognized at the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. Board meeting this week.