Phi Delta Kappa Gives Awards to Four Outstanding Educators
The Faculty House at Columbia University was the recent scene of a glittering array of 220 educators gathered to pay homage to Superintendent Shelley Harwayne, District 2, Superintendent Susan Erber of District 75 (Special Education), Henri Belfon, a former Supervisor of Attendance and Elizabeth Ophals, Principal of IS 227 in Queens.
Henri Belfon has served the children of New York City for the longest period of time and received a thunderous standing ovation as he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Shelley Harwayne, a gifted writer as well as administrator, and a new grandma to Andie, described her criteria for evaluating a school: “Would I send my granddaughter here?” She has been a keynote speaker around the world and has published adult as well as children’s books. She received Superintendent of the Year Award.
Susan Erber has seen inclusion grow from about 200 children to almost 1300. As the Educator of the Year she has ensured that 10% of the district’s students return to less restrictive environments in their own home districts.
Elizabeth Ophals was named Principal of the Year, well earned because of her leading role in the Carnegie Corporation’s Middle School Initiative. A graduate of the Harvard and Bank Street Principal’s Institute, Ophals mentors new middle school principals.
Dr. Steve Levy, President of Phi Delta Kappa, presided and eloquently praised the great leadership demonstrated by the awardees.#
