Moriches Elementary Teacher Honored By St. Joseph’s College

Press release from William Floyd School District:

Dec. 14, 2021

Leah Olivo, a fourth-grade teacher at Moriches Elementary School, was recently named this year’s recipient of the St. Joseph’s College “Excellence in Teaching” award for primary and early education, an honor reserved for an educator who exemplifies dedication, mission, skill, expertise and talent, as well as someone who inspires and motivates children through a creative and exciting approach in which students can succeed.

Mrs. Olivo, who serves as a fourth-grade integrated co-teacher at Moriches Elementary School, graduated from St. Joseph’s College in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Study, and later received her Master’s degree from Long Island University (C.W. Post campus). She has been an educator for nearly 15 years – serving her first 10 years as a teacher at the Roosevelt Children’s Academy before joining the Moriches Elementary School community in 2017.

“Receiving this award is an unexpected and most appreciated compliment,” said Mrs. Olivo. “To be recognized outside of my school community and family is a wonderful surprise! My hope is that this award shows my students and my own children that when you are passionate about what you do, the rewards are priceless!”

This prestigious award is also meant to honor an educator who is a leader in the profession, someone who pursues professional growth opportunities and is an active and collaborative partner across disciplines.

Mrs. Olivo’s creativity and innovative approach has proven highly successful. One of her more innovative approaches was when she instituted flexible seating options during her first year as a teacher at Moriches, offering students the opportunity to use a variety of work stations including standing desks, kneeling tables, couches, wobble stools, TheraBand cushions, rocking seats and other options, as a way to provide students a chance to burn off excess energy and learn in an environment that works best for them.

She also works collaboratively with her colleagues in the William Floyd Teacher Center and collaboratively brainstorms ways to provide authentic and meaningful professional development opportunities for and with her peers. She has written a course titled, “Visible Thinking in the 21st Century Classroom,” meant to model critical thinking through routines such as noticing, wondering and thinking out loud. She has also partnered with the local Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge to help develop curriculum and field trips experiences for students. She has worked with the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Pine Barrens Society to bring virtual field trips and learning experiences to students during the pandemic, and is currently working with PSEGLI on a program about creating stories, scripts and videos focused on energy conservation. She also spearheaded the “Wall of Heroes” initiative in which students highlight a special veteran in their life and display student projects in the building.

“Mrs. Olivo is an exceptional teacher and leader at Moriches Elementary and in the William Floyd School District,” said Deirdre Redding, principal, Moriches Elementary School, and the person who nominated Mrs. Olivo for this award. “Her positive attitude and love of children are reflected daily in the outstanding quality of leadership she provides to the students at Moriches Elementary School and her colleagues in the William Floyd School District.”

Mrs. Redding added that Mrs. Olivo is an extraordinary educator whose “integrity, enthusiasm and dedication to her profession” are an asset to the district, and is “nurturing and compassionate in her drive to enhance professional practice and always do what is best for our students.”

Please click here to see a wonderful St. Joseph’s College video highlighting Mrs. Olivo’s accomplishment.

This press release was produced by William Floyd School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.