Susanne Bonhote, Achieve teacher at McKinley Elementary School in Westfield, is the 2016 recipient of the Westfield Rotary Club’s Philhower Fellowship in recognition of outstanding teaching at the elementary school level.
Mrs. Bonhote joined the Westfield Public Schools in 1990, when she began her teaching career at McKinley Elementary School as a second grade teacher. Remaining at McKinley, she later moved to the position as Achieve Language Arts teacher.
A graduate of Boston College, Mrs. Bonhote majored in English and Elementary Education. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Reading Specialization from Kean College and a Master of Administration & Supervision in Elementary Education from Rutgers University earning a Principal Certificate of Eligibility.
In nominations received on her behalf, Mrs. Bonhote was described as “a guiding light in reading education, creating a positive environment in order to meet the needs of all of her students.”
One of her current students stated, “Mrs. Bonhote helps kids so much, they feel inspired. She cares about kids because she amazingly takes her own time to help kids and she is always happy because I have never seen her sad.” A first grader wrote, “Mrs. Bonhote helps me with my writing and when I get stuck. She works extra hard with me at lunchtime. She also helps me with trick words.”
In one of many letters of nominations received by school children, a fifth grader said, “I want to thank her for all she does with me in reading and writing. Mrs. Bonhote helps me so much with my reading fluency. This is important to me because I am dyslexic. Because I am dyslexic, I read very slowly. My brain works differently than most peoples’ brains and Mrs. Bonhote understands that.”
A parent of one of Mrs. Bonhote’s students wrote, “My third grade son now loves to read Harry Potter books every night. What he has accomplished in the past two years under the caring, dedicated direction of Mrs. Bonhote is something I wasn’t sure was possible.” Added another parent, “Her patience, knowledge and love have been instrumental in helping my reluctant reader from a struggling first grader to a confident second grader. We adore her and feel that she deserves this honor so very much.”
Mrs. Bonhote was thanked by a former student, now an 8th grader, for “helping me be the best student I can be.”
One of several letters of nomination from her colleagues included these comments: “Susanne continues to avidly pursue professional development, obtaining two Master degrees, training first grade teachers in reading programs, and attending conferences on Dyslexia. Her rapport with students, parents and colleagues is exceptional.”
Upon receiving notification of the Philhower Fellowship, Mrs. Bonhote stated, “I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the recipient of the Charles Philhower Fellowship Award, knowing that my colleagues, both at McKinley School and across our district, are incredibly talented and dedicated to their students and the teaching profession. Working with my students and their families in a community that so strongly values and supports education has been a rewarding and inspiring experience.” Superintendent of Schools Margaret Dolan congratulated Susanne Bonhote on becoming the 24th recipient of the Philhower Fellowship. She also thanked the Rotary for “its recognition of this meaningful profession”.
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.
(above) McKinley Elementary School teacher, Susanne Bonhote, this year’s recipient of the Westfield Rotary’s Philhower Fellowship for outstanding teaching at the elementary grades, is surrounded by pleased and approving first graders in Miss Willis’s class.
