Librarian Ellen Zschunke honored as public school "Unsung Hero"

Hatboro-Horsham resident Ellen Zschunke, a librarian/media specialist at Pine Road Elementary School in Lower Moreland, has been selected as an "Unsung Hero" in a new campaign recognizing public school support professionals, for which she also receives a $1,000 grant.

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6 to 10, 2019, CAPS (Council for the Advancement of Public Schools) and the Pennsylvania State Education Association/Mideastern Region (PSEA/MER) are sponsoring an “Unsung Heroes” campaign to spotlight the key roles played by support professionals who work in the public schools of Bucks and Montgomery counties. Every week through April 30, one hero is being featured online and on the CAPS Facebook page and the public is encouraged to vote for the grand prize winner. The winner will be announced on May 6.

"We want to bring attention to and thank these very valuable professionals who are so critical to the success of our students, and who are often not as visible to the general public as our classroom teachers,” said Alan M. Malachowski, president of PSEA/MER. “Without them and their colleagues across the region who serve in so many different capacities, the school experience would be not be as enriching for our students,” he added.

The four professionals are each being awarded a grant of $1,000 with the grand prize winner receiving a $2,000 grant for a school project of their choice, thanks to PSEA/MER and CAPS. To help bring these projects to fruition, the public is invited to see videos about these inspiring heroes and vote for their favorite at http://friendsofpubliced.org/unsung-heroes-of-bucks-and-montgomery-county-schools/

Ellen is described by her colleagues as always willing to help colleagues and students alike. It doesn’t matter how much is on her plate; if someone needs help, she always steps forward, whether it’s with technology, locating a book, or other administrative questions. Ellen produces a morning TV show featuring fifth graders every day of the week. Besides teaching full time, she’s the co-president of Lower Moreland Township Education Association, and she coaches diving. Whether it’s a district musical, fundraiser, or other after school event, you will often see Ellen there.

With the grant money, Ellen plans to purchase Playaways, which are MP3 players with preloaded books. This format supports English Language Learners, those with learning needs like dyslexia or other print disabilities, and readers looking for a different way to enjoy a book. The grant money will allow Ellen to purchase either 16 (with the $1,000 award) or 31 Playaways (with the $2,000 award) to help all learners access the material in a meaningful way.

To learn more and to vote, visit the CAPS website at http://friendsofpubliced.org/unsung-heroes-of-bucks-and-montgomery-county-schools.

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