Mr. Cain has been Wissahickon Middle School's music and band teacher for over 33 years. He is one of
those remarkable teachers that brings out the best in his students (and the parents). He is kind patient
and really relates to every student he encounters in his music program. Mr. Cain is retiring this year
which is great for him but sad for the school community. My son Ryan who has had Mr. Cain as a band
teacher for 3 yrs has an auditory processing disorder. Basically it just takes him longer to process any
type of information therefore being "witty" or responding quickly to what people are saying has been
difficult for him and has affected him with social interactions. This made him very introverted and he
had little self confidence. It wasn't till Mr. Cain came into Ryan's life and encouraged him to try out for
the Black Dog Jazz Band that my son came out of his shell, found his "nitch” and now has confidence. He
is excelling both academically and socially and I feel a huge part of this is because of Mr. Cain and how
he has been such a positive and inspiring role model for my son. All I ever wanted was for my son to be
happy. Instead of Ryan coming home from school being upset because of some sort of uncomfortable
social interaction he now comes home happy and humming jazz music! I can't thank Mr. Cain enough
for being one of those remarkable teachers who will always be in my son's heart. My son already has
stated that when he grows up he wants to be a music and band teacher so he can emulate Mr.Cain!
Nominator: Carla Cleary
Nominee: William Cain
School: Wissahickon Middle School, Amber, PA
Mrs. Hindman has taken the time to get to know not only the strengths and weaknesses of each of her
students, but also knows what motivates and drives them. She has been instrumental in helping my son
reduce if not eliminate episodes of refusing to participate. Mrs. Hindman makes learning fun for
everyone but it is her insight into the individual that truly separates her from her peers. She was also
out sick (hospitalized for pneumonia) and e-mailed me to let me know in case the substitute didn't send
home Zack's special folder with a sticker chart to indicate whether or not he cooperated with a nonpreferred peer that day in school....from the hospital she was putting her students first! She has turned
my son from a curmudgeon professing that he "hates" school to someone who looks forward to going to
her classroom every day! She is one of a kind!
Nominator: Whitney Zuleski
Nominee: Christine Hindman
School: East Bradford Elementary, West Chester, PA
My name is Cheryl and I would like to nominate Mr. Mike Heiman from YALE school in Audubon, NJ.
Mike has been a wonderful role model for my son for the past four years. My son Kaden, is 10 years old
and has autism. Kaden has struggled with making social connections for his entire life. When he attends
class with Mike, Sarah, and Renee, his day becomes much easier. These three people have made a
difference, not only for my son, but for our family. Mr. Mike has faced his own challenges through life
and has decided that he wants to put all his efforts toward making a difference for others. His goals are
to help improve the most challenging piece of these kids lives. Whether it’s social and/or academic, no
task is to big or difficult. This is a man that has an extraordinary amount of patience and kindness. He
always displays his respect for these children.
From the day I met Mike, he has shown me that his concern for Kaden is a number one priority. He
strives for the most appropriate programs and is willing to go the extra mile for the students. Kaden has
been so happy. He looks forward to going to school each day. Mike gets the kids involved in sports. He
is a Philadelphia fan all the way. The class room is filled with Philadelphia sports pictures and themes.
Every night I fall asleep wondering what I can do next to help my son get through life a little easier. I
question if we have enough therapy, should we look at medication, maybe check out the “latest and
greatest”. When I wake up, the answers seem to be different all the time. But the one thing that stays
the same for our family is love. The more love that Kaden receives, the more open to life he is. You see,
a teacher spends about 6 plus hours with our children every day. If that teacher doesn’t display passion,
compassion, strength, friendship, etc, kids like Kaden, have a difficult time becoming successful. My
sons teacher is such a key element to his success that it is a “must” to have an amazing one. No
mediocre day wouldn’t be the same. Our family wouldn’t be the same. He has heart, passion, and
conviction to help each child that steps into his classroom. He is a walking breathing hero to Kaden.
That makes him a hero to our family. My gratitude for all his hard work and time is endless. Please
consider this man as your number one choice. Thank you Mr. Mike for everything you and the staff do
for all the children in your class, especially Kaden. You truly do make a difference. You are a hero!!!
Nominator: Cheryl McShane
Nominee: Mike Heiman
School: YALE School, Audubon, NJ
My name is Fatima Talebi and I am a student at Pennsauken High School. My sophomore year of high
school was one of the most difficult years of my education and the only way that I made it out sanely
was because of my English teacher, Mr. Trautz. Mr. Trautz was not only the teacher who graded my
essays, but was a guide and counselor. I lost two teachers. I was going through personal issues of
anxiety and depression, and the only person who was in my corner fighting for me day after day was Mr.
