Karen Geddis, first grade teacher at Washington Elementary School in Westfield, is the 2009 recipient of the Westfield Rotary Club’s Philhower Fellowship in recognition of outstanding teaching at the elementary school level.
She was presented with the award and was the guest of honor at the Rotary Club luncheon on May 5. Later that evening she was honored at a reception at Washington School at 7:30 p.m. prior to the Board of Education meeting, both held in the school’s auditorium.
Mrs. Geddis began her teaching career in 1993 and joined the Westfield Public Schools in 2000. She has been a first grade teacher in Washington School ever since.
A graduate of William Paterson University, with a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology, she received a Masters degree in Counseling and Human Services from Montclair State University. Mrs. Geddis is a member of the Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International.
In addition to her position as a first grade teacher in Westfield, she served on the Language Arts Curriculum committee and is part of the elementary report card revision team. She is a regular participant in charity volley ball games in the school district and has been part of the Washington School show since her arrival in Westfield.
Included in the Philhower nominations received on her behalf were comments that praised Mrs. Geddis’s positive attitude, her respect for children, and her exemplary teaching skills. One parent noted, “She takes these neophytes and within one year they are seasoned scholastic veterans.” Another statement read, “She teaches them how to be scholars, how to be social, how to be respectful in class and to enjoy the learning process. That is a great teacher.”
Superintendent of Schools Margaret Dolan congratulated Karen Geddis for becoming the seventeenth recipient of the Philhower Fellowship. She also thanked the Rotary for “its recognition of this meaningful profession”.
Washington School Principal Andrew Perry added, “Karen Geddis is the kind of teacher every parent wants their child to have, every educator would like as their colleague, and every principal wants to work with. She is skilled and knowledgeable, kind and caring, and always looking for a new challenge. Although quiet and unassuming, she is a skilled communicator, and connects with parents in a positive manner regarding their children’s progress in school. To paraphrase E.B. White, she is one terrific teacher.”
In accepting the award, Mrs. Geddis, said, “I am sincerely honored and appreciative to everyone who nominated and chose me for this award. I am filled with pride and happiness over receiving the Philhower fellowship.”
The Philhower Fellowship was established in 1993 by the Rotary Club to honor former Westfield Educator and Rotarian Charles Philhower and to recognize the importance of teaching in the elementary grades.