February 28, 2025

Catholic teachers honored for excellence in the classroom

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

Megan Pinsonneault, who teaches second grade at St. Mary School in Lee, received the Pioneer Valley Teacher of Excellence Award, Tuesday, Feb. 25.

SPRINGFIELD – Armed with balloons and flowers, Catholic Schools superintendent Maria Wagner surprised four teachers in the Diocese of Springfield with the 2025 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards, Tuesday, Feb. 25. The awards, given to both public and parochial school teachers, recognize educators who go above and beyond in the classroom. The award winders are: Stacy Szwarckop, St. John the Baptist School, Ludlow; Megan Pinsonneault, St. Mary School, Lee; Tammy Barosso, St. Stanislaus Kostka School, Adams; and Catherine Wielock, Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield.

“They are teachers who have been nominated by their principals who demonstrate excellence in teaching. For us, it’s teachers in Catholic schools which is an extra benefit,” said Wagner. “It was great seeing how surprised they were. They are so humble. I am perpetually grateful for all the teachers in the diocese that work in our schools.”

Stacy Szwarckop teaches English and literature to fifth and sixth graders at St. John the Baptist School in Ludlow. She has been teaching for 17 years . This is a second career for her. She started off in human resources working for the U-S Navy.

“It’s just wonderful. I find the staff, the students, there’s something special It’s like a family working here,” Szwarckop.

The awards, launched by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in 2002, are given annually to outstanding public and parochial school teachers in Western Massachusetts.

Catherine Wielock teaches health and fitness at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield and received the New Teacher award.

Catherine Wielock, who teaches health and fitness at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield, received the New Teacher Award, Tuesday, Feb. 25.

“I do wellness. I do strength and conditioning. The kids get to do a workout every day in class, so they can learn nutrition plans. They can learn how to work out. I do fit for life which is a general class on how to get healthy habits down. We also do CPR certifications, learn how to perform CPR, use an AED and Stop the Bleed training,” said Wielock.

The next stop was St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams, Tammy Barosso teaches fourth grade.

“It’s such an honor. I love what I do here bringing fun into learning, knowing they’re kids first, looking always for new ideas fun ways to deliver the lesson,” said Barosso.

The last stop for the day St. Mary School in Lee to surprise Megan Pinsonneault, who teaches second grade.

“I was shocked I had no idea very grateful to be recognized,” said Pinsonneault.

Each teacher will receive an engraved plaque and a check for $250, along with generous tuition incentives and scholarships offered by eight major colleges and universities. They also three month gym membership.

These four teachers, along with others from across western Massachusetts will be honored at an in-person banquet at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on May 7.

A video version of this story will be featured on Saturday’s edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22NEWS.