Trautz. He inspired me to find the greatness within myself by pushing us to be better, telling us to never
accept mediocrity. He inspired me to keep writing, because he says happiness is achieved by doing what
you love.
So many people open up to Mr. Trautz, asking for advice, not because he has all of the answers, but
because he helps you find the answer within yourself. He never failed to make us laugh and supported
us in any endeavor. Mr. Trautz is a timeless teacher, and any past student of his can always remember
his carefully detailed lessons, so much so that his presence demands a type of respect rarely seen in high
school. After reading 1984 by George Orwell, Mr. Trautz designed a 3 week game for our classes that
imitated the book’s themes, keeping everyone engaged and absorbed the entire time. It was unlike any
other lesson that nay other teacher ever did, but that was just Trautz doing what he did best: helping us
learn and love to learn. Mr. Trautz always went the extra mile for his students, whether it was staying
after school for hours or helping students during his own lunch period. Sophomore year, my friends and
I created The Batman Wall, a wall plastered with inspirational and humorous posters, all Batmanthemed to brighten the day of passerby next to Mr. Trautz’s room. We took down the Batman Wall, as
suggested by Mr. Trautz to make sure the legacy ended powerfully, but on the last day of class, new
poster, which once said, “This is the Batman Wall,” now adorned “This WILL ALWAYS be the Batman
Wall.” To me this shows that I have a home in 104 where Mr. Trautz room is.
As I became a junior, I was having more and more problems dealing with anxiety, but Mr. Trautz
understood what I was going through. He always made it clear, that no matter what, any problem is
temporary. For that, I can never thank him enough. For several weeks, he was becoming more distant
and reserved, so my friends and I were getting worried, and then Mr. Trautz told us the news that he
was facing some personal problems, but they turned out to be false alarms, and in the midst of the
madness, he found out that he was going to be a father! I don’t know any other person who would be a
better dad, and he and his wife deserve this great happiness in their lives, after going through so much.
He was a father figure to me, and now he going to be real father to an extremely lucky and blessed baby,
so in my books, he already has won the father of the year award, but he deserves real recognition. Mr.
Trautz taught me that no matter what anyone tells me, even him, that I can achieve anything. One of
the most important lessons he taught me was to question everything because the ones who change the
world first change themselves. He deserves to win all the awards in the world for what he does as a
teacher, educator, friend, counselor, and person.
Nominator: Fatima Talebi
Nominee: Edward Trautz
School: Pennsauken High School, Pennsauken, NJ
In all my years of school, I have had SO MANY inspiring teachers. From pre-school to my first year of
middle school, a lot of people and experience have forever changed my life. I used to be really shy, (I
still kind of am) but I have just been pushed every single year to do better and better. Deptford school
district teachers are very dedicated and caring, and over-all; just treat us students as children of their
own, which I absolutely love about our teachers. In all my years at Good Intent Elementary School, I had
five different teachers, and all of them have been wonderful to me, until it was finally time to move on,
to middle school, and leave all of my childhood behind me, in the past.
Getting straight to the point, Mrs. Christmas is my absolute favorite teacher, out of the many I have had.
She taught me to be my own person, that it’s completely OK to be different. The quote of our class, and
I still can remember it to this day and age, “ Why fit in when you were born to STAND OUT??” Also, at
the end of the day, she would have us lineup by the door, and she would high-five us out the door,
which was only one reason out of several, that she is being honored to be my favorite teacher, and
probably hundreds of others too. I literally cried at the end of the year, reading the small hand-typed
letter to me, and me only, saying some information for my eyes only, and I really appreciate that, so
yeah, if I was crying that is obviously a sign of favoritism towards her. Lastly, to say about Mrs.
Christmas, at the end of the year, I found a small red box, I then stuck a sticky label on it, and I wrote it,
“5th grade memories, MRS. CHRISTMAS, favorite teacher!” That is EXACTLY what I wrote, not lying. An
honorable mention to be named would be Mr. Whitaker. I would definitely say he was the funniest,
most clam teacher I’ve ever had. He knew how to be strict, funny, and just plain amazing the whole
year. He also prepared each and every student he ever had for the upcoming 7th grade year. So anyway,
I really hope whoever reads and takes this nomination essay into consideration, considers agreeing with
me in saying my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Christmas, must be the greatest and most unique teacher to live
on this planet. I also wish to whoever reads this, to find some emotional memories in your own mind
that will bring you back long ago, when you may have had even better teachers than the one enlisted in
this piece of writing. (Not possible!!)
