Reams Teaching Award Recipients Announced
Local private school teachers Sydney Morey, Carrie Sanford, and Sarah Brumberg have been named the 2024 recipients of the prestigious Reams Family Awards for Excellence in Teaching, administered by Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County.
Established in 2007 by former Bartholomew County residents Fred and Karen Reams, the annual awards recognize outstanding educators teaching in private schools serving Bartholomew County. Each award includes a cash stipend, and recipients are nominated by their principals, with additional recommendations encouraged from fellow teachers, parents, and students.
First-Place Award: Sydney Morey ($6,000)
Morey, a fifth-grade teacher at White Creek Lutheran for the past two years, was recognized for her engaging and meaningful approach to education, which helps students connect with content. Praised as a school leader, she incorporates group-building lessons into weekly routines, fostering effective problem-solving and communication skills among her students.
In addition, Morey’s willingness to support students from other classrooms and grades highlights her dedication to nurturing learning across the school.
“Miss Morey makes sure that everything she does is done well. From classroom decorations and furnishings to analyzing the results of assessments, Miss Morey pays close attention to details and puts her special touch on everything. This attitude rubs off on her students and colleagues. Being inspired by her, they strive to do their best,” Principal Whitney Vandercar wrote in her nomination.
Second-Place Award: Carrie Sanford ($5,000)
Sanford, a fourth-grade teacher at St. Peter’s Lutheran School for the past seven years, was celebrated for her dedication, creativity, and effectiveness as an educator. Known for building personal connections with her students, she takes time to understand each child’s unique learning style, needs, and interests.
Sanford also plays a key role in the school community, contributing to accreditation efforts and implementing new technologies and educational strategies.
“Mrs. Sanford’s passion for teaching and her commitment to her students are evident in everything she does. She consistently goes above and beyond to create an engaging, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment for her fourth-grade students,” Principal Paul Meredith shared in his nomination.
Third-Place Award: Sarah Brumberg ($4,000)
Brumberg, a teacher at ABC-Stewart Montessori School for five years, was honored for her deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes teaching the whole child as an individual. She currently teaches social studies, geography, and history to second- through sixth-grade students, while also contributing to the broader school community as a Spell Bowl coach and culture fair planner.
Brumberg’s innate love for teaching and her ability to tailor education to each child’s level stood out to nominators.
“Sarah not only teaches the curriculum but also inspires students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate citizens of the world,” Head of School Stefanie Stafford wrote in her nomination.
About the Reams Family Awards for Excellence in Teaching
The Reams Family Awards honor outstanding private school educators in Bartholomew County, celebrating their exceptional contributions to education and dedication to their students.