Nominator: Katelyn Gruetter
Nominee: Jenny Christmas
School: Good Intent Elementary School, Deptford, NJ
On behalf of the staff at John M Patterson Elementary, I would like to nominate Tammy Cantagallo as a
Phillies All-Star Teacher. Tammy is a 3rd grade teacher at John M. Patterson Elementary. William Arthur
Ward once stated, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher
demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Tammy Cantagallo is truly a great teacher who inspires
students and co-workers everyday.
What is more inspirational about Mrs. Cantagallo is her unwavering dedication to her students every
year! Each year, she organizes a tutoring club where students from Lower Merion High School come to
help tutor 3rd grade students for the PSSA test. She also partners with an Art Goes to School program,
helping to teach the students about art.
I am truly amazed at how Tammy inspires her students to want to perform at their highest potential
academically. Each year, Mrs. Cantagallo is able to transform the most unmotivated student into one
who sincerely enjoys learning.
It is inspiring to watch how Tammy is able to demonstrate the importance of respect and care for others
through modeling how to care for each other. She has taken it upon herself to collect new and donated
uniforms, coats, school supplies, and (new) socks for not only her own students, but any students in the
building who needs something. I don’t think a day goes by where Tammy isn’t walking into the building
at eight o’clock in the morning carrying bags that are filled things students would need. One of the most
prominent examples of her level of care for our students was last year when one of her students had
lost everything in a fire. Tammy had gone to the store to purchase new clothes for her student and for
her student’s sister.
Another truly inspirational quality of Mrs. Cantagallo is how her level of caring for others transfers over
to her students. Walk into her classroom on any given day and you can see that the students treat each
other with respect, willing to help a classmate with whatever situation that may arise. This is because
she sets an extraordinary example for all students.
Tammy Cantagallo is a true inspiration to her co-workers. Walking down the hallway, no matter what
time of day, she greets you with a big smile and a warm hug. Having a bad day? She is there to listen
while giving you advice, and more hugs! Tammy also serves as a mentor to new teachers and student
teachers. She has had numerous student teachers that had an invaluable experience in her classroom,
some even becoming teachers for the Philadelphia School District.
There’s no doubt that Tammy Cantagallo is the definition of a great teacher who deserves to be a
Phillies All-Star Teacher.
Nominator: Jessica Gibbs
Nominee: Tammy Cantagallo
School: John M. Patterson School, Philadelphia, PA
I would like to enthusiastically nominate Amanda Dicks for the 2015 Phillies Teacher Award. From the
start of her career at Central Bucks East High School I have watched as Amanda has invested her time
intellect organizational skills school spirit and enthusiasm to work tirelessly on behalf of our school and
our students. Amanda has been a role model not only for her students but for staff members as well.
Amanda's enthusiasm resonates throughout the staff as she gets us involved in door decorating contests
flash mobs and promotional races down the hallways. Amanda in invested in the academics of her
students and works diligently to ensure that all students are successful. I have witnessed Amanda's
investment in finding ways to differentiate instruction to meet students where they are academically.
Additionally Amanda has shown her investment through many school wide activities. She has been the
Student Council advisor for the past six years. Amanda coordinates various events that bring the school
community closer together and boost school spirit. She has created the Red White and Blue Night in
which all grades compete one another by playing physical and mental games. She is also on the
committee to sell prom dresses to students for charity. Finally Amanda is a member of START Team.
Amanda has done all these things while working and obtaining her National Board Certification and her
master's degree. Not only has Amanda has been nominated by two of her students for the Bucks County
Teacher of the Year Award the co-sponsors Inspire Federal Credit Union and BCUI just recently named
her one of three finalists for Bucks County Teacher of the Year. The public announcement is linked here:
As a veteran teacher is it encouraging to see teachers like Amanda use their talents to build
relationships and promote investment among our students and staff.
Nominator: Betsy Dardeshi
Nominee: Amanda Dicks
School: Central Bucks East High School, Doylestown, PA
Often time’s in sports you hear people say how someone was born to play the game; how they have a
gift that enables them to be successful and impactful within their profession. Although this statement
usually is heard when talking about the next great Phillies short stop, I however choose to use it to talk
about Natalie Tidmarsh who was born to teach and whose impact both inside and outside the classroom
can be seen and felt by anyone who knows even just a little bit about the role she plays at The
Overbrook School for the Blind. Natalie’s love for her students goes way beyond the classroom.
Natalie was born the youngest of eight children and was raised in Delaware County PA where she
graduated from Archbishop Prendergast High School and later went on to attend and graduate from
East Stroudsburg University with a degree in special education/elementary education. Shortly, after
graduating from college Natalie went on to teach at The Overbrook School for the Blind where she has
been for four years now. Overbrook is one of the regions most respected schools for children with
special needs whose staff must go above and beyond to ensure that they impacted the lives of their
students in the most positive manner possible both inside and outside the classroom.
Long before Natalie started her career at Overbrook she would spend summers assisting with the care of
her cousin Kai who also has special needs. It became overwhelmingly clear to anyone who witness them
together that Natalie had an innate gift for not only teaching but also caring for children which can be
directly attributed to her unmatched patience and oversized heart.
Even when Natalie is away from the classroom her hear remains with her students. Natalie takes great
pride in her student’s successes and is relentless in her drive to ensure her students thrive and receive
the highest level of care and attention possible. Many of Natalie’s students have multiple medical issues
that go beyond vision impairments which can sometimes cause her students to be hospitalized. Natalie
is always in constant contact with many of the parents to check in on the status of progress of her
students. She will often visit many of them in the hospital which is a testament to not only her
dedication to her profession but also the love she has for her students and their family members.
Natalie is committed to improving upon her skills as a teacher she is currently enrolled at the University
of Pittsburgh where she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Special Education and a certification in vision.
It is with great honor that I nominate Natalie Tidmarsh for the Phillies teacher of the year award. One of
the life’s biggest obstacles is finding one’s niche and waking up with the ability to know that you will
have a positive impact on the world and I can say with certainty that Natalie is without question a
positive force in our community.
Nominator: Michael Tidmarsh|
Nominee: Natalie Tidmarsh
School: The Overbrook School for the Blind, Philadelphia, PA
I would like to nominate my teacher partner for the past 11 years Mark Enders. Over the years Mr.
Enders has shared his wealth of knowledge from teaching to me. He has taught me to be a fair
compassionate fun teacher. One of the things he has taught me throughout the years is how to try to
make learning fun every day. Two years ago Mr. Enders was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. To
say that life changed for him would be an understatement. He spend the better part of a year battling
his cancer. He tried to come to work everyday with a feeding tube in tow. He tried to come to work
while having radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He didn't always get here but all of his students
knew that he would have rather been in school. He began this school year with a clean bill of health.
In October he was again diagnosed with another type of cancer. One that has come about in his lymph
nodes. He was told that he had to go through another bout of radiation and chemotherapy. He was
upset and scared but he came to school every day for his students. He keeps the kids laughing and
learning in his classroom. He is a teacher that the kids even the ones not in his classes look up to. He
is a role model in what it means to be the change that is necessary to keep our kids coming to school
eager to learn. Mark Enders would be an excellent candidate for the Teacher MVP this year. Thank you
for your consideration!
Nominator: Gregory Schofield
Nominee: Mark Enders
School: Monongahela Middle School, Sewell, NJ
The Energizer Bunny. The glue that keeps us all together. The engine that drives our efforts. The woman
that never sleeps. All of these phrases have been used to describe Hope Bova. Over her 20 plus years of
teaching she has become an amazing colleague who always keeps students first. Hope and I have
worked together in the position of Instructional Facilitator (Hope) and principal for the past four years.
She inspires me to be my best at all times. I have never worked with anyone more determined and
supportive. Hope works so hard to keep our school moving in the right direction as evidenced by the
emails I receive at 1:00. When she becomes passionate about something she becomes determined to
bring it to fruition. Ultimately our students and families benefit. Hope has created student programs
such as debate teams with great success and has provided enrichment opportunities for students to
enhance their reading and math abilities. Hope supports families and family based activities. She
volunteers her time to participate in the planning of evening activities and she makes herself present in
them as well. Even when she lost her father she never wavered from supporting students and families at
our school. During that time is when I witnessed the true strength of endurance and perseverance. She
became more determined to make a difference in the lives of our students. Please consider Hope as a
Teacher All-Star.
Nominator: Joseph Williams
Nominee: Hope Bova
School: Walnut Elementary, Darby, PA